What are the European Hornets?
The European hornet also called the giant hornet or the brown hornet gets its common name from its introduction from Europe into the New York area in the 1800s. hornets are much larger than yellow-jackets and, unlike most stinging insects, can be active at night. Keep reading to learn about European hornet removal and extermination.
European Hornet and yellow-jackets Removal
Looking to get rid of wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets? Change exterior lights to yellow bulbs to reduce this insect’s attraction to your home or property. Promptly remove any fallen fruit from trees, as it attracts these hornets. If you suspect an infestation or find a nest on your property, contact a licensed pest control professional. Do-it-yourself removal is not advised. A professional will conduct an evening inspection since this is when hornets are active.
Habits
European hornets are social insects and live in colonies that may contain between 200-400 members at their peak. They usually appear in late summer. Hornets prey on a variety of large insects such as grasshoppers, flies, yellow jackets, and honeybees. They help control insects that would otherwise become pests without the local presence of European hornets and yellow jackets.
European hornet queens spend the winter hibernating. In the spring, they use chewed-up wood they have gathered to build a nest. The nest starts out with only a few cells in which the queen lays eggs. The queen feeds nectar and insects to the hatched eggs. When the hatched eggs mature, they become workers. The workers are sterile females. Later in the summer, fertile females and males begin to hatch. Fertile, mated females will become the queens for the next spring. The workers and males die at the beginning of winter and do not overwinter for the following year.
Threats
European Hornets and yellow jackets can do a great deal of damage to trees and shrubs because they strip the bark to get to the sap. They also use the bark fiber to build their nests.
They have smooth stingers, so they can sting over and over again. Hornet stings also carry venom that makes the stings hurt, itch, or swell for about 24 hours. A Hornet sting has the same risk of allergic reactions as other insect stings. If you suspect you have these pests on your property, you should contact a bee specialist professional immediately.
How to avoid Bees Wasps Hornets Stings around your home?
The following tips are recommended to avoid getting stung by stinging insects.
- Wear shoes, especially in grassy areas.
- Overseed grassy areas to get better coverage, as this will deter ground-nesting insects.
- Remove garbage frequently and keep trashcans covered.
- Do not swat at a stinging insect as it increases the likelihood of an aggressive reaction.
- Avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes.
- Ensure all doors and windows in your home have screens that are in good condition.
5 Bee Wasp Hornet’s nest removal tips
- Treating at night is generally recommended because wasps are less aggressive than. However, they respond quickly to any sign of light, so avoid even the use of a torch, as this may provoke them to leave the nest.
- Wear protection – wasps will attack if disturbed. Ensure that you minimize uncovered skin including wearing gloves and a hat.
- Do not attempt DIY treatment if you suspect you are sensitive to wasp stings if the nest is indoors or the nest is inaccessible.
- Do not treat a wasp nest when on a ladder or from a raised height unless you have bee-proof clothing, including a bee veil.
- Get an A1 Bee Specialists Wasp prevention package to stop bees, wasps, and hornets before they get started. Professional Bee Specialists can remove your nest safely to prevent family and pets from getting stings. It’s important while removing a yellow-jacket nest to wear protective clothing and a bee veil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yellow jackets are very aggressive and will attach any nearby vibrations that disturb their nest
Go to the above how-to articles for tips to prevent your dog from getting wasps stings