Hornets are often mistaken for yellow jacket wasps, however, they’re considerably different in size to wasps and bees. The black and white bald-faced hornet is common across all of Canada, while the European hornet, large yellow and black hornets, is found in southern Ontario. Hornet diets consist of nectar and sugar-rich plants, and other wasps, locusts, honey bees, and grasshoppers. Call our expert wasp removal services in Toronto.
People fear hornets because their venom is stronger than the venom from yellow jacket wasps and when they attack a nest, they can be very aggressive. In the unlikely event that you come across a hornet’s nest, your best option is to stay far away from it, however, if hornets have decided to make part of your property their home, they can’t be ignored as this may put you, your family, and your household pets at risk of their stings.
In this article, we’ll look at some easy and natural home solutions to help you get rid of these dangerous pests.
Table of Contents
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is regularly utilized as a home solution to dispose of hornets. Research has demonstrated that essential oils are powerful as pesticides. Add the peppermint oil to a bottle mixed with water and dish soap and then spray this mixture into the visible entryway of the hornet nest.
It’s important to note that should you not have peppermint oil available, you can use neem oil, cedar oil, eucalyptus oil, or just use the mixture of water and dish soap.
2. Bucket Trap
In your bucket, add water, dish soap, sugar, and vinegar. You can place it either underneath the nest or fairly close to it. The scent of the vinegar will lure the hornets out their nest and attract them to it. They will then drown in the bucket.
3. Use Lemon and Clove
This is a standout amongst the most straightforward and natural home solutions for disposing of hornets. The lemon and clove hornet deterrent is a hornet repellent mixture that will not kill them. It works because the combination of lemons and cloves smell repulses hornets. Cut a lemon in half and place around 12 cloves in every half. You can then proceed to place that on open areas where hornets are common.
4. Plant or Grow a Hornet Repelling Plant
Due to the fact that plants depend on pollinators, such as hornets, the number of plants that can actually repel hornets is short. However, plants that are able to repel hornets are lemongrass, wormwood, and mint. Planting these in your backyard will help to ensure that these pests don’t use any part of your property as their home as well.
Plants that Repel Wasps and Hornets
Some evidence suggests that wasps dislike the smell of certain herbs and flowers. Try planting the following around sitting areas in the yard to keep wasps away:
- Geraniums. This annual plant makes beautiful flowers and requires a lot of sun. Plant some geraniums in containers of well-draining soil where they can get morning sun.
- Marigolds. Marigolds are known for deterring pests that eat at the roots of fruits and vegetables. Wasps hate them too. Plant these in areas of full sun.
- Mint. Many pests find the smell of mint too over-powering. Plant this herb in moist, well-drained soil. Mint tends to grow out of control, so be careful where you put it.
- Pennyroyal. Pennyroyal is similar to mint in its ability to repel wasps. Plant this perennial herb in containers, in partial shade. Note that pennyroyal is toxic to cats and dogs.
- Basil. Keep a pot or two of basil in areas you want to deter wasps. Be sure to water them frequently and place them where they can get a few hours of sun.
- Thyme. Like mint and basil, wasps simply do not like the smell of thyme. Give this herb lots of sun. Thyme does especially well in hot climates.
- Citronella. Plant this grassy herb in areas of full sun, wherever you want to keep wasps away.
- Wormwood. Native to Europe, this plant makes a savoury smell. Be sure not to let it get too wet.
Are There Any Safety Measure to Take into Consideration?
There are quite a number of precautionary measures to take if you notice hornets near you:
- Do not poke at or hit their nests
- Do not make sudden movements around them as they will consider you a threat and sting
- Do not smack at a hornet, even if it is on its own. Doing this will make the hornet produce pheromones. These pheromones indicate to the nearby colony that there’s danger and the thousands of them will leave their nest and come to attack you.
Although the above natural home remedies are effective, it is dangerous to get rid of hornets by yourself. The safest option is to contact our Exterminator Toronto professional, who’ll be well-skilled and knowledgeable about getting rid of these pests without putting yours and your family’s lives at risk.
