Hornet control is essential if you have a nest on your property. Hornets are aggressive wasp that delivers a painful sting when threatened. And, unlike bees, hornets can sting multiple times. They are related to yellow jackets and look similar with their yellow and black markings and typical constricted waist. Generally, hornets are larger with a decisively larger head.
Like all living creatures, hornets look for environments that provide shelter, food, and water. If you have a healthy insect population on your property and have trees, sheds, eaves, and an attic that could provide a sheltered and undisturbed spot for a nest, you might attract hornets. Since hornets are hostile, their sting reactions range from pain and swelling to difficulty breathing.
Hornets Identification and Biology
Large, aggressive wasps in the Hornetidae family are the hornets. However, they are sometimes confused with other biting insects. For an effective hornet control, it is essential to differentiate it and understand its biology. Usually measuring 1 to 1.5 inches, hornets are longer than most other wasps. Most hornets feature stripes in black and white or black and yellow. They have a stronger body because their thorax and abdomen are more expansive than other wasps. When they’re not moving, their two wings fold up along their bodies. The most common hornet species is the European hornet (Vespa crabro). These insects have reddish-brown heads and thoraces, and their abdomen features black and yellow lines.
Life Cycle and Behaviour
Knowing their life cycle and behaviour can help you avoid and properly manage hornets. Fertilized queens emerge in the spring to search for suitable nesting sites after hibernation throughout winter. The queen begins to build a tiny nest and deposit eggs in it so that the first generation of worker hornets may emerge. As workers age, they construct nests and forage for food, releasing the queen to concentrate on producing eggs.
Their peak activity occurs in late summer when hundreds of hornet nests abound. In the fall, the colony produces fresh queens and males for mating. While most of the colony dies in the winter, fertilized queens sleep to start new colonies in spring. Being social insects, they fiercely defend their nests. They will attack with their painful stings if they are threatened by someone. This makes them somewhat hazardous when compared to other biting insects.
Common Signs Of Infestation You Should Know
Controlling hornets depends much on the early discovery of their activity. Several signs of infestation tell you that your property is under a hornet’s attack. You will notice their maximum activity, particularly around buildings or trees. Nests are found on buildings, trees, or bushes resembling large, grey, papery footballs.
You might even see hornets entering and leaving the exact location repeatedly. Sounds of buzzing emanating from walls, attic ceilings, or other closed-off spaces is another significant indicator. If you encounter any of these indicators, you should respond quickly and cautiously. It can be pretty dangerous; hence, you should not try to remove a hornet nest alone.
Pro-Tips For Successful Hornet Infestation Control
Search the outside of your house for holes, cracks, or gaps that hornets can utilize for entrance. Pay close attention to the areas surrounding power lines, windows, and doors. Glue or weather stripping will help to close any gaps. Eliminate sugary substances that draw them. Keep outside areas clear of food waste and clean. Close lids on trash cans to prevent leaks. Prune bushes and trees growing close to your house’s exterior. This reduces likely nesting sites and facilitates the observation of hornet activities.
Eliminate water sources. Fix outdoor taps that leak and ensure water flows away from your house correctly. Standing water also attracts other kinds of pests. Install screens on your windows and doors and maintain them in good condition to keep hornets out of your house. Avoid wearing bright colours and strong smells. If you plan to be outside, avoid using strong-smelling products or clothing that can draw hornets.
Regular inspections of your property are essential to locate these buzzing insects. These inspections should be carried out during spring and early summer. Try to address those areas of the building where these insects are commonly seen.
FAQs
- What are hornets?
Large, social wasps with a reputation for aggression are hornets. They resemble yellow jackets and paper wasps closely.
- What are the signs of a hornet infestation?
Hornets all around indicate clearly that one has an infestation. They might fly over your house or near places with food or water supply. You might also locate their usually paper-built, roughly basketball-sized nests.
- What are the dangers of a hornet infestation?
Both people and animals may be in danger from hornets. They can sting multiple times, and their poison might be either quite deadly or inflict severe pain.
- How to get rid of hornets?
You may eradicate hornets in numerous methods. One way is to engage a respectable pest treatment business. Eliminating bugs personally also becomes possible by using traps or bug spray.
- Is hornet poisonous?
Although most people do not get sick from hornet poison, their size causes the released venom to be dangerous. Hornets spew more poison than any other insect when they sting.
Protect Your Home And Family From Hornets Attack
Hornets seriously compromise the comfort and safety of your house. However, preventive strategies might significantly reduce the chances of an infestation. Therefore, dealing with established hornet colonies requires professional intervention. Our goal at USS Pest Control is to provide long-lasting, safe, efficient solutions for pest issues. Our expert team is ready to handle any hornet invasion, safeguarding your property and your family’s safety.
