Hornets, which particularly like to settle on lilac bushes, cause discomfort in many people. In this article we clarify what the large, peaceful flying insects look for on the bushes and whether they harm the trees.
Why do hornets sit in the lilacs?
In mid and late summer, the hornets settle on the lilac branches tobarkof theornamental shrubnibbleOccasionally, in the absence of other nesting places, the predominantly nocturnal insects use birdhouses or bat boxes hung in lilacs as alternative roosts.
Why do hornets “ring” the lilacs?
Thebarkof the olive tree plant isjuicyand can be eaten by animals because of itssoft structureringed without any problem. In this way they get the energy-rich plant sap, which they use as “jet fuel”.
The sweet juice also attracts other insects such as wasps or flies. These are captured by the hornets, carried into the nest and fed to the brood.
Do hornets harm lilacs?
Since thepeeled areasare relativelysmall,damagehornets to the woodnot. The lilac is able to quickly overgrow the wounds with new bark.
It can happen that some very young shoots that have been completely ringed by the insects wilt. However, the ornamental shrub easily compensates for this with new growth.
Tip
How to deal with hornets correctly
Hornets are much more predictable and shy than other flying insects. When they are close to humans, they only hunt wasps, but never attack people without cause. So you don't have to worry about being bitten if you stay away from the nests of protected animals.
