With summer finally here, many people are breaking out their flip-flops and swimsuits and getting ready to have cookouts, picnics, and swimming parties for the next few months. Most homeowners can't wait for the warmer months to finally get here. However, their excitement quickly turns into fear when they notice a hornet's nest around their property.
Hornets can be aggressive if you get too close to their nest. At Gecko Pest Control, we offer comprehensive pest control in Longview and understand how dangerous these flying insects can be to some people. Here is an in-depth look at how to keep yourself and your family safe from these dangerous bugs this summer.
Hornet Identification: Key Markers To Help You Identify Hornets
Hornets are often mistaken for wasps. There are some species named after each other. For example, despite its name, the bald-faced hornet is a type of wasp. And while they look similar, there are a few characteristics you can look for to identify the hornet.
Hornets and wasps both have hairless bodies that are long and slender and feature a narrow "waist." However, the hornets are usually slightly bigger than wasps. On average, a wasp will measure between ½ to ¾ of an inch. Hornets, however, can measure over 1 ½ inches long.
Another difference between these two flying insects is their living situations. Some wasps are social creatures, while other species choose to be solitary insects. All hornets, however, are social and will live in large nests. Their nests can be found underground or high in elevated areas.
Stings And Health Risks: The Dangers Of Hornet Encounters
Because hornets are social insects, they tend to be more territorial and aggressive than wasps and other stinging insects. If you get too close to an active hornet's nest, it’s almost guaranteed you will get stung. If a hornet senses a threat to the colony, several colony members will swarm out of the nest, ready to defend themselves against any predators. Often, a person who encounters angry hornets will get stung multiple times by many different hornets.
Hornets are venomous insects that inject a small amount of venom into your body if they sting you. Most of the time, the venom causes mild effects, like pain and minor swelling. However, many people are allergic to a hornet's venom and will experience severe allergic reactions. If you are allergic to hornets, it is important that you speak with a professional hornet control company at the first sign of hornets.
Experienced Hornet Control: Restoring Peace With Professional Control
Seeing a hornet's nest on your property could be problematic. You should never try to remove or treat a hornet infestation on your own. Many over-the-counter hornet sprays are ineffective and will only make the hornet angry, which could be extremely dangerous for you.
The only way to safely remove a hornet's nest is to call a professional hornet control specialist. An experienced professional will know how to get rid of the hornets on your property safely, and they will also know various strategies that you can use to keep them from coming back.
Creating a Hornet-Free Zone: Essential Steps For Prevention
If you want to keep hornets away from your property, some of the things that you can do include:
- Remove fruit from the ground shortly after it falls off a tree
- Keep your landscape well-maintained and fill in any holes in your yard
- Make sure that all of your outdoor lights have dull or yellow-colored bulbs in them
If you struggle to keep hornets away from your property, Gecko Pest Control can help you. We can quickly and safely get rid of the hornets around your Longview home. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation.