European hornets have distinct looks, depending on their role in the central hive. Workers — the most common type seen flying around outside — grow to be about an inch to an inch-and-a-half long.

True European hornets are woodland insects. They build nests inside hollow trees, usually about 6 feet above ground or higher, but sometimes in barns, sheds, or walls of a house or attic.

Beekeepers are highlighting the difference between Asian hornets, shown on the left, and European hornets Beekeepers are ...

The hornets can often be mistaken for other insects like yellow jackets, however, European hornets are larger by comparison and primarily yellow, black and red.

“European hornets are not common in Georgia, but they're not terribly rare either. They are an introduced species, but they've been here over 200 years,” Hinkle said.