Hornets have more venom per sting than any other insect and will sting their enemy repeatedly without much provocation. Therefore, a hornet infestation needs to be dealt with immediately. Depending on the size and location, most homeowners can handle exterminating a small hornet colony by using an oil-based insecticide.

Bees are one of the most feared and misunderstood insects. The furry and rotund bumble bee is not aggressive, rarely stings, and sadly, is often confused with their quarrelsome and volatile cousin, the hornet. Attracted to sweet food and trash, hornets are the bane of summer picnics and birthday parties. Hornet nests are usually right outside doorways, under awnings, and inside or around outdoor playsets.

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How to get rid of hornets

While you can get rid of hornets yourself, it isn't a job for the faint of heart! They do not want to be disturbed, are very protective of their territory, and will not hesitate to let their displeasure known.

Safety tips for hornet removal

Take a good look at where the hornet nest is (from a distance) before deciding on a course of action. Can you easily reach it? If they swarm, will they be close to other people? Follow these tips to protect yourself while getting rid of hornets:

Don't climb on a ladder: If it is too high for you to move comfortably, that means you need to use a long-distance spray or call an exterminator

Wear protective gear: Cover your arms and legs, and wear thick gloves and goggles if possible to help prevent stings

Don't spray during the day: Hornets are less likely to swarm during the early morning and early evening hours

Don't stand directly under the nest: The bottom of the nest is their front door—when the hornets panic and leave, that is where they will come from

How to get rid of hornets outside your home

Make sure it is a hornet nest that you are dealing with. It will be shaped like an upside-down teardrop, with a small hole at the bottom. The next step? Pick your poison:

Oil-based hornet killer: This is the most popular and effective option, especially if the nest is in the air. It usually comes in a spray can; just make sure the can is labeled as a long-distance spray. Aim the spray directly at the hole at the bottom of the nest—it should kill the hornets and nest on contact. Then, wait until the next day to respray the nest, ensuring that all hornets are dead before removing it.

Boiling water and soap: This method works best on a ground nest, in areas that don't have other people, and for the brave soul that doesn't like toxins and can run fast. Bring a large pot of water to boil and stir in dish soap. Then, dump the water on the nest and run. Cautiously check on and dispose of the nest a few hours later.

How to get rid of hornets inside your home

In most cases, you may only have a stray hornet or two that made its way inside your home, or you may find a small nest starting in your attic. There are indoor insecticides, but for folks with children or pets, eco-friendly might be the way to go. Follow these steps to get rid of indoor hornets right away:

Hairspray: That's right, get your can of hairspray from your bathroom cabinet. Spray like crazy until you can safely remove it.

Set a DIY vinegar and sugar trap: You can make this with items you already have at home. You will need an empty 2-liter soda bottle, one cup of sugar, one cup of vinegar, and 1/4 cup of dish soap. Cut the top off of the bottle and fill the bottom with the vinegar and sugar mixture. Put the top back on upside down and place the trap by the hornets. They will fly in and die, and then you can toss the whole thing in the outside garbage can.

When to call an exterminator

When it comes to hornets, there is no judgment here! Call an exterminator if you are nervous about getting rid of them yourself. A hornet sting hurt (a lot) and is potentially life-threatening if you are allergic. Here is when to call an exterminator:

You or someone in your home has a bee/hornet venom allergy

The nest is too high or hard to reach

More than one nest or a very large nest

You have hornets but can't locate the nest

You have already tried to get rid of the hornets, but it didn't work

How to tell if you’ve got a hornet problem

You will know if you have a hornet problem when you see or hear them. That angry buzzzzz is unmistakable and puts anyone who hears it on high alert. But how can you tell one terrifying flying bee-like creature from another?

What does a hornet look like?

The bee population is fragile, and while hornets have their place in our ecosystem, we must protect the native pollen bees at all costs! Knowing the difference between bees and hornets is crucial.

Hornets will have a yellow face, six legs, and those infamous black and yellow rings on the tail. They are narrow and smooth-bodied, while most pollen bees, like the honey bee and mason bees, are furry. A wasp is very similar but is black and yellow all over and aggressive in nature.

If you see a murder hornet (two inches in size with huge eyes) or a red wasp (large, narrow wasted, and orange-red), do not attempt to get rid of them yourself. Call an exterminator!

How to prevent a hornet infestation

Hornets will go where they want, and the great outdoors is their home. However, there are things you can do to prevent a hornet infestation or at least make your yard less desirable.

Plant a small herb garden: Hornets are attracted to sweet flowers, and a garden full of eucalyptus, mint, and basil will create smells they do not like.

Be careful of what flowers you plant: Hornets are attracted to colors, so avoid purple, blue, and yellow flowers. Planting red flowers or flowers that tend to bloom in the evening is better.

Make a fragrant misting spray for gathering areas: Take a spray bottle and add 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water with a few drops of peppermint and lemongrass essential oil. Occasionally spray around doorways, playscapes, and decks to keep hornets at bay.

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FAQs

Can hornets smell fear?

Essentially, yes. When animals or people are scared, we emit pheromones that hornets and the like pick up on right away. However, that only means they know you are there, not that they will automatically sting you. In most cases, they will only attack when they feel threatened. This is why you should not swat at them! Just calmly walk away from the fight.

What should I do if I get stung by a hornet?

When stung by a hornet, get inside as soon as you can. Hornets are repeat offenders and will just keep stinging you! If you are allergic, seek medical attention immediately. If not, follow these steps:

Remove the stinger and squeeze out any venom you can

Apply ice for 20 minutes every few hours

Take allergy or pain medicine if needed

Apply a hydrocortisone cream

If you haven't had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years, think about getting one to prevent infection

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