A Helpful Guide To Hornet Control For Denver Homeowners
The first question that most people ask is “Am I dealing with a wasp or a hornet?” The answer isn’t an easy one. The average person can’t tell the difference between wasps and hornets. The classifications are broad and varied, but for the layperson, ultra-aggressive behavior is the clue.
The Most Common Hornet In Colorado
Bald-faced hornets are the variety of hornets that we have here in Colorado. They can be between ½ inch to 2 inches long (That's big!). They have a large head with a white stripe between their eyes. They are also known as the bald hornet, white-faced hornet, blackjack, white-tailed hornet, spruce wasp, black jacket, and bull wasp.
Bald-faced hornets are extremely aggressive and they have a great memory, so it’s best to leave the hive extraction to the pros at Advantage Pest Management. Especially considering that the average hive is 24x18 inches, and holds approximately 700 hornets. An unsuccessful removal could be lethal. Stings from a bald-faced hornet are extremely painful, and people often suffer an allergic reaction as a result of these stings. Medical attention should be sought immediately. Proactive prevention is always the best approach.
What Attracts Hornets To My Denver Property
If a scout hornet ventures onto your property, they will be looking for a steady food source and a good place to build their hive. People with frequently used backyards often unknowingly provide such a space for these stinging insects.
- Meat - Hornets need protein, so meat is a natural attraction for them. Have you ever been to a BBQ, and had wasps try to help themselves to your steak? They are a terrible nuisance at backyard outings.
- Fruit trees - Dropped, rotting fruit is another attractor. You should keep the dropped fruit picked up. Use caution when collecting fruit, many people are stung when they reach for the fruit. Try using an extension grabber, so you can maintain a safe distance.
- Insects - As we said earlier, hornets like protein. This includes insects. They will even eat black widow spiders.
- Bees - If you are a beekeeper, you probably already know that the bald-faced hornet loves to eat bees. It only takes a small number of hornets to wipe out an entire hive.
- Sugary drinks - If you are sitting outside with a soda, there is a pretty good chance you will be visited by a hornet.
Be vigilant about picking up discarded food and drink items, and put them into a garbage can or recycling bin with a secure lid.
How To Discourage Hornets From Moving Onto My Property
It seems that most of what attracts hornets are the same things that attract people, so it goes against our nature to discourage them.
- Remove any food sources. Empty soda cans, and remove leftover food, as well as dropped fruit from trees.
- Garbage cans without secure lids will be a draw. Also, try to store them away from the house if you can.
- Check for sources of stagnant water; removing these water sources will help with many insect issues.
- Grow plants that naturally repel the hornet such as mint, thyme, or lemongrass.
- They are attracted to sweet smells, both natural and unnatural, so your expensive perfume may be drawing the hornets right to you.
Just knowing what will draw them near and following these tips will help you prevent a potential painful sting.
Leave Hornet Control To The Pros
Getting rid of hornets is not a problem you should attempt to handle on your own. A botched hive removal could cause serious injury. Advantage Pest Management can eradicate the hive without putting your family in jeopardy. To learn more about our Denver, CO pest control options or to request an inspection, call us today. We'll gladly help you regain control of your Denver backyard with our home pest control services.