Getting rid of hornets in your yard can be a tricky proposition but it has to be done in order to safely use the space for playing and relaxing. This guide explains in detail the strategies of how to get rid of hornets for example by detecting hornet’s nests, studying their behavior, and accessing safe hornet removal techniques.
Regardless of the extent of the colony present, following these guidelines will assist in taking back the yard from these invasive insects.
1. Use Hornet Traps
There are commercially available hornet traps; however, one can use simple homemade traps which involve a plastic bottle. Throw away the top of the plastic bottle and turn the remaining bottom portion upside down to form a funnel.
Pour some sugary solution or meat into the bottle to lure the hornets into the trap. When they enter, the hornets cannot get out and are trapped to drown in the structure. It is advisable to position these traps in areas with little activity and close to the hornet nests to increase efficiency.
2. Soap And Water Solution
Dilute the dish soap in a spray bottle, the ratio being 2 tablespoons of dish soap and one gallon of water. Use the mixture directly on the hornets and their nest through spraying.
The soap solution kills the hornets by dissolving the outer layer of their body cover which leaves them dehydrated to death. The outlined method is efficient, cost-effective, and does not have adverse impacts on the environment. It is advised to use the solution at night, especially in the evening when hornets are least likely to attack.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
Spread food-grade diatomaceous earth around the hornet nests and the areas that the hornets use to enter their nests. this powder is made up of fossilized algae with small cutting edges that injure the bodies of insects and cause water loss and death.
This method is effective but the results take days to appear as compared to other methods of abortion. Make sure that the diatomaceous earth is dry to be effective and apply when necessary, especially when it has been washed away by rain.
Usually, hornets are repelled by the smell of peppermint oil. If you want to get rid of a hornet, add a few drops of the oil with water in a spray bottle and spray on the areas that hornets usually come into contact with such as doors, windows, and on the nest.
This method, in essence, has a prohibitory effect and serves to help hornets shift to different locations. Thus, reapply the mixture as often as possible, but primarily after a rain shower to keep it functional. Peppermint oil has no side effects hence making it safe for use in areas with covenants of children and animals.
5. Insecticidal Dust
Repellents and insecticidal dusts that are designed for use against wasps and hornets can be applied at the entry points of the nests. The dust sticks to the bug's bodies as they come and go, suffocating them to death.
Sprinkle the dust in the night when hornets are less aggressive to avoid instances of stinging. It is vital that one wear protective clothing and strictly adhere to the directions given on the product. This method is particularly useful when the nest is situated in a concealed area such as in the wall voids among others.
6. Burning Nest
This involves burning the nest which is very risky though it works. It is recommended to wear protective clothing together with having a fire extinguisher or a hose in close proximity. It is best to approach the nest during the evening when hornets are least active.
Use a long stick in order to pour lighter fluid on the nest and then set it on fire from a distance. The fire will burn the nest and eliminate the hornets. Make sure that every part of the nest is burnt to ashes and check the area occasionally to avoid any fire risks. This method should only be used occasionally and is prohibited in dry or windy seasons.
7. Destroying The Nest At Night
Getting rid of the hornet nest at night can be efficient because the hornets are less mobile and more likely to be at the nest. Put on protective clothes and avoid making loud noises when you are close to the nest. You can use a long stick or pole to hit the nest and make it fall into a plastic bag or a bucket.
Ensure that the hornets are enclosed by closing the bag as soon as possible or covering the bucket properly. It takes courage, strategy, and accuracy to execute this since the hornets will become defensive when disturbed. This approach can be useful for small nests and should not be used for large nests because of the danger involved.
For this method, one has to use a vacuum cleaner that has a long hose to deal with hornets as well as their nest. This method has the best results when practiced in the evening when hornets are not very much into movement.
To get rid of hornets, hold the vacuum hose of the vacuum cleaner over the nest entrance and switch on the vacuum cleaner. After the nest is emptied, ensure that you take it away and put it in a sack to avoid people coming across it. The method can be used alone for small nests and incorporated with other control methods for the best outcome.
