It’s no exaggeration to say that hornets are a ‘buzz’ in town! These large, intimidating insects are making their presence known, and people are concerned about the implications. Fortunately, there are ways to bee-ware of hornets and to take necessary precautions. Read on to learn more about the hornet invasion and what safety measures you can take to protect yourself and your home.
1. A Swarm of Pests: Hornet Invasion
With the onset of warmer weather, many parts of the world are learning the hard way that hornets have come into season. These pestilent insects are stubbornly difficult to rid of and they are quickly picking up colonies in all sorts of unlikely places. Here are just a few of the annoyances that these horrid hornets bring:
- Pollution: Hornets are a more aggressive breed of wasp and they don’t like sharing their space with anyone. If they find an area that suits them they’ll make sure to claim it, and their presence can quickly make a space unbearably loud and chaotic.
- Pain: Hornets are quick to resort to stinging if they are threatened or annoyed. Their venom can cause an excruciatingly painful sting and can potentially cause an adverse reaction in humans, and possibly other mammals.
- Voracious Appetite: Hornets have a seemingly bottomless appetite. That means they will often eat all the local foodstocks and then turn to scavenging or consuming our leftovers if there is nothing else available. This infuriating opportunism makes them a particularly difficult pest to control.
It comes as no surprise that many people are looking for ways to get rid of these invaders, but unfortunately, most conventional approaches don’t work very well. The good news is that with some careful research and a bit of patience, it is possible to correct the hornet problem. So if you’re dealing with a hornet invasion, take heart in knowing that you don’t have to be stuck with them forever.
2. Arm Yourself with Bee-ware
When it comes to facing the wrath of bees and wasps, the only way forward is to . Sure, most people would simply turn around and run the other way – but we think it’s better to face the problem head-on and be proactive in protecting yourself against stinging insects. Here is the gear you need, whether you’re entering their turf unannounced or you simply need to wear some protection.
1. Bee Suits
A full-body bee suit is ideal for anyone heading into a cloud of bees. It’s made of thick fabric which protects you from their stings, and also comes with a net face protection and gloves. You’ll also usually find knee-high boots or beekeeping gaiters, perfect for areas where there may be shorts seeds or prickly thistles. Investing in a bee suit might be the difference between having a pleasant day out and a very scratchy experience.
2. Veils
If you’d rather keep only your face and head protected, then a veil is a wise investment. They come in different shapes and sizes, with larger ones offering a better coverage and added ventilated panels for better breathability. You can find yourself a veil made of either stiff or soft mesh, so you don’t have to worry about being uncomfortable. There are also specialized veils that can be securely fastened to your bee suit when you’re working in a swarm.
3. Other Accessories
- Gloves: Get yourself some tough, thick books which reach up to your elbows.
- Base Layers: Opt for a thick, long sleeved shirt and trousers.
- Footwear: Invest in strong, tall boots or gaiters.
Whether you’re a wildlife spotter or a beekeeper, you now know exactly what kind of bee-ware you need to find. Suit up and go explore – just be sure to stay safe.
3. Protect Your Home from Hornet Invaders
It’s the time of the year when pesky hornets may threaten to invade your home. You don’t need to worry if you know the right steps to take to protect your property from unwanted visitors. Here are some eco-friendly tips for keeping hornets away:
- Cut back shrubs and inspect your home for any openings which could let them in.
- Clean your gutters to prevent them from nesting.
- Trim branches away from the house to reduce their access.
- Place a cloth or netting over fruit trees to stop them from snacking.
Keep the area around your home clean and tidy. Discard any old wood or debris that may be used as potential nesting sites. Inspect your windowsills for excess moisture or other warning signs that hornet activity may be present.
Store food items tightly sealed in containers and don’t forget to empty the outdoor trash receptacle at least once a week. Also, make sure to remove any pet food and clean up the area after your furry friends have been fed.
4. Spotting Hornet Infestations: Tips for Early Detection
#1 Know Your Enemy: Hornet infestations can be difficult to spot at first, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Hornet colonies are typically made up of several hundred members and are greater in diameter than bee hives. Different species of hornet have different appearances, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with them so you can spot a potential invasion in early stages.
#2 Location, Location, Location: Hornets prefer to construct their nests in sheltered and warm spaces – such as attic corners, wooden window frames, or behind buildings. It’s important to remember that the nests can expand quickly, so if you’re able to spot a nest in an early stage, there’s a better chance of rooting out the infestation before it becomes unmanageable.
#3 Signs of Infestation: There are several symptoms that could signal a potential hornet infestation. Buzzing sounds in walls or ceilings are usually indicative of a hornet nest, in addition to noticing a higher-than-normal number of hornets swarming around a certain point. Other signs include wasp-like insects entering and exiting a hole, an unusual honey-like smell near the nest, or chewed wood near the suspected area.
#4 Act Quickly: Once you are able to identify an infestation, it’s important to act quickly and decisively. Hornets can become aggressive and pose a serious threat to your health and property if left to their own devices. If you own a property, it’s a good idea to call a pest control specialist as soon as you notice any of the signs of infestation.
