How long will hornets chase you?

How long hornets will chase you depends on species, whether you disturbed nest, and how far you run, but generally hornets will chase for 50 to 100 meters or up to 300 feet when defending nest, though some species like European hornets and bald-faced hornets can chase longer if they perceive continued threat, and they usually stop chasing once you are far enough from nest and they no longer see you as threat. Hornets defend nests vigorously and release alarm pheromones when disturbed that attract other hornets to defend and cause them to become aggressive and chase intruder, so if you disturb nest, multiple hornets may chase you for several hundred feet. Hornets are fast fliers and can keep up with running human for short distances, but they do not hold grudges or chase for miles, they chase to drive threat away from nest, so once you are far from nest, they typically return to nest. To avoid being chased, if you disturb hornet nest, run away quickly in straight line away from nest, do not swat or flail as this can provoke more stings, cover face and eyes as hornets may target face, and seek shelter indoors or in car if possible, as hornets will eventually stop chasing when you are far enough. If you are stung, move away quickly as venom and alarm pheromone can attract more hornets, and wash sting areas to remove pheromone.