Hornets, wasps, and bees – these flying insects are enough to make anyone scream. But what’s the difference between them? Hornets are larger than bees and wasps, and their bodies are more elongated.
They’re also more aggressive than bees, and their stings can be quite painful. If you have hornets on your property, this calls for immediate hornets pest control action.
Unlike bees, hornets can sting a person multiple times. This is what makes them so dangerous and why it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
If you have small children or pets, hornets can pose a serious threat to their safety.
Hornet pest control calls for a different approach than other flying insects, and it takes four simple steps to get rid of the problem: identification, inspection, treatment, and prevention.
Pest Control for Hornets: 4 Simple Steps
Whether you have a hornet nest on your property or you’re dealing with individual hornets, the steps for getting rid of them are the same. Follow these four steps for effective hornet pest control:
1. Identification
Identifying the hornets on your property is the first step in getting rid of them. Chemical treatments for hornets will only work if you’re dealing with hornets.
This is why it’s important to identify and see if the pest infestation you’re experiencing is actually hornets.
Misidentification may also lead to you using the wrong methods to get rid of them, which would only waste your time, effort, and money. To identify hornets, look for the following characteristics:
- Black and white stripes on their abdomen
- A large head with two eyespots
- Red or orange eyes
- Two sets of wings
- A long and narrow body
2. Inspection
Once you’ve verified that the flying insects on your property are hornets, the next step is to inspect and find their nest. Go and check your yard and look for nesting sites.
You’d most likely find them under leafy trees, roofing, attics, or anywhere that’s potentially a sheltered area within your home’s perimeter.
A thorough inspection will give you an idea of the severity of your hornet infestation and help you plan your course of action. If you can’t find any, you can look for active hornets and follow where they’re going. There’s a high chance that they’ll lead you to their nest.
3. Treatment
This job is something that an untrained person should never attempt. Hornets are aggressive by nature, and they will sting you if they feel threatened.
This is why it’s important to call a professional hornet exterminator to do the job for you. A professional has the knowledge, skills, and tools to get rid of the problem safely and effectively.
Otherwise, if you’re up for the job, ensure you have the proper gears to protect yourself. This includes a bee suit, gloves, and a face mask. Once you have everything you need, you can proceed with the following treatment methods:
Spray the Nest with Hornet Killer
Once you’ve located the nest(s), the next step is to treat them with a hornet killer. When looking for a product, make sure that you find one that can target and kill the nest even when you’re from a distance.
This means you don’t have to reach out for a ladder and go in close range of the nest.
Read the instructions on the packaging carefully and follow them to a T. You might also want to consider wearing protective clothing as a safety precaution.
Also, keep in mind that some hornet killers are only effective when sprayed at night when the insects are inactive.
Follow It Up With a Strong Insecticide Such as Sylo
There are other similar products, but Sylo Insecticide seems to be one of the most popular ones. It’s a broad-spectrum insecticide that can kill not just hornets but also other challenging pests such as termites and beetles.
Targeting the nest directly doesn’t just cut it. You need to make sure that the product you’re using can also kill any stragglers that might have been left behind.
Sylo insecticides contain an active ingredient called lambda-cyhalothrin. This is a type of synthetic pyrethroid that works by affecting the insects’ nervous system. Once they come into contact with it, they will experience muscle spasms and eventually die.
Aside from spraying insecticides, another treatment plan may include deltamethrin. It usually comes in powder forms, and this discourages hornets from rebuilding their nests or landing on the treated areas.
4. Prevention
The last step is to take preventive measures to ensure that hornets won’t be a problem in the future. Some of the things you can do are the following:
Trim Bushes and Tall Trees
Hornets, wasps, and bees build their nests around these areas because it provides shelter, food, and water. By trimming these areas, you make it difficult for them to build their nests.
Paint the Walls
What does this have to do with hornets? Hornets are attracted to light-colored walls. If you have a white or light-colored wall in your home, consider painting it with a darker color.
Always check for nesting areas and re-paint your walls to help ensure that hornets won’t build their nests there.
Clean Up Your Yard
Hornets are attracted to sweet things. If you have a lot of fruits and flowers in your yard, chances are, hornets will be drawn to them.
To avoid this, clean up your yard and remove any sweet-smelling items that might attract them. Proper sanitation and waste management are also key to preventing hornets from coming back.
Use Insecticides Every 3 Months
As a preventive measure, it’s also important to regularly spray insecticides around your home. This will help keep hornets and other insects at bay. Do this every three months for the best results.
Final Thoughts
The buzzing of a hornet can send chills down your spine. These insects are not to be messed with, as their sting can be quite painful. However, hornets pest control only involves four simple steps – and anyone who’s willing to put in the time and effort can do it.
With proper identification, inspection, treatment, prevention, the right tools, and a bit of patience, you can get rid of hornets for good.
Just remember to take the necessary precautions to avoid being stung. And always consult a professional if you feel like the situation is beyond your control.
