How Dangerous Are The Hornets Around My Parrish Property?

There are many different kinds of stinging insects. From bees to wasps to hornets, it’s important to learn to protect yourself and your family. Many homeowners don’t know a lot about hornets. What separates these stinging insects from others? How dangerous are they, exactly? How can you keep them off your Parrish property? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is A Hornet?

Hornets are a type of wasp. They differentiate themselves by their larger size. Hornets are the largest eusocial wasps, meaning the largest wasp that lives in a colony. Some types of hornets can grow to be over two inches long!
 
Hornet nests are similar to wasp nests. They build their nests out of a pulp material primarily made from wood. Hornet nests are often found in eaves, trees, bushes, and even underground.
 
Two of the most common types of hornets in Parrish are European hornets and bald-faced hornets. European hornets are usually brown with yellow stripes, while bald-faced hornets are primarily black with white faces.

How Dangerous Are Hornets?

Hornets are among the most dangerous of stinging insects because they can sting repeatedly. Hornets aren’t as aggressive as some other types of wasps, like yellow jackets, but they can still be incredibly aggressive if they feel threatened.
 
In the best of cases, a hornet sting can result in pain and swelling for 24 hours. Often, though, victims end up with multiple stings. In some cases, an allergy can cause severe swelling, rashes, and even anaphylaxis. In severe cases, hornet stings can be fatal.

Can You Keep Hornets Away?

The question then becomes, what can you do about it? How do you lower your chances of getting stung? One of the first steps is to make sure that you don’t have a hornet’s nest on your property, as that will mean more hornets around and more chance of aggression as they defend their nest.

To protect your home:

• Keep your yard well-landscaped. Trim the grass and the foliage and clear out any debris. This will make it harder for hornets to build nests undetected.
• Seal holes and cracks. It’s common for hornets to get inside structures like a tool shed or garage and build protected nests. Prevent this by sealing these buildings well. Repairing holes and cracks in the exterior of your home will also help you ensure hornets don’t get inside your home.
• Stay vigilant. Get professional help at the first sign of a hornet infestation. By watching for an increase in the number of hornets around your property or the beginnings of a nest, you can take action before the entire colony has moved in.
• Avoid offering food. Plant flowers far from your home or areas where children typically play. Don’t leave food or drinks sitting out. Clean spills promptly. Store outdoor trash in sealed containers.

Ongoing Pest Control

For the best results with hornet control, partner with Keller’s Pest Control for ongoing pest control services. We’ll help inspect your property to determine areas attracting hornets and places inviting nest building.
 
If you already have a hornet nest in your yard, we’ll help you remove it safely. Any DIY attempts to remove a hornet nest are highly discouraged, as it could result in multiple stings and severe reactions. Instead, let us use our knowledge and materials to remove hornets safely and restore the safety of your yard.