How to Get Rid of Sand Hornets in Your Yard

Hornets may build nests under porches or in tree cavities but rarely hanging overhead in trees or on overhangs.

The sand hornet,vespa cabro -- also known as the brown hornet, European hornet and giant hornet -- are social insects with bodies 3/8- to1 1/2-inches long and are commonly confused with yellow jackets because of their yellow and black coloring. They are found in southern Massachusetts, south to Georgia and west to Indiana usually in forests but occasionally in outbuildings. Queens overwinter and re-establish a new nest every spring. The other members of the colony die when temperatures get cold. Sand hornets, important pest control insects, feed on many garden problem insects but also enjoy sugary, sweet juices and saps. They eat holes into ripe fruit and can be found buzzing around the base of fruit trees. Although not confrontational, they will sting if threatened. Control is necessary around people with allergies to their venom.

Things You'll Need

• Wasp and Hornet spray
• Ladder
• Long pants and sleeves
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Flashlight
• Red plastic
• Tape

Instructions

1. Use a good wasp and hornet spray to kill the nest. Wait until evening when the majority of the insects will be inside. Use a spray with a range of 10 to 15 feet so you don't have to get too close.

2. Set up a ladder if the nest is overhead so you can spray straight at it instead of up in the air. Wear full length pants and a long sleeved shirt. Protect yourself from angry hornets in any other way you see fit, including wearing gloves and eye protection.

3. Tape a piece of red plastic over a flashlight if you are using one. The hornets will go straight for the light unless you cover it. Sand hornets cannot see red.

4. Spray the nest until it is saturated and then leave the area. Inspect the nest the next day or as dusk falls to see if more insects are trying to enter it. If you see more hornets, spray the nest again. It may take up to three times to completely eradicate the hornets.

5. Clean up the nest and dispose of it when you are sure the insects are dead. The nest is full of toxins and you don't want wildlife or pets to come in contact with the poison.

Tips & Warnings

• These insects are beneficial so if possible try to live with them. When outdoors cover food and clean up spills. Make sanitation a priority and clean up dropped fruit under trees. This will prevent their presence to some degree.

• Do not try to take on a hornet's nest yourself if you have an allergy to their venom. Call a professional service to remove the pests.

References

• Cornell University Master Beekeeper Program: Stinging Insects- Giant Hornets
• University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department: Yellow Jackets and Hornets
• North Carolina State University; Controlling Bald Faced Hornets and Yellowjackets iIn and Around Structures; Stephen D. Bambara, Michael Waldvogel