Managing Hornets Around Your Home and Garden
If you’re like many Americans, the thought of hornets around your home and garden can be quite alarming. Hornets and other stinging insects are common in Louisville due to its warm climate, mild winters, and abundant moisture. The fresh produce and citrus around the area, along with homes that have deep eaves, provide ideal nesting spots for these pests.
Common Hornets in Louisville:
- European Hornet
- Bald-Faced Hornet
- Northern Paper Wasp
Most wasps fall under the hornet family, though this is not commonly known. Regardless of their classification, hornets pose significant risks, including property damage and potential harm to family members, sometimes severe enough to require hospitalization.
Hornet Life Cycle:
Hornets have a life cycle similar to wasps, bees, and ants. They work together in a colony, with larvae being fed by worker hornets until they mature. Most hornets die off in winter, making room for new queens and larvae.
Nesting Habits:
Hornets build nests from wood pulp, typically found in tree branches, eaves, utility poles, or thick shrubbery. It’s crucial not to approach or attempt to destroy a hornet nest without proper training.
Preventing Hornet Activity:
Here are some simple steps to keep hornets away:
- Maintain your lawn by trimming grass, pruning trees, and cutting back tall shrubbery.
- Remove rotting fruit from any fruit trees or bushes in your yard.
- Store trash in tightly sealed bins, and dispose of garbage immediately after outdoor activities.
If you suspect hornets are already present, take action right away. Contact IPM Pest Control for a free inspection.
Safe Hornet Removal with Havard Pest Control:
Hornets are dangerous and should not be handled without professional help. IPM Pest Control offers safe and effective hornet nest removal. Call our main office to discuss your options or schedule a treatment visit.
