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The Fort Worth area has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers. For most people living in the area, hydration is key to a healthy and happy existence. Humans are not the only ones in the Fort Worth area looking to stay hydrated; hornets need moisture too! Since a lack of moisture can cause hornets to become aggressive, locating a nest on your property that is near people and pets, can be extremely dangerous.
How Are Hornets Different From Other Stinging Insects?
Hornets are a subspecies of wasps and are often confused with yellowjackets. (They actually belong to the same family - Vespidae.) Hornets are social insects, while their counterpart – the wasp can be either social or solitary. In contrast to other stinging insects, a hornet appears to be hairless and has a body with a pinched waist. They tend to be larger than other stinging insects.
Most people typically recognize a hornet by two distinct colorations: either brown with yellow-orange stripes or black with white-gray stripes.
In general, the term “hornet” is used for the species that build their nest above ground. Aerial nests are typically built-in exposed places like tree branches; however, they can build nests in dense shrubs, under the eaves of houses, in cavities, garages, and sheds. One exception to the aerial building hornet is the “giant ground hornet” (otherwise known as the cicada killer) which builds its nest in the ground. These types of nests tend to be found in sandy areas with well-drained soil.
Benefits and Dangers Hornets Pose To Fort Worth Properties
- Benefits: Hornets do pollinate; however, they are even better known for being great predators. This can be quite beneficial in controlling other insects that could damage your property. Hornets feed on insects like spiders, caterpillars, flies, and beetles. Without the hornet, these insects would breed out of control and become a big nuisance to property owners. Some people suggest leaving a hornet nest on your property as long as it is out of the way and not posing a danger to people and/or pets.
- Dangers: Despite their benefits to the ecosystem, hornets are still considered a hazardous pest when they make their homes in or around places where people work, live, or play. When they are disturbed or provoked, hornets can be aggressive and sting repeatedly. The sting is very painful and can cause swelling that lasts anywhere from hours to a couple of days. For those with allergies, this venom can cause anaphylactic shock.
Discouraging Hornets From Your Fort Worth Property
Hornets can locate moisture, nectar, and food in a variety of outdoor places. There are some preventative measures property owners can take to discourage hornets from taking up residence. Some preventative measures include:
- Keep your landscaping neat with hedges and bushes trimmed.
- Do not overwater or over-flower areas around your property.
- Eliminate holes on your property that can invite ground hornets to nest.
- Seal any openings and outer wall cracks and crevices that provide harboring points for hornets.
The Best Way To Remove Hornets From My Fort Worth Property
The best way to remove hornets from your Fort Worth property is to call the experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite. Do-It-Yourself techniques require property owners to get close to nests to remove them. Most property owners cannot tell if a nest is active or inactive. If you guess wrong, you might find yourself in the hospital. Hornets will fight to protect their nests, and this is when they are most dangerous. The professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite will use eco-friendly solutions to safely remove dangerous hazards from your property. Let our award-winning service put your mind at ease.
