Are You Struggling To Deal With Hornets On Your Huntsville Property?
September 30, 2022
Summer in Alabama is slowly coming to a close. We have a few more weeks to squeeze in a hike, a trip to the lake, or enjoy the warm, humid Huntsville weather. As summer winds down, hornet activity is reaching its peak. During this time of year, hornet nests are at capacity, food is starting to get scarce, and hornets are flying about preparing for the winter.
If hornets are on your property, you need the Huntsville pest control team from Custom Pest Control. You don't want to risk the powerful, painful stings of hornets.
Is This A Hornet Or Wasp?
Technically, hornets are wasps. Hornets belong to the insect family Vespidae, consisting of hornets, wasps (e.g., paper, potter, pollen), and yellow jackets. Although hornets and wasps are closely related, hornets possess the following differences between the two insects:
- Larger body (1 to 1 ½ inch long)
- Black and white rings
- More rounded abdomen
Both hornets and wasps build nests. Some wasps in the Vespidae family build nests in the ground (i.e., yellow jackets), but hornets always build their bulbous nests above ground. They construct nests in protected locations like lower tree branches, shrubs, or under the eaves of a building. A hornet's nest is large, grey, and paper-like, with an opening at the bottom. Each nest is home to 100 to 700 hornets.
There are various types of hornets, such as the bald-face, European, and the infamous murder hornet (Asian giant hornet). Fortunately, there have been no reports of the Asian giant hornet in Alabama. Although we are at the southernmost edge of their range, the most common hornet species in the Hunstville area is the European hornet, also known as the giant or brown hornet.
Three Problems Hornets Cause
Hornets are dangerous flying pests that can cause the following problems:
- Medical emergencies: In some cases, a sting from a hornet can cause a severe allergic reaction and even death.
- Environmental damage: Hornets are both good and bad for the environment. On the one hand, they kill insects that damage your garden or plants and kill "good" insects such as bees. You don't want hornets on your property if you are a beekeeper.
- Personal fear: The presence of hornets on the property keeps you from enjoying summer days in your yard and garden. No one should live in fear due to a pest on the property.
You need to get rid of hornets on your Huntsville property! Don't let hornets ruin your summer fun and relaxation.
Homeowner's Guide To Avoiding Hornets
If you want to avoid a problem with hornets at your Hunstville home, implement the following for hornet prevention:
- Keep bushes and trees trimmed
- Seal outdoor garbage containers
- Clean up after outdoor picnics or eating
- Plant hornet-repelling plants such as Citronella under eaves
- Avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes
- Position hornet traps around the perimeter
- Hang a fake hornet nest in the area
If you encounter hornets on your property, remain calm and don't swing at the insect. If you are aggressive toward the hornet, you may provoke an attack. When you see a hornet, move away from the area as quickly as possible.
Of course, do not intentionally disturb a hornet's nest! Hornets build their nests in high areas such as trees, under roofs, hollow tree trunks, and outdoor sheds. When working in these areas, proceed cautiously and ensure no nests are present.
What To Do When DIY Hornet Prevention Fails
The best way to get rid of hornets in Huntsville is to secure the talented team from Custom Pest Control. Let our team of highly-trained pest control professionals remove the hornet nests in your yard and pre-treat your home to deter hornets. Reach us today to learn more about our stinging insect control options!