Reports of giant Asian hornets have generally been based on misidentified European Hornets (V. crabro) or our native Cicada Killer Wasps (Sphecius speciosus). Cicada killer activity is winding down for the season while the activity of European hornets remains in full swing. If you're seeing or hearing that large hymenoptera are stripping bark; they are European hornets. This odd behavior is unique to this non-native species.