European hornets mating with the big queen. The males will die afterwards. European hornets in the UK are large, generally docile predators that are important for controlling pest insects, and are active at night when they are attracted to lights. Unlike their reputation, they are not aggressive and are unlikely to sting unless provoked, using their venom to hunt prey, not to harm humans. They also feed on tree sap, nectar, and ripe fruit. Behavior and diet Nocturnal and attracted to light: Unli