What to Do If You Spot a Hornet’s Nest

As a homeowner, there are a few things that will make your heart sink into your stomach. One of them is the sound of running water when all of the faucets are closed, and another is the sight of a large hornets nest on your property. Not only are hornets' nests very unflattering to the exterior of your home, but their stings can be very painful and dangerous if you’re allergic.

If you think you have a hornet’s nest, it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for and how to deal with it to best protect you and your family.

How to spot a hornet and its nest

Hornets are larger than other stinging insects like bees and yellow jackets and can grow up to two inches in length. They have a distinct black and yellow striped pattern on their bodies, with a reddish-brown head. Hornet stings can be very painful as they release more venom per sting than any other stinging insect, and they can sting more than once. But unless you are allergic or are stung many times, they usually don’t pose a major risk.

Hornet nests are usually round or oval in shape and can be found in a variety of locations, including trees, bushes, and under the eaves of buildings. The nests are typically made of paper-like material that the hornets create by chewing wood and mixing it with their saliva. Hornets will usually build their nests in areas that are protected from the elements and offer easy access to food sources.

Oftentimes, the nest will look like a large, round structure that resembles a paper bag hanging from a tree or bush. If you notice a lot of hornets near a particular area of your property, like a shed or garage, there may be a nest inside.

How to get rid of a hornet's nest

Hornets can be extremely aggressive, so use caution when approaching or observing a nest. Worker hornets will sound an alarm that spreads very quickly to others, and they can swarm and attack all at once.

Make sure you identify the correct insect

Hornets, yellow jackets, and wasps can all look similar from a distance. The treatment methods for each will vary, so it’s important to make sure you’re actually dealing with hornets before proceeding further. If you’re unsure, contact a pest control professional.

Wear protective clothing

Hornets can swarm almost instantaneously. If you’re going to attempt to remove the nest yourself, cover as much of your body as possible to protect against stings. Wear long sleeves and pants, gloves, a hat, and glasses to shield your eyes.

Spray with insecticide

Approach the nest at night when hornets are likely to be less active. Follow the instructions on the can, making sure to keep a safe distance and having a quick route inside if needed. Wait at least 12 hours after the first application to see if there is any lingering hornet activity. If there is, spray the insecticide again. Once you’re sure all the hornets are dead, it’s safe to remove the nest.

Remove the nest

Remove the nest using a pole or broom and put it directly into a trash bag. Continue to wear protective clothing in case there are some rogue hornets still around. Be careful not to touch the nest directly as it’s now covered in insecticide.

Call a pest control professional

Hornets are not to be messed with. If you have any hesitation about dealing with a nest yourself, call a local pest control professional like Pestmaster to help. Our trained technicians can safely identify the problem and handle removal so you and your family can stay safe.

Moving forward, take precautions where possible to prevent future hornets from setting up camp near your home. Seal up cracks or openings in the foundation and exterior walls, keep your trash cans clean and closed, and stay on top of lawn and garden maintenance.

If you start to see signs of a hornets nest, contact us today for more information.