You might already want to recoil in fear when you hear the word hornet. Hornets in Snohomish are always upsetting to find flying around your yard. They are stinging insects that do have the ability to inject venom, and if you've been stung by one, you know how much it can hurt. Even if you don't wind up with serious side effects from the venom, you could still endure painful swelling around the sting wound.
No one wants to have hornets around their Snohomish yard, but it can seem impossible to get rid of them once they invade. Luckily, you don't have to go through the process of hornet removal on your own. Our hornet control professionals at Guard Pest Control have many years of experience dealing with these terrifying stinging insects, and we can remove and deter them from your yard. Keep reading to learn how to deal with hornets around your Snohomish property.
Hornet Or Wasp?
Though the terms "wasp" and "hornet" are terms often used interchangeably, making them easy to confuse, it's important to realize that they do not mean the same thing.
The bald-faced hornet is just a particular kind of wasp. So, it's easy to see how it gets tricky to tell the difference. Most of the "hornets" you'll see around your yard are bald-faced, but it's worth noting the difference between wasps like the bald-faced hornet and true hornets like the European hornet.
There is only one true species of hornet in the entire United States. It is the European hornet, also known as the brown hornet. Most of the species referred to as hornets in the country are wasps.
Here's what to know:
- Hornets are around an inch long and create aerial nests that look like paper. They are primarily brown or black with reddish or white markings.
- Other types of wasps are slightly smaller than hornets and build aerial and ground nests. They come in wider colorations and often have yellow or orange striped markings. Wasps are generally less aggressive than hornets, although yellow jackets often sting.
Overall, dealing with hornets and wasps around your yard is similar. It's not always necessary to know the exact species you're dealing with, as most prevention and removal methods are the same for all the wasps and hornets in the area.
Three Problems Hornets Cause
When dealing with stinging insects around your yard, you need to know about the specific risks they create. Here are three problems hornets and wasps cause:
- They Can Sting: The biggest concern is that these insects can inject their venom. Some people are highly allergic, and many species can attack in large groups and sting repeatedly.
- They Are Dangerous To Remove: While being stung by an errant hornet might not be a big deal if you aren't allergic, removing them is always tricky. This process is when you're most likely to be stung.
- They Could Indicate Other Pest Problems: While hornets and wasps are also pollinators, many will also kill other insects. Having them around often means you have smaller insect infestations, too.
The best way to deter and remove hornets is to obtain wasp control services from professionals.
Homeowner's Guide To Avoiding Hornets
If you don't already have these stinging insects around, now is the ideal time to work on preventing their arrival. These tips can make your property less attractive to hornets:
- Remove Nesting Areas: Trim trees and shrubs around your yard to eliminate places where they can build aerial nests.
- Eliminate Standing Water Sources: Clean up any pooling water around the yard and ensure that rainwaters can drain. Then, address hot tubs, pools, and other water features. Make sure to clean them with cycled water and the correct chemicals.
- Reduce Flowering Vegetation: Stinging insects are attracted to flowering plants, so keep these plants to a minimum.
- Put Lids On Garbage Cans: Regularly clean up trash around the yard and put tight-fitting lids over trash cans.
These steps aren't a guarantee that you'll never have hornets around your Snohomish home, but they can reduce the risk.
What To Do When DIY Hornet Prevention Fails
Unfortunately, you could still wind up with hornets even with your best efforts. In this case, the easiest and safest way to remove them is with Snohomish pest control services from Guard Pest Control. We remove nests and then devise a plan to keep hornets from returning.
Call us today to request your quote and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Snohomish.