Hornets are up there with spiders and snakes as some of the most dreaded pests around. These large, hairy wasps are intimidating, with their buzzing, painful stings, and aggressive behavior when threatened. While there are actually many species of hornet, Alabama homeowners most commonly face these types of wasps.
While hornets are technically a type of wasp, they are larger, more defensive, and much more likely to sting multiple times. This can be a serious hazard to families with children or pets if a nest is allowed to form on the property. They are common in warm, humid areas, and regularly form nests in backyards, parks, and wooded areas. Nests are large and easy to spot, usually under eaves, in trees, or even in an attic. Once disturbed, hornets attack by the hundreds, which is a major risk for anyone nearby. Due to their aggressiveness, hornet pest control often involves safe and effective elimination of the pests.
In this guide, we will cover hornets: how to identify them, the danger they pose, how to prevent and treat hornet nests, and when it is time to call the professionals for hornet pest control.
About Hornets
Hornets are social wasps that live in large colonies with hundreds or thousands of individuals. Like other types of wasps and bees, hornets have a painful sting. However, unlike honeybees, hornets can sting repeatedly and the venom in their stings is highly irritating and can cause severe allergic reactions.
In general, hornets differ from smaller wasps and yellowjackets by the following characteristics:
- Size: Hornets are large wasps that can be 1–1.5 inches long.
- Aggressiveness: Hornet species are more defensive of their nests and attack in greater numbers.
- Nest size: Hornet nests are larger, are usually found in the air, and are a large gray paper ball. They can be the size of a basketball.
- Diet: Hornets are predators that feed on insects as well as nectar and sugary liquids. They can be a beneficial predator of garden pests but are a serious risk if nesting in and around homes.
Common Hornets Species in Alabama
- European hornet: A large species that builds nests in hollow trees, attics, or wall voids. They are nocturnal and attracted to lights.
- Bald-faced hornet: Not a true hornet but a larger type of yellowjacket. Bald-faced hornets are black with white markings and build large aerial nests in trees or shrubs.
- Asian giant hornet: Also known as the “murder hornet.” This species is not established in Alabama but has been found in other states.
The two hornet species that Alabama homeowners are most likely to encounter are European hornets and bald-faced hornets.
Why Hornets Are a Problem
While hornets provide a benefit as predators of other insects, they are a major nuisance and safety risk to people and pets due to:
- Painful stings: Hornets sting in defense of their nest or when foraging for food. Their venom is a powerful irritant that causes a burning sensation and painful swelling.
- Allergic reactions: Hornet venom causes localized pain and swelling but can cause anaphylaxis in sensitive people.
- Aggressive behavior: Hornets will swarm an intruder or disturbed nest. They can sting repeatedly.
- Risk of nests: Large nests in attics, walls, trees, or shrubs mean more hornets and a greater risk of human contact.
- Seasonality: Hornet colonies are largest and most aggressive in the late summer and early fall.
Due to these issues, hornet pest control needs to be approached carefully and most often requires professional help.
Signs of Hornets
- Large, gray, paper-like nests hanging from trees, eaves, or sheds.
- Active hornets buzzing around garbage cans, food, or patio dining areas.
- Aggressive hornets buzzing around doors, windows, or attics.
- Buzzing sounds around shrubs, rooflines, or other entry points.
If hornets are consistently seen in one area of your property, there is likely a nest nearby.
Life Cycle of Hornets
Understanding the hornet life cycle can help time pest control treatments.
- Spring: The cycle begins with a fertilized queen hornet that emerges from hibernation. She begins to construct a nest and lays eggs that hatch into worker hornets.
- Summer: The nest grows quickly with hundreds of hornets foraging for food and defending the nest.
- Fall: Colonies are at their largest in late summer and early fall. New queens and males are produced to perpetuate the species and hornets become more aggressive as food becomes scarce.
- Winter: The old colony dies but fertilized queens hibernate over the winter and the cycle restarts in the spring.
Best results from hornet pest control can be had by removing nests early in the season.