9. Freezing Nest
Freezing a hornet nest is one of the safest and most efficient methods of controlling pests without using chemical products. Go to the nest especially at night since hornets are not very active during the night. Cover the nest with a large black plastic bag up to its edge to ensure none of the hornets escape.
Separate the nest from its base, tie the bag securely, and put it into a freezer for at least 2 days. The cold will eliminate the hornets. This method is most suitable for small nests which can be easily packed and disposed of with the help of bags.
10. Ammonia
The smell of ammonia is quite pungent which can discourage hornets from coming close. Prepare a solution of water and ammonia in the ratio of 1: 1 in a spray bottle and spray it in and around the nest and the points of entry. For nests built in the ground, the solution should be poured into the entrance in the evening when the hornets are least active.
Protect skin and organs, and do not breathe in the fumes. This method works well for minor invasions but might have to be done several times to prevent hornets from coming back. Ammonia should also be handled carefully since it is a very strong chemical that can cause skin and respiratory tract irritation.
11. Cucumber Peels
Cucumber's skin can help repel hornets. Cucumbers contain bitter compounds called cucurbitacins, which repel hornets and other stinging insects. Sprinkle fresh cucumber peels in the nest or any area where hornets may be present. The scent will prevent them from constructing nests or coming back to the site in question.
It is advisable to replace the peels frequently, especially when they become dry or rotten. This method is environmentally friendly as it is non-toxic and thus appropriate for use. Although not as effective as chemical repellents, it offers a more natural and environmentally friendly solution to hornet problems.
Smoke has the ability to chase hornets away from their nest. Place a small fire/smoker beneath the nest so that it produces thick smoke. This annoys the hornets and makes them abandon their nest. This method is most effective in the evening as hornets are comparatively inactive during this time.
Stay at least ten meters away from the bees and put on protective clothing to prevent getting stung. Make sure the smoke is toward the nest and sustain the fire until the hornets leave the nest. This is a non-toxic technique appropriate for outdoor hives but the use should be done carefully to avoid causing fires or accidents.
13. Citronella Candles
It is advisable to use Citronella candles while performing activities that take place outside since they can prevent hornets from attacking. Citronella oil is used to repel hornets because they do not like the smell of this oil.
Put the citronella candles at strategic positions around the compound, particularly in areas where hornets have been noticed frequently. Light the candles and burn the scent so that it forms a circle that hornets do not easily invade.
This method is safe for both humans and pests, is non-toxic, and gives a pleasant odor. Citronella candles cannot get rid of hornets but will help to keep their numbers down.
14. Eliminate Water Sources
Hornets require water to thrive, hence excluding all sources of water around your premises will help in minimizing the presence of hornets. Remove any accumulated water in bird feeders, pet dishes, flowerpots, and any gutter systems. Check hoses and spigots and repair any visible signs of leakage.
Maintenance includes emptying and cleaning water features such as fountains and ponds on a consistent basis. This reduces the chances of hornet infestation by denying them the necessary requirements of life such as water. It is important to continuously maintain the water sources to ensure that they are out of reach from hornets.
15. Seal Cracks and Crevices
Hornets are able to gain access to homes through crevices on the walls. Look for areas like siding, roof eaves, windows, and doors because these are common places where an animal can get in. Seal these openings with caulk or weather stripping.
Pay extra attention when it comes to halls where utility lines and pipes get in the house. By doing this, you actually block all the possibilities of hornets coming into the indoor areas to create their colonies. It is a long-term control method and has a low chance of having other infestations in the future time.
Hornets are drawn towards food that is sweet and has a rich protein content. Proper garbage control can help to prevent them. All garbage cans should have lids that fit properly and should be washed often to free them from food particles.
Do not throw away food scraps or even feed pets outdoors and ensure to dispose of the compostable wastes in proper containers. When outside, it is advisable to cover food and drinks to discourage hornets from coming around.
