The hornet is not an insect to be taken lightly. Hornet nests can grow to the size of a basketball and hold well over 100 extremely aggressive workers resulting in dangerous conditions when it comes to hornet nest removal.
Types of Hornets
Hornets found in the United States are generally one of two species:
- European hornet: Also called the giant or brown hornet, this species came over with European migrants during the 19th century. Today, they are common along the Eastern Seaboard, in the Midwest and southern areas like New Orleans. European hornets are significantly bigger than yellow jackets, are characterized by a longer yellow body with a brown-striped abdomen and reddish-brown faces and remain active through the night.
- Bald-faced hornet: Closely related to the yellow jacket, this species appears visually similar. However, bald-faced hornets are slightly larger and have white markings on the face, thoracic and abdomen.
While both species build nests, European hornets tend to seek out wall voids and open areas in your attic. Meanwhile, bald-faced hornets create aerial nests in trees and large bushes.
How a Hornet Infestation Develops
Hornets have a key role in the ecosystem, helping control other insect populations, but they’re a hazard once they start building nests around your property. Something as minor as residue in your trashcan can attract hornets, who go after sweet, sugary foods. As a rule of thumb, rinse out any food containers before you place them in the trash or recycling, and never leave open drink containers outdoors.
Outdoor features like fencing and shrubs also look like good spots for a nest – and a dependable source of materials. Starting in spring, hornets begin constructing their paper nests on branches and under eaves, scavenging your property for scraps. Outdoor nests may have an “envelope” covering the front; if the nest is sheltered by an eave – the “envelope” will be absent or smaller in size.
They don’t disappear once winter arrives, rather waiting underneath tree bark, in a rotten log, in small crevices or underneath your siding.
With these habits in mind, certain factors clearly point to an infestation and call for professional hornet exterminator services:
- Spotting large worker hornets around your property.
- Seeing nests in trees, near or around your porch, in your attic or wall voices.
- Hornets scraping away thin layers of wood from your fence, porch, logs, unpainted lumber or other sources of unvarnished wood on your property.
How Dangerous Are Hornets?
Both types of hornets can sting multiple times to bring down their prey and protect their colonies. With European hornets, the stinger doesn’t always detach right away. If you spot or feel it, be sure to remove the stinger as soon as possible to stop the release of venom.
Aside from the stings, hornets have been known to squirt their venom at potential aggressors to cause temporary blindness. In any case, some individuals may have a serious allergic reaction and should get medical treatment right away.
If left uncontrolled, hornets may cause a visible degree of property damage. These summer bugs known to strip off tree bark to create their nests and access sap. Over time, this harms any vegetation in your yard.
Hornet Nest Removal & Extermination
We always recommend an expert opinion when it comes to hornet removal. Hornets are extremely aggressive and will attack if you get too close to their territory, which puts people with allergies in serious danger.
To remove this hazard from your property, we provide professional hornet pest control services which include:
- Educating you about hornet habits and why hornet nest removal is a must. The materials may later turn into a haven for other pests, leading to another infestation down the road.
- Removing the hornets after finding all nests on your property.
- Providing information for preventing future hornet infestations, including where to place and how to trim bushes and trees.
Eliminate ‘Em is a family owned and operated business with hornet removal specialists who are experienced in handling all hornet problems.
Call (866) 802-7378 for Hornet Extermination Today!
