All insects are important and we need them in our yards! I keep telling this to myself whenever I spot a wasp or any other creature with a bad reputation.
But there’s one critter that really makes my skin crawl, and seeing it in my yard always sends a shiver down my spine.
Now that’s one dramatic introduction to hornets! But I bet you’ve heard the buzz about how dangerous these stingers can be.
So, it’s completely understandable if you want them out of your yard ASAP. Unfortunately, this may be one of the hardest tasks you’ll need to perform when it comes to garden pests. This especially refers to when there’s a huge number of hornets and the nest is too close to your home.
You’ll find various recipes and methods for getting rid of hornets but the truth is:
Getting Rid Of Hornets Is Way More Challenging Than Everyone Thinks
A bottle filled with yeast and beer? Dish soap and sugar? Oh, these are the ingredients you’ll find in some recipes for hornet traps. It’s not that they don’t work but there’s really no need for such an approach.
First, you need to determine if removing hornets is required at all. Yes, these creatures do have a bad reputation (justified) but they aren’t as aggressive as many think.
Spotting a hornet or two isn’t a bad thing because they also have benefits for the ecosystem. They’ll quickly take care of flies, grasshoppers, and crickets, so think of them as their allies (in these cases).
I always say, if they aren’t too close to your house, leave them alone.
But if their number is increasing or the nest is too close to your home, then you definitely have a problem and need to react.
Here’s a golden rule you should know before anything else: DO NOT TOUCH THE HORNET NEST!
As I said, they aren’t as aggressive as people think unless they feel threatened. And of course, if you touch their nest, it’s like you poked the bear.
So, what to do? The answer is as simple as can be: call the professionals! I’m sure you can deal with a few hornets but don’t enter a war with the entire colony.
And I don’t even need to mention the danger if nests are on a tree or other spots you can’t easily access. The last thing you want is to fall and hurt yourself.
There are various ways to control pests in the garden but if there’s even a small danger, we shouldn’t do it.
Prevention Is The Best Medicine!
As with everything in life, working on prevention is the best way to avoid any problems. When it comes to hornets, your main goal is to make your yard uninviting to them and prevent them from building their nest.
First, you need to cut the food supply by regularly cleaning garbage cans and disposing of any garbage. Remember, odors will attract hornets, so make sure there aren’t any.
Second, seal all the potential entry points. Holes and crevices are all hornets need and they’ll make a nest in no time. Check your windows, doors, and even vents. If there are entrances you can’t seal, such as vents, you can cover them with small mesh.
Finally, pay attention to light sources during the night. If you notice hornet activity, make sure to close all windows and doors at night. If you have outdoor lights, put them on timers or they’ll attract hornets.
Tackling hornets on your own is playing with fire, so calling in the pros is your safest bet. And don’t forget to follow our tips to keep these pests from ever darkening your doorstep again!