Hornets attracted to porch light

Just in the last few days I've seen a half dozen hornets crawling on the brick wall around the porch light. It's just a foot from the front door so a bit unnerving. Don't see them during the day. Why now and what should I do about it?

 

Hornets are very active in the fall and are likely looking for a place to winter over. Does it matter if the light is kept off?

 

Well, I turned the light off for a half hour at 8pm and there was still one by the door. I don't dare go out at night because then I can't even see them. Think I better just leave the light off until I can get an exterminator out here. Are they attracted to the light? I few years ago they built a nest inside an wall on the other side of the house and cost over $1000 to repair.

 

I doubt it. It is likely the heat from the light, or from inside the house escaping, or just the availability of places to hide. I would just keep the light off for a while and see if they go someplace else.

Hornet/wasp killer spray directions always say to spray at night because they are not as active. Maybe yours are scared of the dark.

 

Then you can't see them attacking you either?

 

Likely there Bell Hornets.
They will come out at night and be attracted to light.
They feed on other insects, so if there's a light attaching the other insects they think it's dinner time.
Try changing to a yellow bulb.

 

It's a compact fluorescent bulb and yes, there are other bugs attracted to the light. But why in over 20 years are the hornets there now?

 

And why would that matter?
Someplace out in your area they have made a nest, unless someone can follow them back to the nest and get rid of it there going to keep coming back.
Just killing a few workers is not going to get rid of them.
They now make yellow LED bulbs.

 

Just trying to understand why they are coming out now. Thought they die off in the fall.

 

We must not have those type of hornets around here.

 

Bell hornets are also known as European hornets, which I did not know until I looked it up. Their characteristics are like Joe said. They are attracted to light and are predators of insects. They do sting though my experience with them is that they are quite passive but we shouldn’t ever get complacent with insect or animal behavior.

Their nest could be nearby in a place that is insignificant. They could also be in a soffit or something similar. On a warm sunny day I suggest that you slowly walk around the house while visually inspecting the roof lines, soffit, gable vents, etc for activity. Binoculars can be a big help here.

European/Bell hornets look like large yellow jackets. Hope this helps.

 

Apparently they are what is called a wood bee locally and they are big and scary although I've never heard of anyone getting stung by one.