Dealing with Wasps and Hornets

Wasps and hornets can often be a mixed blessing. While they are extremely useful as predators against other pests in the garden, hornets can also be a danger to people as well. The biggest threat that wasps and hornets can pose is to those people who happen to be allergic to their stings. Extreme care should be used when dealing with hornets and wasps, especially during the first warmer parts of the year when they are a great natural pollinator (as well as being more irritable than normal).

The main, and often most effective method for dealing with wasps and hornets is avoidance. By simply giving the right of way to single wasps you can avoid many of the problems that people can be faced with. However, there are times when wasps and hornets simply seem to follow you around. In those situations where they are becoming more frequent, and are following you around more than you would want to then take a look at what perfumed products you may be using. Such products tend to attract these pests, and there by limit their use.

While you should never go poking around looking for wasp and hornet nests, they should be dealt with if one is found near your home. There are a couple of methods that you can use to deal with nests, some which carry a little bit of personal risk. The first and arguably easiest method is to hire a professional exterminator to come and deal with the pests. When the exterminator shows up, all you need to do is leave while they are working, and you shouldn't have any problems at all, and will be in no danger of getting stung. The second method is to use some kind of a commercial product to get rid of the flying insects. Simply take a few precautions when you start to get rid of the wasps or hornets. These precautions are to follow the manufacturer's directions closely, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants to protect against getting stung, as well as work at night or dusk when the wasps and hornets are less active.

Most commercial products are designed for dealing with nests are designed for nests that are above ground. This means that any underground nests are going to be a little more difficult to get rid of. In this case, you will want to use some petroleum products (but no fire!) to help get rid of the wasps or hornets. After finding the entrance hole to the nest, go and get some kerosene or diesel fuel, a large wet towel, and a shovel. Pour the fuel down the entrance hole, and then cover with the wet towel. The fumes will kill the wasps and hornets, and after about an hour you can simply dig up and dispose of the nest.