Hornets: How to effectively remove and prevent them from your yard
Finding a nest in your yard of papery insects can be alarming, especially if it turns out that they are hornets. These creatures are important to the ecosystem but it is essential that you know how to remove them to protect your family, pets and people with allergies. We’ll explore how to identify hornets and their characteristics.
Hornets Identification: Know Your Enemy
It’s important to differentiate hornets and other stinging insects before deciding on a removal method. You may have two main types of hornets in your yard, European Hornets or Bald-faced Hornets.
European Hornets are typically 1 to 1.5 inch long, with a yellow face and yellow rings on the back. They build nests up to 6 feet high, and are active day and night.
Bald-faced Hornets (European Hornets): Smaller and with black rings around the eyes. Their nests are up to two feet long and look like papier-mache. Both species are aggressive, and they release more venom.
It’s important to distinguish between other common stinging insect species.
Wasps include hornets, yellow jackets and paper wasps. Red wasps can be aggressive and require professional removal.
Yellow Jackets are dangerous wasps that look like bees, but are more aggressive. Nests of these wasps are usually found underground.
Bees are pollinators that benefit the environment. They have round bodies and fuzzy fur. Hire humane nest removal services.
Materials required for Hornet removal: DIY or Professional
You’ll need different materials depending on the method you choose, such as a synthetic insecticide hornet sprayed or a chemical free trap. Here is a breakdown of the materials you’ll need:
For Hornet Spray/Insecticide Removal:
Hornet spray
Wear protective clothing (long sleeves and thick socks)
Trash bag
Hornet Trap Removal
2-liter soda bottle
Masking tape
Bait (fruits overripe, juices, food for pets, or soda).
Protective Clothing
If DIY is not your thing, you can buy a hornet or wasptrap from a local store.
Hornet Spray: Effective and immediate removal
Hornet spray is an effective and simple way to eliminate hornets. Self-propelled aerosol sprays that are effective against flying insects and labeled “long distance” should be sought out. Professional pest control may be required for large infestations, or nests located in high places.
Hornet Spray Removal Steps:
Safety first: If the nest is too high, you should seek professional assistance. Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants and gloves. Also, wear a mask, face shield, and goggles.
Even though nighttime is ideal, daytime can also be effective. To prevent aggression, avoid spraying directly underneath the nest opening.
Spray and Go: Use the spray in a thorough manner, keeping wind and hornets in flight at bay. Let the nest remain undisturbed in a quiet place for several hours.
Check the removal: Come back later to make sure all hornets have died. The nest should be knocked down and disposed of according to the spray instructions.
Hornet Trap – Pesticide Alternative
Hornet traps are a non-chemical way to get rid of hornets. These traps, whether homemade or purchased in a store, can reduce hornet population without harming other beneficial insects.
Hornet Trap Removal Steps:
Gather Materials: Decide whether to make your own traps or buy them from a store. Then, gather all the materials you need, such as a 2-liter bottle of soda, masking tape and bait.
Create Your Own DIY Hornet trap: Cut off the top of the glass bottle to make a funnel. Place bait in the bottom and then re-insert it upside down. Seal the trap with masking tape.
Position the trap: Place it near the nest, but far from your home. Check for hornets after 24 hours.
How to Get Rid of Hornets. Seal the trap and place it in the freezer or a plastic bag. Then wait for the cold to kill the hornets.
It may be necessary to remove large nests in multiple steps. To contain the hornets, seal the nest properly before disposing.
Hornets: How to prevent them from returning
Take preventive measures after successful removal of hornets to avoid future infestations.
Eliminate food sources: Maintain fruit trees and flowers regularly, keeping them out of high-traffic zones.
Follow these steps to rid your yard of hornets in a safe and effective manner. This will create a safe environment for you, your family, and your pets.
This post was written by a professional arborist at Arbor Wise Professional Tree Care. Robert Miller is the owner of Arbor Wise Professional Tree Care, a locally owned and operated tree service company that offers superb lawn care by the most experienced Arborists. Arborwise Tree Services is a tree removal company that offers stump removal, tree trimming services largo fl, stump grinding, fertilization, and tree restoration. We have an extraordinary lawn care industry notoriety covering the Pinellas county area.