5. Don’t Suffer in Silence: Hornet Control Resources
You thought hornets were just inconvenient but harmless pests, right? Wrong. As the world starts returning to normal, residential areas are becoming more attractive again to these notoriously aggressive and unpredictable flying predators. Hornets can cause serious stings and worsen allergies, making them a real threat to health.
If the sound of buzzing wings is keeping you up at night, now is the time to take control of the situation. Here are 5 important resources to help you do just that:
- Professional pest control services.
- Handy do-it-yourself hornet removal kits.
- Regular outdoor inspections.
- Safe and effective repellents.
- Natural hornet deterrents.
Professional services are the fastest and safest way to get rid of hornets, but those who would prefer to tackle the problem head-on can also find specialized supplies and kits to do the job. Be sure to observe the instructions and safety protocols provided. Unfortunately, these supplies are not effective in cases of very large populations, in which case calling a professional is a must.
Reducing the attractiveness of your yard is essential. Regular inspections for nests, scouting for food sources and trimming trees and shrubs can help keep hornets away from your property. Natural deterrents also work. Since these pests don’t like strong odors, you can use peppermint, garlic or eucalyptus oils, or certain herbs, to create a barrier around the property.
6. Got the Hornet Jitters? Natural Hornet Deterrents
If you’ve got hornets nesting in your outdoor space, you might be feeling overwhelmed with how to get rid of them. But fear not! There are natural, non-toxic methods of deterrent that can help get the hornets away from your home.
Essential Oils: Essential oils—especially peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass—can act as repellent when sprayed around potential nesting areas, such as tree branches and mailboxes. Be sure to spray them in higher locations, away from the ground, to maximize their effectiveness.
Dish Soap: A solution of water and dish soap is a surprisingly effective way to tackle hornet infestations. Simply mix a teaspoon of dish soap with about 2 liters of water and spray the mixture directly at the hornets. The soapy substance impairs hornet’s bodies, making it difficult for them to fly and eventually leading to their death.
Cloves: Cloves, when hung in mesh bag or dried and tangled around branches, can effectively mask any attractive and sweet smells that may draw hornets to your property. You can also use their oils to lend a stronger scent of cloves.
- Brew a pot of black tea
- Spray vinegar around potential nesting sites
- Cover areas with garlic cloves
7. Let Sleeping Hornets Lie: Termination and Removal Techniques
If you spot a nuisance hornets’ nest on your property, it’s only natural to want to take action. But sometimes letting them sleep undisturbed is the better option. Below are several removal and termination techniques that won’t rouse the sleeping hornets.
- If the nest is accessible, use rubbing alcohol to create an evaporating smoke around the nest. As hornet colonies are sensitive to airborn chemicals, the smoke should force them to move.
- Pour boiling water on the nest. Similar to the evaporating alcohol, this will cause the hornets to move without requiring spraying.
- Expose the nest to direct sunlight. The warmth can be enough of an irritant to cause the colony to seek a new, darker home.
Help from the Professionals. If none of the above techniques work, consulting an insect control professional is the best next move. The pros have specialized equipment and chemicals to remove hazardous nests quickly and safely.
Though it can be tempting to eliminate hornets manually, this is not recommended due to the species’ painful stinger and growing population. If you need assistance with removing a beehive, contact local licensed specialists to help get your space safe and comfortabe again.
8. Hornet-Free: Keeping the Buzz Out of Town
Often, the summer heat brings out a shrill, inescapable buzzing sound from all corners of town. Unfortunately, it’s usually the sound of hornets wreaking havoc. Nobody wants their outdoor BBQs and camping trips ruined by an angry hornet that has been disturbed. But now, more and more folks are grimacing less and smiling more as hornet-proofing their homes becomes the trendy buzzword of the summer.
Insect experts have said that hornets won’t actually enter homes or yards in significant numbers, but for those worried that these unsightly pests might show up, there are several preventive measures you can take. Here are some of the best ways to keep the buzz out of town:
- Cut back all shrubs and unkempt branches from the exterior of your home. Hornets love a nice, quiet nook to produce a nest. Keeping trees and bushes trimmed will help reduce the likelihood of them building a home in your yard.
- Close any gaps or cracks around the outdoors of your home. Make sure you check for missing caulking or torn screens. Hornets have the uncanny ability to find their way into pesky crevices.
- Set up hornet traps around the perimeter of your home. Traps can be purchased and they serve as an effective way to trap and contain troublesome hornets on your property. They don’t require baits and have a proven track record of success.
- Stay vigilant and periodically check the exterior of your home. Hornets don’t come alone, so be sure to check regularly for nests. In the event that one is spotted, it is best to call a certified hornet specialist. Professionals have the right equipment to safely eradicate the nest.
By taking these simple measures, we can all achieve hornet-free towns and have a summer of fun, worry-free. So go ahead and enjoy your cookouts without having to swat pesky hornets away.
Bee-ware! Hornets are buzzing into town, and it’s important to understand these creatures, their habitats, risks, and how to protect yourself from an unwanted sting. Hornets can make their homes in different kinds of environments, so it’s important to keep any eyes and ears open for signs of hornet invasion. With some peace of mind and know-how, you’ll be able to steer clear of their reign of terror and prevent any droves of hornets from invading your personal space.
