Hornet Pest Control

Hornets are a very large type of wasp that are similar in appearance to yellow jackets. They have four wings and six legs, along with a rounded abdomen and a thin waist between the thorax and abdomen. The area of their heads that is directly behind the eyes is wider on hornets than other wasps. Hornets are passive creatures who tend to avoid conflict. However, they may become aggressive if they feel threatened, which is usually when someone or something gets too close to their nest. Hornets have a very painful sting, and unlike bees, they can sting more than once. Someone with an allergy to wasp stings will probably be allergic to hornet stings as well, and should exercise extra caution around hornets. Whether allergic or not, multiple stings can be extremely dangerous if not treated.

Like some other wasps, hornets build large nests by chewing wood to make a type of pulp. They will build their nests in a variety of places. Typically, they are in high places like attics, treetops, eaves, hollow tree trunks, sheds, garages, and other places that are raised off the ground. Hornets will also build nests underground, sometimes in abandoned rodent burrows. They will spend the winters in tree bark, rotten logs, or crevices in the siding on buildings.

Hornets are attracted to buildings because they often provide protected, hard to reach nooks that are perfect for their nests. They are also close to food sources, including flowers and garbage. When a hornet is killed, its body will release pheromones that attract more hornets to the area in which it was killed.

Hornets are most active during the spring and summer due to their reproductive cycle. Hornet queens emerge to start building nests and laying eggs in the spring. During the summer, the eggs hatch and develop into adult hornets. These new adults will leave their nests to mate and new fertile queens will be born. These queens are the only ones that will make it through the winter, and once spring arrives again, they will start a new cycle of laying eggs. Hornets work through the day and night. They rest during the early hours of the morning, and are active again after the sun rises.

In order to avoid hornets around a home or business, it is important to limit potential nesting areas by keeping bushes and trees trimmed, thinned, and open. Hornets are attracted to food sources, so all garbage cans around the property should be covered, and no food scraps, pet food, or bags of bird seed should be left out. Hornets are also attracted to certain perfumes, so limit the amount worn while outside. To get rid of hornets on your property call EXCEL today and have one of our experts visit you and destroy the nest.