How to Get Rid of a Hornets Nest in a Tree

Finding a hornets nest in a tree on your property can be alarming. Hornets are aggressive insects that will defend their nest if they feel it is being threatened. Getting stung by a hornet is painful and their venom can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Removing a hornets nest yourself carries risk of multiple stings. For your safety, it is best to hire a professional pest control company to remove hornets nests. But if you decide to DIY, here is how to get rid of a hornets nest in a tree.

Locating the Nest

The first step is finding where the nest is located. Hornets often build nests high up in trees but nests can also be found lower, even on branches coming off the main trunk.

Look for these signs to locate hornets nests in trees:

• Hornets flying in and out of a hole in a tree
• Papery nests in branches or where two branches divide
• Football sized nests hanging from branches
• Rotting wood or cavities with hornet activity

Hornets build new nests every year so inspect trees thoroughly in early spring when nest building begins. Keep an eye out through summer and fall when nests grow larger.

Once you’ve located the nest, monitor activity levels at different times of day Hornets are most active in early morning and evening. Plan your removal accordingly

Prepare for Removal

Removing a hornets nest is best done at night when all hornets are in the nest Once it gets dark

• Cover up fully with thick clothing like jeans, sleeves, gloves, and hoods. Tuck pants into socks.
• Have a headlamp for visibility.
• Arm yourself with hornet spray, a rake, and pruners. Wasp freeze products can also be used.

Let family and neighbors know you’ll be removing the nest at night when activity is low. Turn off outdoor lights and work quietly to avoid detection.

Position ladders strategically for access to the nest if needed. Have help nearby in case of emergencies but keep bystanders away from the work area.

Spray and Remove the Nest

With preparations made, you’re ready to take down the nest:

• Work slowly, quietly, and keep movements minimal.
• Thoroughly spray the entrance hole and nest with hornet spray or wasp freeze from a safe distance.
• Wait 10-15 minutes for the spray to take effect and cause hornets to fall from the nest entrance.
• Spray any hornets on the ground to ensure they are dead.
• Using a pruner, cut the branch with the nest attached and catch it in a trash bag.
• Tie up the trash bag with the nest securely inside and dispose of it right away.

Double bagging the nest helps contain any living hornets inside. Discard the entire nest far from your property so surviving hornets don’t return.

After Removal

Check the tree in daylight for any lingering hornets and spray them. Look for and seal up any wood rot holes the hornets were using.

Monitor the area for one to two weeks and act fast if you see any new nests start to form. Completely getting rid of a hornets nest in a tree requires eliminating the queen hornet who starts new colonies.

Call a professional pest control company if hornet problems persist or the nest was too difficult to fully remove yourself. Experts have the right tools and training to remove nests in hard to reach places. They can also treat the area with insecticides and do preventative hornet control.

Dangers of DIY Hornet Nest Removal

Removing a hornets nest is a risky DIY project. Here are dangers to consider:

• Defensive hornets from the disturbed nest attacking in swarms.
• Difficulty reaching nests high up in trees.
• Falls from ladders when trying to reach nests.
• The nest or clipped branches falling onto people below.
• Surviving hornets relocating and building a new nest nearby.
• Anaphylactic reactions if highly allergic individuals are stung.

Take precautions but the threat of multiple stings and other hazards make professional removal the safest option. Only attempt hornets nest removal yourself as a last resort.

Signs of a Hornets Nest

Look for these signs that indicate hornets may have nested on your property:

• Hornets buzzing around specific trees or areas.
• Woodpecker damage on trees as they drill into nests.
• Dead insects and wood debris at the base of trees.
• Paper envelope-like nests in branches and crevices.
• Large nests hanging from eaves and tree limbs.

Act quickly if you confirm there is a hornets nest in a tree. Nests only get larger through summer and fall, meaning more aggressive hornets. Don’t wait – contact a professional to remove it or do so very carefully yourself before hornet problems escalate.

Preventing Hornets Nests

To help prevent hornets from nesting on your property:

• Seal up holes and rotting wood in trees and structures where nests are built.
• Install mesh covers over open gaps like soffit and eave vents.
• Keep trees and bushes trimmed back from buildings.
• In spring, set up traps with fish, meats, and sweet bait to catch emerging queens.
• Put up fake nests to deter additional hornets.
• Apply animal repellents around potential nest sites.
• Keep the property cleaned up and remove piles of debris.

With preventative measures and early detection, you can help keep hornets from nesting on your property in the future.

Getting rid of a hornets nest in a tree or structure is best left to trained professionals. But if you have to remove one yourself, use extreme care and take all safety precautions. The dangers posed by aggressive hornets make eliminating nests a job for the experts whenever possible.