Hornets are large, social wasps belonging to the family Vespidae. They are known for their distinctive appearance, featuring a robust body and long legs. Hornets build nests from paper-like material made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. These nests can be found in trees, shrubs, or man-made structures. Hornets are important for the ecosystem as they help control pest populations by preying on insects. While they can be aggressive when defending their nests, their stings are typically only dangerous to those who are allergic. Unlike bees, hornets can sting multiple times without losing their stinger.