Removing a Hornet’s Nest on Your Own.
Hornets and wasps have an important role in our environment. They prey on other insects, helping to keep pest populations under control. For the most part, they do their job while we go about ours. But sometimes we cross paths with these stinging insects and they become aggressive and dangerous. Hornets create nests to have a place to lay eggs. They often find sheltered areas such as trees, rafters, or roof eaves to call home.
The nest will look like it is constructed out of paper or mud and is often shaped like a cone or just a big lump. If a hornet’s nest has taken up residence too close to your home, you may need to eliminate their nest in order to keep you and your family safe.
Here’s how to take the sting out of this process.
How to Get Rid of a Hornet’s Nest
Have the Right Protective Gear
Before you take on the task of removing a hornet’s nest, it’s important to protect yourself by wearing the proper clothing. You should wear thick clothes that cover all of you, leaving no skin exposed. There should be elastic around the sleeves and pant leg bottoms to prevent hornets from flying underneath the clothing. Add a protective mask, goggles, and heavy gloves, and you’re ready to go.
Work at The Right Time
Hornets return to their nests in the evening and become less active, so this is the best time to kill the majority of the colony. Wait until the sun sets to make your move. Be sure to scout out your area ahead of time, as the dark provides other obstacles that might cause you harm as you complete your task.
Stand Back
Use an insecticide specifically designed to kill hornets and be certain that the spray can reach from a distance of at least 15 feet, so you can be out of harm’s way. An insecticide spray should kill the pests on contact.
Remove & Destroy
After spraying, wait a bit to make sure all the hornets are dead. Then you’ll need to remove and destroy the nest so that other hornet colonies can’t make a home there. Put the nest in a heavy-duty trash bag to dispose of it, and then clean the area where the nest had been with soap and water.
When It’s Time for Professional Help Removing a Hornet’s Nest
If a hornet’s nest is too big or in a hard-to-reach place, it is time to call in a professional. A good rule of thumb is that if the nest is smaller than a tennis ball, it may be safe to remove on your own. The process of removing these stinging insects is dangerous, even if you are not allergic. Definitely call in a professional if you are concerned about safety or uncertain about allergies.
Taking on the task of removing a hornet’s nest may be more dangerous than you think. If you find a nest too close to your home, call Green Pest Solutions and they will remove it for you, plus provide you with ways to prevent these pests from getting too close for comfort in the future.