How to Get Rid of a Hornets Nest in a Tree

Hornets can be aggressive insects that build large nests, often high up in trees If you have a hornets nest in one of your trees, you’ll want to get rid of it as soon as possible Trying to remove a hornets nest yourself can be dangerous, so it’s best to hire a professional. Here’s what you need to know about getting rid of a hornets nest in a tree.

Identifying a Hornets Nest

First, you need to figure out if you really do have a hornets’ nest. Hornets’ nests hang from branches and are usually shaped like a teardrop or a round paper bag. Nests can be as small as a grapefruit or as big as a trash bag.

You’ll see hornets flying in and out of a small hole in the bottom of the nest. Hornets are larger than regular wasps with some yellow and brown markings. If you aren’t sure if it’s hornets or wasps, stay back and observe from a distance. Getting too close risks being stung.

Hornets are very protective of their nest. If you disturb it, they will viciously defend it by swarming and stinging. So do not throw things at the nest or try to knock it down yourself.

Dangers of DIY Removal

You should never try to get rid of a hornets’ nest on your own. If you do, the hornets will defend the nest aggressively. Even beekeeper suits can’t fully protect you from getting stung by multiple bees.

Most likely, you don’t have the right tools to safely take down a nest high up in a tree unless you are a trained professional. The hornets will get angry if you try to hit the nest with a stick or spray it with water from a hose. You could be attacked.

Even if you get the nest down, the hornets that are still alive may build it again in the same place or a nearby one. To keep yourself safe, you should call a pest control company to get rid of the hornets’ nest.

Calling a Professional Exterminator

Here are the steps a professional exterminator will take to get rid of a hornets nest:

• Inspect the property to locate all nests.

• Apply an insecticide dust in the nest opening before dawn when hornets are dormant. This kills hornets inside the nest.

• Wear thick protective clothing from head to toe. Beekeeper suits provide the highest level of protection.

• Use a high-powered stream of water to dislodge the nest and knock it to the ground. This is done in the evening when most hornets have returned to the nest.

• Immediately place the dislodged nest in a sealed trash bag so hornets trapped inside cannot escape.

• Treat the inside of the tree cavity with a residual insecticide to prevent nest rebuilding.

• Monitor the site for any new nests.

This approach by professionals minimizes the risks of being stung. Insecticide dust and spray allows the nest to be removed safely. Sealing the nest prevents loose hornets from attacking. And residual sprays deter the area from being reused.

When to Call for Removal

Don’t wait if you spot a hornets nest in a tree on your property. Call for professional removal as soon as possible:

• In spring when new nests first appear. This prevents the colony from reaching maximum size in summer.

• If the nest is located near an area the public may disturb like a park trail.

• If the nest is lower in the tree where children could throw things at it.

• If you need to prune or remove the tree the nest is in.

• If hornets are starting to fly around or land on your home.

• If any family member is allergic to stings.

Taking quick action improves safety on your property and lets you avoid a serious problem in the future.

Removal Costs

Professional hornet nest removal typically costs $100 to $200 on average. Here are some of the factors that influence the price:

• Difficulty reaching the nest – More equipment and labor will be required for nests high up in tall trees.

• Number of nests – Prices are often based per nest removed. More nests means higher total costs.

• Type of insecticide used – Natural insecticides are more expensive than synthetic chemicals.

• Whether removal is for an entire property or a single nest – Treatment of a full property costs more.

• Time involved – Larger nests take longer to be removed safely.

While costs can add up for difficult removals, it’s worth investing to eliminate the hazard hornets pose. Getting multiple estimates lets you find the best rate.

Preventing Future Nests

To help prevent hornets from nesting again after removal, there are some steps you can take:

• Install yellow jacket traps around the property in spring to catch emerging queens before they can form nests.

• Seal openings in trees, sheds, and homes where hornets like to build nests.

• Keep trees and shrubs pruned so branches don’t touch buildings.

• Remove dead trees and rotting stumps that attract hornet nests.

• Avoid using sweet-smelling fragrances, foods, and drinks outdoors.

• Have a pest management professional apply preventative residual insecticide treatments.

With vigilance, you can help reduce the chances of dealing with hornets nests in your trees year after year. But if nests do reappear, never try removal yourself. Hire a licensed professional to do the job safely and effectively.

Summary

Here are some key points to remember about removing hornets nests in trees:

• Hornets aggressively defend nests and can sting repeatedly.

• Attempting removal without proper training and equipment is extremely dangerous.

• Call a professional pest control company as soon as a nest is observed.

• Treatment involves insecticide dust/spray and protective suits for safety.

• Sealing nests prevents loose hornets from escaping when dislodged.

• Monitor for any new nests and take steps to deter future nest building.

• While costly, professional removal is worth it to protect your family from swarms of stinging hornets.

Dealing with hornets nests yourself risks serious and even fatal stings. Protect your safety by hiring a pest management professional to inspect your property and remove any nests found in your trees.