It’s been one of the hottest, driest summers in Northern Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, with residents in Enfield CT, Springfield, and Wilbraham MA finding that hornet populations are flourishing. With that has been a significant increase in nests popping up around homes and businesses. Contending with a hornet nest is careful work and can have deadly consequences if done carelessly. We’ve collected some tips on how to safely remove a hornet nest.
Start Small
The best time for DIY removal of a hornet nest is when it’s very small, ideally with just a few eggs. If the queen is away from the nest, you can crush the nest after knocking it from its perch. This is mostly possible in early summer before eggs mature. As the nest grows, contending with workers requires caution and protection.
Suit Up
Once the nest grows in numbers, treatment and removal are more difficult. You should opt to attempt removing the nest when the temperature is cooler and hornet activity is at a minimum. If you live in an area that is prone to hornet nesting, you may want to consider purchasing a proper bee suit, especially if you prefer do-it-yourself options. Being properly protected when things go wrong is a smart idea. Of course, you can make a reasonable suit from household outerwear for a one-time removal. Wear a heavy hooded coat, thick gloves, long socks pulled over cuffed pants, and face cover. AND, choose a good treatment product. Do not cheap out on a bargain spay can when dealing with hornets! If this all sounds a bit to much…call a pro!
Indirect Control
One of the best ways to contend with a nest is to leave it be! Hornets are only aggressive when their territory is threatened and do provide a valuable service in the form of feeding on pest insects. A live and let live approach is easiest when the nest is in a low traffic area or an aerial nest high up. There are other solutions for prevention that do not require the removal of a nest. Over-the-counter traps work by reducing the volume of hornets in an area. And if placed out early in the season can prevent nests from forming or maturing. Here is how to make a homemade bottle trap.
Call a Pro
The truth is the only guaranteed safe way to remove a hornet nest is to have a professional come with the proper tools. Beyond having the expertise and applying the proper techniques, a knowledgeable professional will apply an integrated pest management method to help prevent future nests and intrusion.
Ways to DEFINITELY not remove a Hornet Nest
Lastly, we want to ensure you do NOT try any of these removal methods. They range from ill-advised to downright dangerous:
- Vacuum: This makes sense in theory, but hornets are strong fliers and may have more than one exit in the nest
- Fire: Too many people have tried to remove a nest by setting it aflame. This method puts you at serious risk of getting stung, grave personal injury, and property damage—or worse.
- Boiled: Hornets thrive in hot temperatures and will just end up wet and mad.
Don’t risk getting stung, let the team at Graduate Pest Solutions safely remove a next. Call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us with any questions or if you are experiencing a pest problem. We have the knowledge and the services necessary to help keep your home pest-free!
