HOW TO KEEP HORNETS AWAY DOYLESTOWN, PA
Posted by Admin
Most every Doylestown homeowner who has ever tried to enjoy a barbecue or picnic outdoors during the summer has been assaulted by hornets or wasps. It seems that these pests simply cannot resist the opportunity to feast on some of people's favorite foods.
Here are some tips to help keep hornets at bay for your next outdoor event.
HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN WASPS AND HORNETS
Despite their similarities, wasps and hornets are two different creatures. Distinguishing between them is important for those wanting to eradicate an infestation.
Most people can differentiate bees from wasps and hornets because they are so much fuzzier. However, it is not as easy to tell a wasp from a hornet. Both species eat other insects, which makes them a welcome addition to the ecosystem. Their attraction to proteins and sweets is what brings both to picnics and barbecues. They are both similarly hairless, so it is often size and coloration that can help people identify the species. Whereas the wasp may be between one-third of an inch and one inch in length, hornets tend to be larger, with most of them ranging between one inch and one-and-a-half inches. Additionally, wasp bodies most frequently feature black and yellow stripes while the hornet's stripes are black and white.
WHAT DOES A HORNET NEST LOOK LIKE?
A queen hornet emerges in the spring to begin construction on the colony's nest. At this stage, it is a small structure, but it is suitable for sheltering the first generation of workers who will enlarge it after reaching maturity. Workers may be spotted in the spring and summer scraping thin layers of wood from unfinished fences or other unprotected lumber. They also gather material from old logs. These wood fibers are chewed and mixed with saliva to create a papery material that is used to enlarge the nest.
The hornet nest is an enclosed, bulbous shape, and it is always suspended above ground. Accordingly, it is common to see hornet nests hanging from tree branches, shrubs, eaves and porches. Because the hornet colony also favors seclusion, their nests are sometimes constructed in wall voids, attics or hollow trees.
Any time that the nest is located in or near human habitations, it poses a potential threat to people and pets. This is because the hornet is extremely territorial, and they will react aggressively when people venture too close to the colony. Hornets do not deliver just one sting like bees do. Instead, they are capable of stinging multiple times while also warning other colony members that they are under attack. This can lead to a health crisis for the victim, who may need immediate medical attention.
People who suspect that they have a hornet nest on their property are advised to seek the help of a professional pest control company rather than trying to remove the nest themselves. With the hornet's aggressive nature, more than one person has ended up in the emergency room after unsuccessfully trying to deal with a hornet problem on their own. A professional Doylestown pest control company has the knowledge and tools that are needed to get the job done safely and efficiently.
WHAT ATTRACTS HORNETS?
Hornets mainly eat other insects, which makes them beneficial to the environment. They even feed insects to the young back in the nest. Their favorite meals include bees, yellow jackets and grasshoppers. Hornets also may be found hovering around blooming plants in gardens because nectar forms a portion of their diet. This steady reliance on a diet of insects and nectar frequently makes people wonder why hornets are so attracted to the human food that is offered at barbecues and picnics.
The answer to this question lies in the nutritional value that hornets derive from insects and nectar. Essentially, they are drawn to protein and sugar, two components that are commonly found in human foods. This is why hornets tend to gather when people eat meals outdoors. Just like humans, they are unable to resist a steak, burger or hot dog. Similarly, they are bound to be found buzzing around sodas, desserts and fruit. Their attraction to these foods is quite strong, and they can be very determined, which may lead to people getting stung.
HOW TO KEEP HORNETS AWAY
If anyone wants to keep hornets away from their next picnic or barbecue, they do have options. Food can be served indoors and then eaten outside to minimize the chances of attracting hornets. Any food that is allowed to sit outside should be covered or sealed to prevent aromas from spreading.
It also may be possible to repel hornets using other smells. Some people have found success by hanging toilet bowl cleaners, which typically are attached to the rim of the toilet, to the bottom of the grill. Hornets dislike the chemical smell emitted by these cleaners, which keeps them away from food on the grill. Dryer sheets are another common household item that have a smell that hornets tend not to like. Place a few sheets around the table and grill, and this may cause hornets to look elsewhere for a meal.
While the best way to reduce the chances of hornets crashing an outdoor party is to get rid of the colony, this potentially dangerous task is best to an experienced pest control provider.
Schedule a FREE inspection today.
