How to Get Rid of a Hornets Nest

Hornets aren't exactly the kind of creature you want hanging around your home or garden. Not only are they an annoyance, but they're an aggressive insect that will sting repeatedly when provoked. But just how exactly do you get rid of them and better yet, how can you get rid of them in a safe and easy manner?

Things You'll Need

• Long sleeved shirt and pants
• Protective eye wear
• Gloves
• A bee hat
• Insecticide
• A large outdoor light or flashlight

Instructions

1. Find an insecticide that targets hornets and wasps. Not all insecticides are effective on all types of pests, so make sure you purchase one that will work on hornets. Carbaryl or malathion or a commercially available wasp and hornet formula should work fine.

2. Cover yourself from head to toe before approaching the nest. This means fully covering your face, arms, legs and torso. Leaving anything exposed will leave you susceptible to stings if the hornets become agitated.

3. Begin the removal work only at night. The hornets will be sluggish and less aggressive at night.

4. Place some type of light or flashlight nearby but away from you. This way you will be able to see what you are doing, but any hornets that escape will fly towards the light and away from you.

5. Spray the entrance of the nest with the insecticide. Immediately after spraying into the entrance, block it with a shovelful of earth to keep the hornets from escaping.

6. Destroy any remainder of the nest.

Tips & Warnings

• Have someone near as you destroy the nest so they can get help in case of an extreme reaction to a sting.

• If activity near the nest continues after several days, repeat the treatment as necessary.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish