Hornets are large, social wasps belonging to the family Vespa. They are known for their distinctive yellow and black markings and can be found in various regions around the world. Hornets build nests from paper-like material made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. These nests can be found in trees, shrubs, or even 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, hornets generally prefer to avoid confrontation. Their sting can be painful, but they typically only sting when threatened.