Outdoor garbage containers should be cleared, and waste should be disposed of in bags. This eradicates the attraction of hornets to the area and minimizes their chances to build nests.
17. Ultrasonic Pest Repellers
The ultrasonic pest repellers produce sound waves in frequencies that hornets and other insects find irritating. These devices can be connected to electrical outlets within your home and even around your garden. The frequency interferes with the hornet's signals and directions and causes them to flee. This method is safe; has no effect on humans or pets and is non-toxic in nature.
It is low maintenance and may offer unceasing protection. These repellers may prove less effective in different situations hence, should be employed in combination with other control techniques. The devices should be installed near doors and windows and in other parts where hornets are likely to be seen.
18. Commercial Hornet Spray
Over the counter, hornet sprays come with chemicals that are supposed to eliminate the hornets on contact. Use the spray as stated on the label and this can be done during the early morning or late evening when the hornets are not so active.
It is recommended to aim the product directly at the nest entrance and make sure that it gets wet. Wear protective clothing and do not inhale the fumes. It is fast and can be used for nests that are almost inaccessible to other methods of collection. This spray should be used on a well-ventilated area and children and pets should not be allowed to come into contact with the sprayed area until it dries.
19. Professional Exterminator
It is always advisable to involve a professional exterminator especially when dealing with a severe hornet infestation. Professional exterminators know the proper way, equipment, and substances required to get rid of hornet nests.
They can evaluate the case, determine what kind of hornets are present, and then take appropriate measures to eradicate them. Professional services also remove the nests and take measures to prevent the hornets from coming back. Although this option is more costly, it helps to deal with the problem effectively and avoid being stung or damaging property.
There are several plants that are known to provide a natural way of keeping hornets away. It can be useful to introduce eucalyptus, wormwood, and spearmint around your home and your garden. These plants release certain odors that hornets dislike and therefore they will not build a nest near such plants.
Install them in hornet's hot spots, for instance, doors and windows, patios, and flower gardens. This is a non-harmful method for your environment and enhances the beauty of your compound through landscaping. Incorporating repellent plants into other control strategies can improve the control of hornets due to the synergistic effect.
What Is A Hornet?
Hornets are a segment of large wasps and are classified under a particular genus known as Vespa. They are one of the largest types of hornets and include species like the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia). These pests are social insects that are often grouped in colonies that may contain hundreds of these insects.
These colonies are normally made up of a single queen with workers and drones which have different duties in the nest. Hornets could be easily distinguished from other wasps since they are bigger, and have wider heads and rounded abdomen. The coloration can vary, but the most familiar appearance is the yellow and black stripes, however, some subspecies may have reddish or brown hues.
Damage Caused By Hornet
1. Human and Animal Health Risks:
Stings: Hornets are capable of delivering multiple stings within a short period of time, and the venom of hornet stings is more potent than the honey bee sting, resulting in local and systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis, which are potentially life-threatening if not treated early.
Aggressive Behavior: Most of the species, especially when provoked, or when their nest is jeopardized, are ravenous and can attack with a swarm.
2. Agricultural Impact:
Predation on Honeybees: Another interesting fact is that hornets are predators of honeybees, and this can be disastrous to the bees. This predation influences pollination services and may have an adverse influence on crop production and ecosystems that depend on bees for pollination.
Damage to Fruits and Crops: They may also obtain their nutrients from ripe fruits, which poses a threat to certain crops such as apples, pears, and grapes. Such feeding can lead to low quality and marketability of the produce or perishable crops.
3. Structural Damage:
Nesting in Structures: Hornets make their nests in gaps in the walls, inside attic spaces, and other areas of the home or business. This brings about complications, which results in the building suffering some structural development and may need repair if the nests are huge or have developed over time.
4. Environmental Impact:
Displacement of Native Species: When invasive hornet species have become established in an area, they may be able to drive native insects from their homes and eliminate them, resulting in the loss of diverse species in an area.
