How To Get Rid Of Hornets: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Get Rid of Hornets PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Scott McCombe

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Approved

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  • Locating the Nest
    • |
  • Applying Insecticide
    • |
  • Deterring Hornets in the Future
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Scott McCombe. Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 22 testimonials and 88% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,321,531 times.

If you've noticed hornets buzzing around your yard and want to get rid of them, track them back to their nest. Spray the nest at night with an aerosol insecticide labeled for wasps and hornets. Be sure to wear thick protective clothing when you approach the nest, and avoid getting too close to it. If the nest is a safe distance from your home, consider leaving it alone. Hornets eat other insects and pollinate flowers, so they're an important part of the ecosystem.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Locating the Nest

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  1. Step 1 Scout for small nests on your property in the early spring. 1 Scout for small nests on your property in the early spring. Hornet nests are small and easier to remove in the early spring. A nest that's around the size of a ping pong ball probably only contains a queen and unhatched eggs, so you can just spray it down with a hose.[1]
    • You'll need insecticide to get rid of a larger nest. By summer, nests can grow to the size of a basketball and contain thousands of hornets.
  2. Step 2 Wear protective clothing when you search for and treat the nest. 2 Wear protective clothing when you search for and treat the nest.[2] At a minimum, wear a thick, long-sleeved shirt, pants, thick leather or rubber gloves, and boots. Coveralls can add extra protection, and a beekeeper's veil can protect your head and face.[3]
    • If you can't access a veil, you should wear protective goggles and a hat that covers your ears.
    • To prevent hornets from getting into your clothing, use rubber bands or duct tape to secure your sleeves to your gloves and your pants to your boots.
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  3. Step 3 Lure and track the hornets if you don't know the nest's location. 3 Lure and track the hornets if you don't know the nest's location. If you've seen hornets buzzing but aren't sure where the nest is, observe which direction they fly. When they find food, hornets collect what they can and bring it back to the nest.[4]
    • Try leaving out bait, such as pieces of fruit or meat, then watch it from inside your home. When hornets show interest, look for the direction they fly away, then follow them. Eventually, you should be able to track down the nest.
  4. Step 4 Place a marker 15 to 20 ft (4.6 to 6.1 m) away from the nest. 4 Place a marker 15 to 20 ft (4.6 to 6.1 m) away from the nest. A hornet's nest is gray or beige, shaped like a rounded teardrop, and can be as large as a basketball. They usually hang from trees, but you might find one on the ground. Once you find the nest, stay a safe distance away, and mark your spot so you can find the nest later.[5]
    • While you're at the nest, see if you can find the opening. Hornet nests usually have a single small opening toward the bottom. You might want to use binoculars to look for the hole so you don't have to get too close.
    • You'll need to apply insecticide at night, so mark your spot with a brightly colored flag that you'll be able to see in the dark.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Applying Insecticide

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  1. Step 1 Purchase an aerosol insecticide with a 15 to 20 ft (4.6 to 6.1 m) range. 1 Purchase an aerosol insecticide with a 15 to 20 ft (4.6 to 6.1 m) range. Find a pressurized can of aerosol insecticide labeled for wasps and hornets at a home improvement store or garden center. Check the label, and make sure that it produces a solid stream that reaches at least 15 ft (4.6 m).[6]
    • You'll need a long-range aerosol insecticide so you can target the nest without getting too close.
    • Read the instruction label and use your product as directed.
  2. Step 2 Treat the nest with insecticide at night. 2 Treat the nest with insecticide at night.[7] The best time to treat a hornet nest with insecticide is around 2 hours after dusk. Hornets are least active at night, and most of the workers return to the nest after dusk.
    • Since they remain active after sunset, European hornets are an exception to this rule.[8] For this species, the best time to spray is just before sunrise when it's still dark.
    • European hornets can grow over 1 in (2.5 cm) in length, and have a reddish-brown head and thorax (the middle section of the body). Other wasps and hornets don't have this reddish-brown coloring.
  3. Step 3 Use a flashlight with a red filter to find the nest. 3 Use a flashlight with a red filter to find the nest. Hornets have trouble seeing red light, so secure a sheet of red cellophane over your flashlight with a rubber band. That way, you'll be able to see where you're going without disturbing the nest.[9]
    • You'll attract unwanted attention if you use an unfiltered flashlight.
    • Remember to wear protective clothing when you approach the nest. Keep in mind treating a hornet or wasp nest yourself is risky, and protective clothing does not make you invincible.
  4. Step 4 Aim the insecticide stream at the nest's opening. 4 Aim the insecticide stream at the nest's opening. When you locate your marker and find the nest, try to track down the opening. Again, binoculars can help you get a good view without getting too close. When you find the opening, spray a steady stream of insecticide at it for at least 5 to 10 seconds.[10]
    • The goal is to keep the nest intact as you soak the opening. That way, any hornets that come out and try to attack with come into contact with the insecticide.
    • Do your best to hold the stream for several seconds, but don't stick around longer than necessary. If you hear angry, swarming hornets, cover your head with your hands and run toward shelter.
  5. Step 5 Check the nest after at least 1 day, and reapply insecticide if necessary. 5 Check the nest after at least 1 day, and reapply insecticide if necessary. Wait 24 to 48 hours, then head back to the nest to check your work. If you see any remaining active hornets, go back to the nest after dark and apply more insecticide.[11]
    • Larger nests might take 2 or 3 applications. When you're sure the nest is vacant, swat it down from a tree branch or, if it's on the ground, cover it with soil.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Deterring Hornets in the Future

