Hornets In DC, MD & VA

Hornets are valuable predators that help to control the populations of soft-bodied insects that live all around us. Flies, centipedes, and crickets are examples of insects that hornets feed on; they also feed on spiders.

Though hornets have their place in nature, they don't have a place in our yard. They are stinging insects and capable of delivering painful stings to people. 

Hornets are social insects identified by their hairless bodies and defined waists. Depending on the species, they may be a combination of black, white, yellow, orange, and brown colors. Though similar in shape to wasps, hornets tend to be larger and more robust.

Three of the most common species of hornets living in our area are:

• Asian giant hornet (murder hornet)
• Baldfaced hornet
• European Hornet

While hornets won’t hesitate to defend their nest, they aren’t as aggressive as some other stinging insect species like yellow jackets. However, like other stinging insects, the venom that hornets inject with their stingers is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions in people. Those severely allergic could experience anaphylactic shock. In addition, wasps and hornets have a smooth stinger that allows them to sting their victims repeatedly, injecting more venom with every sting.

Hornets are on your property either because they have built a nest on it or because they have discovered reliable food sources.  If you only see a few hornets here or there, they are likely only visiting from a neighboring property. However, if you see lots of hornets flying around your yard, eating areas, or gardens, there is likely a nest present on your property that you must remove.

Yards near wooded areas, meadows, and parks with a lot of flowering vegetation and trees are attractive to hornets because they are places their insect prey like to hang out. 

Hornets typically build their nests up off the ground. Some favorite nesting sites that our yards provide include:

• Tree branches
• Tree-like shrubs
• Utility Poles
• Under roof hangs
• Under decking
• Under playhouses or outdoor furniture
• Attic spaces

If hornets have become a problem in your home or on your property, it is best to seek the help of a pest control professional. Don’t try to remove these stinging pests on your own; partner with the licensed experts here at Miche Pest Control, and get peace of mind knowing we will resolve your hornet problem quickly and without the risk of you being stung. 

Our friendly, highly trained professionals use effective and modern pest control methods and products to control hornets and other common household pests living in and around your home or business. 

To learn more about the exceptional hornet control services we provide throughout our service areas in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., contact Miche Pest Control today!

Preventing problems with hornets is difficult, but we want to help you guard your property against hornets by offering these helpful prevention tips:

• Remove things like woodpiles, fallen trees, and tree stumps from your yard where hornets can nest.
• Cut tree limbs and overgrown shrubs back from your home’s exterior.
• Keep lids on outdoor trash cans to prevent attracting the insects that hornets feed on.
• Remove areas of standing water from your property that provide a source of water for hornets and attract insect activity.
• Make sure screens in windows and doors are secure and free of rips to help keep hornets out of your home.
• Regularly inspect roof eaves, deck rails, and under outdoor furniture for hornet nests; if you discover one, immediately contact us for help.