Step-by-Step Hornet Pest Control
1. Inspection and Identification
The first step in hornet pest control is to thoroughly inspect your property for nests. Check trees, under eaves, and in attics. Identifying the type of hornet can be helpful because, for instance, European hornets can build hidden nests indoors while bald-faced hornets generally build large, noticeable nests outdoors.
2. Remove Attractants
- Garbage cans: Ensure trash cans are tightly sealed and lids closed to prevent foraging.
- Food spills: Clean up sugary spills or drips such as sodas, juice, or other sweet liquids.
- Pet food: Limit outdoor pet feeding or storage of pet food which can be attractive.
- Fallen fruit: Pick up fallen fruit from trees which hornets like to eat.
3. Prevent Nesting
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls, attics, and siding where hornets might build nests indoors.
- Regularly inspect sheds, porches, and roof lines for early signs of nest building.
- Removing nests early in the season is much easier than removing large colonies later.
4. Use Hornet Traps
Traps baited with sugar water or protein can be effective in reducing hornet activity on the property. Commercial or homemade traps can be helpful in outdoor dining areas but will not eliminate nests. Traps should be used as part of an overall pest control strategy.
5. Chemical Treatment
Sprays or insecticidal dusts can treat hornet nests. Chemical control is most effective at night when hornets are less active. Attempting to spray nests yourself can be extremely dangerous due to the highly aggressive nature of hornets. Professionals have the tools and protective equipment to safely remove nests.
6. Professional Pest Control
For large hornet infestations, a professional pest control service is the most effective solution. Pest control companies will use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, using safe insecticides as well as long-term prevention methods. Professional removal is the safest and most effective way to eliminate hornets.
Natural and DIY Hornet Control
- Peppermint oil: Acts as a natural hornet repellent when sprayed around nesting areas.
- Vinegar and sugar traps: Use homemade vinegar and sugar traps to attract and trap hornets.
- Soap and water spray: Effective against a few hornets but not large nests.
While these DIY hornet remedies may help for minor problems, large nests need more than this.
Long-Term Hornet Prevention
- Seal entry points – Seal cracks and gaps in attics, walls, and roof lines.
- Outdoor garbage – Keep outdoor garbage areas clean and secure.
- Standing water and food – Eliminate sources of standing water and food in yards.
- Repellent plants – Consider planting plants such as spearmint, thyme, and citronella that are natural hornet repellents.
- Seasonal inspections – Schedule regular pest control inspections for early detection of nests.
Hornets vs. Wasps, Yellowjackets, and Bees
Hornets are often confused with other wasps, yellowjackets, or bees. While these insects share many similarities, they differ in important ways:
- Size: Hornets are large wasps, much larger than other wasps or bees.
- Aggressiveness: Hornet species are more likely to attack in larger groups.
- Nest size: Hornets build large aerial nests, which most other wasps and yellowjackets do not.
- Benefits: Bees are valuable pollinators while hornets offer little advantage.
Key to pest control is correctly identifying the species of pest so that appropriate measures can be used.
Why Professional Pest Control is Best
- Safety: Professionals safely remove nests with proper protective equipment.
- Species-specific control: Professional use treatments most effective for the species of hornet.
- Long-term prevention: Professionals use long-term prevention strategies for your home.
- Peace of mind: Professionals can ensure your property is safe and hornet free.
Professional hornet pest control is a valuable investment that results in safe, fast, and long-lasting results.
Summary and Takeaways
- Hornets are aggressive and dangerous stinging pests.
- European hornets and bald-faced hornets are the most common hornet species in Alabama.
- Signs of hornet infestations include large nests, active buzzing, and aggressive behavior.
- Pest control includes removal, traps, and chemical treatments.
- Professional hornet pest control is safest and most effective.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Hornets are one of the most feared and dangerous pests that Alabama homeowners will ever face. From their painful stings and aggressive swarming to their large, often-hidden nests, hornets are an all-around risk to children, pets, and visitors. While small nests and foraging hornets can often be handled with traps or natural repellents, once large colonies have formed, the best option for hornet pest control is to contact a professional exterminator.
Don’t risk your family and pets with hornets. Call Steel City Pest for professional hornet pest control. Our trained specialists will safely remove nests, treat your property with preventive insecticides, and give you the peace of mind that your home and yard are hornet free.
