Hornet Control in Fort Myers, FL

How to Get Rid of Hornets in Fort Myers, FL

Fort Myers’ hot, humid climate provides the perfect environment for hornets, which can sting when threatened, leading to potential health issues. In Fort Myers, you’re likely to encounter the following hornet species:

• Southern yellowjacket
• Eastern yellowjacket
• Bald-faced hornet

Each type of hornet has unique characteristics that we’ll discuss in more detail later in this article.

How do you safely remove hornets from your home? We highly recommend contacting a pest control company at the first sign of hornet activity. Trying to remove a hornet nest yourself is dangerous, as these pests become highly aggressive when defending their nests. Professional pest control experts not only remove the nest safely but also help prevent the hornets from returning, giving you peace of mind.

Fort Myers Pest Control Services offers tailored solutions to tackle hornet infestations. Our treatment plans are based on the infestation severity, environmental conditions, and other factors, and often include the following:

A Comprehensive Inspection

Before we begin any treatment, we conduct a thorough inspection to determine the scope of the infestation and the specific hornet species involved. This allows us to develop a customized solution that’s effective for your situation.

Nest Removal

As mentioned earlier, attempting to remove a nest on your own can be hazardous. Hornets become highly aggressive when their nests are threatened. Our team uses professional safety equipment to remove the nests, ensuring the safety of your family and property. After removal, we safely dispose of the nests to prevent hornets from returning to the same location.

Targeted Treatments

We may use targeted treatments, including insecticides, to eliminate hornet infestations. Our treatments are safe for your home and family but effective against hornets.

Once hornets invade your property, they can pose a significant risk to your family. Addressing the problem early is crucial to prevent the situation from escalating. Don’t waste time or money on ineffective store-bought solutions. Instead, trust the professionals at Fort Myers Pest Control Services for fast, reliable hornet removal. Contact us today if you spot hornets around your home.

Signs of a Hornet Infestation in Fort Myers, FL

It’s not always easy to tell if the hornets you see in your yard are part of a larger infestation. Here are some signs that suggest it’s time to call a pest control professional:

Hornet Sightings

Hornets are drawn to sheltered, dry areas such as bushes, trees, attics, and roof eaves. If you see hornets frequently in these areas or around your home, it may indicate the presence of a nest. You may also notice hornets entering or exiting specific parts of your home, such as through a hole in the wall or an open vent.

Increased Hornet Activity

While it’s normal to see a few hornets in Florida, an increase in sightings could indicate a problem. If you suddenly notice hornets inside your home or droppings on your car or other surfaces, it’s time to act.

Hornet Nests

Hornet nests are typically round and about the size of a football, with a large opening. If you spot one of these nests on your property, don’t attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, contact a professional pest control company to safely take care of the problem.

Other signs of hornet infestations include:

• Hornets often chew and break off wood to build their nests. Look for small marks in your wooden structures.
• Keep an eye out for dead insects inside and outside your home. Hornets feed on bees, flies, and other pests.
• Hornets might leave their body fluids around your property, which might appear as small stains on walls and other surfaces.

Regular checks for these signs can help prevent an infestation from worsening. In the next section, we’ll explain how to safely inspect your home for hornets.

What Do Hornets Look Like?

The hornet species found in Fort Myers have distinct physical characteristics. Here’s how to identify the three most common species:

Southern Yellowjackets

Southern Yellowjackets are usually about ½ inch long and have black, hairless bodies with yellow stripes and clear wings. Queen yellowjackets are larger and often have an orange hue.

Eastern Yellowjackets

Eastern Yellowjackets are similar to their southern counterparts but are usually larger. The black and yellow stripes differ slightly based on whether the hornet is a queen, worker, or male.

Bald-faced Hornets

Bald-faced hornets are black with white or ivory markings on their face, thorax, and abdomen. Their wings are dark brown.

Hornets are often mistaken for wasps or bees, but they are generally larger and more aggressive. If you’re unsure what type of insect you’re dealing with, contact a pest control professional for identification and treatment options.

How to Prevent Hornets in Fort Myers, FL

Once your hornet infestation has been dealt with, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from returning. Here are a few ways to keep hornets away from your home:

Reduce Outdoor Clutter

Hornets often hide in leaf piles, compost, and other outdoor debris. Keeping your yard clean and free of clutter can reduce the likelihood of a hornet infestation.

Trim Vegetation

Trees, bushes, and other plants provide shelter for hornets. Regular trimming can make your property less attractive to hornets looking for a place to build a nest.

Remove Food Waste

Hornets are attracted to sugary foods, especially fruit. Keeping your home free of food waste can help prevent hornets from coming inside.

Seal Trash Cans

Hornets often feed on food waste found in trash cans. Always keep your trash cans tightly sealed, and store them away from your home if possible.

Cover Holes in Your Lawn

Some hornet species build nests underground. Covering holes in your yard can stop hornets from building nests on your property.

Other ways to prevent hornets include:

• Avoid wearing strong perfumes or bright colors when outside your home, as they can attract hornets.
• Keep outdoor dining areas clean and free from crumbs.
• Plant herbs and flowers in your yard that might repel hornets, such as lavender.

As part of our pest prevention services, we provide ongoing education to help you avoid future hornet infestations.