Hornet Control in Northeast Florida

How to Get Rid of Hornets In Northeast Florida

Hornets are a common problem in Northeast Florida due to the region’s warm and humid climate. Like bees and wasps, hornets can sting if threatened, which may lead to health complications. Some of the most common hornet species in Northeast Florida include:

• Southern yellowjacket
• Eastern yellowjacket
• Bald-faced hornet

Each of these hornet species has distinctive characteristics, which will be detailed later.

So, how do you get rid of hornets in your home? We strongly recommend working with a pest control company at the first sign of trouble. Removing a hornet nest by yourself can be dangerous, as hornets can become aggressive when defending their nests. A professional can also help prevent hornets from returning, giving you ongoing protection and peace of mind.

All U Need Pest Control has the expertise you need for hornet control. We’ll develop a customized treatment plan based on the severity of the infestation, environmental conditions, and other factors. This plan may include:

A Comprehensive Inspection

A thorough inspection of your home will help determine the extent of your infestation and identify its root cause. We’ll identify the specific hornet species before devising custom solutions to suit your needs.

Nest Removal

As mentioned earlier, attempting to remove a nest yourself can be risky. Hornets are often aggressive when defending their nests, making it difficult to manage without professional help.

Our team will safely remove any hornet nests from your property using the appropriate safety gear. We will also properly dispose of the nests so hornets can’t reuse them.

Targeted Treatments

We may use insecticides or other targeted treatments to address your hornet problem. Unlike other pest control companies, our treatments are safe and won’t harm your home or family.

Once hornets have established themselves on your property, the likelihood of a family member getting stung increases. That’s why it’s crucial to deal with the problem now before it worsens. Instead of relying on ineffective store-bought sprays, consider working with an expert like All U Need Pest Control, who can ensure the safety of your household. Contact us today if you notice hornets on your property.

Signs of a Hornet Infestation In Northeast Florida

It can be difficult to determine whether you have a minor hornet problem or a full-blown infestation. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to contact a pest control company:

Hornet Sightings

Hornets are often attracted to dry, sheltered areas like bushes, trees, attics, and roof eaves. If you spot hornets in these locations or elsewhere on your property, it may be time to seek professional help. You might also notice hornets entering or exiting specific areas, such as holes in exterior walls or crawl space vents.

Increased Hornet Activity

Although seeing hornets is common in Northeast Florida, frequent sightings could indicate a bigger issue. For instance, if you suddenly see hornets inside your home or notice droppings on your car, you may have an infestation.

Hornet Nests

Hornet nests are typically round and about the size of a football, with a large single opening. This makes them distinct from bee and wasp nests. If you find a nest on your property, don’t approach it. Instead, contact a Northeast Florida pest control company to safely remove it.

Other signs of a hornet infestation include:

• Hornets often chew on wood to build their nests. Look for small marks on wooden structures around your home.
• Keep an eye out for dead insects around your home, as hornets feed on bees, flies, and other pests.
• Hornets may leave body fluids behind, which can appear as small stains on walls and other surfaces.

Regular checks for hornets can help prevent an infestation from worsening. We’ll explain how to do this in the next section.

What Do Hornets Look Like?

Hornets vary in appearance depending on their species. Below are descriptions of the most common hornet species in Northeast Florida:

Southern Yellowjackets

Male and worker southern yellowjackets are about half an inch long, with black hairless bodies and yellow stripes. Queens are larger and orange, making them easy to spot in the colony.

Eastern Yellowjackets

Eastern yellowjackets are typically larger than southern yellowjackets but have similar black bodies with yellow stripes. Their pattern varies 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 and translucent.

Hornets are often confused with wasps or bees, but they tend to be larger and more aggressive. If you’re not sure which insect is on your property, a professional pest control company can help identify them and recommend the appropriate treatment.

How to Prevent Hornets In Northeast Florida

After removing hornets from your property, you’ll want to take steps to ensure they don’t return. Here’s how:

Reduce Outdoor Clutter

Hornets often shelter in compost piles, leaf piles, and other outdoor debris. Keeping your yard clean can help prevent a future infestation.

Trim Vegetation

Hornets are attracted to trees and bushes, as they offer protection from the elements. Regularly trimming vegetation makes it harder for hornets to settle on your property.

Get Rid of Food Waste

Hornets are attracted to sugary foods, such as fruit. By properly disposing of food waste, you can reduce the chance of hornets entering your home.

Seal Trash Cans

Hornets are drawn to food waste in trash cans. Always keep trash cans sealed and place them as far away from your home as possible.

Cover Holes In Your Lawn

Some hornet species dig holes in lawns to build nests underground. Covering these holes can prevent hornets from establishing nests on your property.

Other methods for preventing hornets include:

• Avoid wearing strong perfumes or bright clothing when outdoors, as these can attract hornets.
• Keep outdoor dining areas clean and free of crumbs.
• Plant herbs and flowers, such as lavender, that naturally repel hornets.

Our maintenance programs provide ongoing education on how to prevent hornets from returning, helping you protect your home and family.