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  1. Step 1 Caulk... 1 Caulk and seal cracks in your home.[12] In the late winter or early spring, survey your home and any other structures on your property, such as sheds. Check for cracks in the siding, roof line, eaves, and soffits, and seal any openings you find with waterproof caulk.[13]
    • Use 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) gauge wire mesh to cover any large openings or vents.
  2. Step 2 Eliminate sources of food and water. 2 Eliminate sources of food and water. Avoid leaving out food or containers that held food, especially meat and other sources of protein, fruit, and sugary drinks. Ensure hoses and other water fixtures don't leak, and promptly remove any puddles of water that collect in your yard.
    • Additionally, if you have any outdoor pets, don't leave food outside for them. Food and water will attract hornets.
  3. Step 3 Keep your garbage and recycling bins tightly sealed. 3 Keep your garbage and recycling bins tightly sealed. It's especially important to keep trash and recycling bins tightly covered if they hold food waste or containers that held sweet beverages. You should also check the bins' exteriors routinely for spilled food or liquid. Hose down your bins thoroughly if you notice any residue.[14]
  4. Step 4 Fill rodent burrows and crevices with soil. 4 Fill rodent burrows and crevices with soil. Burrows and other nooks and crannies can attract ground-nesting hornets and wasps. Check your yard in the early spring, and fill in any crevices you find.[15]
    • Continue to check for holes throughout the spring and early summer.
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Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How can I get rid of hornets naturally? Scott McCombe Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor. Scott McCombe Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist Expert Answer To keep hornets from nesting in or around your home, seal any cracks or gaps in your exterior walls so they can't get inside. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 7
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Video

Tips

  • If the nest is in or around your home, you might have no alternative to removing it. However, if it's a safe distance away, it might be best to leave it alone. Hornets help control insect populations and pollinate flowers, and are a valuable part of the ecosystem.[16] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
  • Trapping is not an effective method for controlling hornets, especially if you're dealing with a significant number of insects.[17] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you do decide to leave the nest alone, make sure your family and any visitors know about it. Let them know that they shouldn't get close to it or do anything to agitate the hornets. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 6
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Never climb on a ladder in an attempt to remove a nest. If hornets attack, you might fall and suffer a serious injury. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
  • Hornets can become aggressive when their nest is threatened. Plan exit routes in advance in case they swarm when you spray the nest.[18] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
  • Call a professional if you're dealing with a nest that's high up in a tree or in a structure, such as inside a wall or attic. Additionally, never attempt to remove a nest if you're allergic to bee, wasp, or hornet stings.[19] [20] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Some professional exterminators make use of the bag technique, which involves enclosing the nest in plastic bag and cutting it from its branch. This method is best left to professionals; do not attempt it on your own.[21] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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Things You'll Need

  • Protective clothing
  • Brightly colored flag or other marker
  • Flashlight covered with red cellophane
  • Aerosol insecticide labeled for wasps and hornets
  • Binoculars (optional)

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/stinging-insects/european-hornet/
  2. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/insects/hornets/how-you-can-help/trapping
  5. ↑ https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/resource000532_rep554.pdf
  6. ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7450.html
  7. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/resource000532_rep554.pdf
More References (12)
  1. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef620
  3. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/resource000532_rep554.pdf
  5. ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7450.html
  6. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/getting_rid_of_wasps_nests
  7. ↑ https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/4889/Hornets-and-Yellow-Jackets.html
  8. ↑ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7450.html
  9. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ Scott McCombe. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview
  11. ↑ https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/resource000532_rep554.pdf
  12. ↑ https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef620

About This Article

Scott McCombe Co-authored by: Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist This article was co-authored by Scott McCombe. Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor. This article has been viewed 1,321,531 times. 56 votes - 88% Co-authors: 28 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 1,321,531 Categories: Featured Articles | Bee and Wasp Control Article SummaryX

To get rid of hornets, wait until nighttime since hornets are less active at night. Then, put on some protective clothing, like a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, a hat, and goggles. Once you're suited up, locate the hornets' nest and spray the opening with an insecticide from a distance. Avoid shining an unfiltered flashlight on the nest or you could disturb the hornets. Instead, use a flashlight with a red filter to help you see the nest. To learn how to prevent hornets from coming back, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Trish P.

    Trish P.

    Jul 27, 2017

    "It gives options to poisons that are bad for humans. Hornets have a nest in my eaves, easily visible, but I think..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Scott McCombe Co-authored by: Scott McCombe Pest Control Specialist Co-authors: 28 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 1,321,531 88% of readers found this article helpful. 56 votes - 88% Click a star to add your vote Trish P.

Trish P.

Jul 27, 2017

"It gives options to poisons that are bad for humans. Hornets have a nest in my eaves, easily visible, but I think..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Aug 31, 2017

"The warnings were most helpful. We were about to do two things you said not to: using a pressure washer, and poking..." more Sonja Draughn

Sonja Draughn

Jul 12, 2016

"Really good advice for the removal of wasps and/or hornets! Not only does this article give you advice on specific..." more Debbie Majer

Debbie Majer

Aug 7, 2016

"Good information! I sprayed a large nest in a tree in my yard last evening with 2 cans of spray; have 2 more cans..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Feb 12, 2017

"This article has helped me to gain basic knowledge on the subject of removing existing hornet hives, as well as..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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