Having a hornet nest on your property can be a pain: literally. Hornets are aggressive, social-oriented stinging insects which make them much more dangerous than similar pests such as paper wasps and bees. If you upset one hornet, in moments you can have an entire swarm chasing you down! So, if you have an Idaho hornet removal problem, what can be done? Here are some suggestions for DIY Idaho hornet removal.
Preparation: Before attempting to remove a hornet’s nest, you must make sure you are adequately protected. Your clothing choices are important. Be sure to wear heavy fabrics since light ones can easily be stung through. Also, try to cover as much of your body as possible. It is best to wear long sleeves and long pants — preferably with your shirt tucked in. This limits access points in which a hornet might fly under your clothing and cause a very painful situation. In addition, wear a hat. If possible, find a beekeeper’s veil to wear. Although this article provides the best way to remove a hornet’s nest without upsetting them, it is best to be covered in case the hornets do decide to swarm.
Process: If the nest is small, you can attempt to remove it simply by hitting it down with a broom. In young nests, there is typically only one queen and this process should be smooth and quick. However, if the nest has had time to develop and increase in size, do not attempt to physically remove it without first killing the hornets. For medium or large nests, insecticides must be used. Store-bought wasp killers can be effective at killing hornets, however be aware that they will only kill the insects you actually spray. Because of this, you will need to spray multiple times over a span of a few days to ensure you kill all of the insects. While spraying, do not stand directly below the nest, and wear a mask. These chemicals can be toxic to humans. In addition, always give yourself a route of escape. If the hornets are angered, you will need a plan to get away. Once you are confident the nest is free of living hornets, it can be removed with a broom or rake.
Considerations: Although you can potentially be successful at removing a hornet’s nest on your own, most people are not. Most of the time, some hornets are not killed and will attempt to sting — often successfully — the person removing the nest. This can be painful, and many people are not aware they are allergic to hornet stings until it is too late. Because of the risks involved, it is typically best to let a pest control agent handle your problem. It will save you time, energy, and can prevent accidents caused by inappropriate removal.
If you attempt a DIY Idaho hornet removal and are unsuccessful — or if you decide it’s too much to take on yourself — Get Lost Pest Control is here to help. You can expect friendly, fast service that will help keep your home hornet free and save you the stress of handling your hornet problem on your own.