Here in Dallas, some of the most menacing-looking pests you can find on your property are hornets. Not only are hornets large in stature (compared to other stinging insects), but they possess large stingers which they can use to inflict painful venom-filled stings. Stings from hornets are almost always painful, but they can also be dangerous. As such, it is important for you to know what is attracting hornets to your Dallas property. That way you can take the proper preventative steps to limit these factors and keep your yard free of menacing hornets.
What Do Hornets Look Like?
Hornets are a type of wasp. What sets them apart from other wasp species is that they are larger in size and tend to be less hostile. Hornets have segmented, hairless bodies that are separated by a thin waist. They have six long and slender legs and large, smooth stingers that can sting multiple times in succession. Depending on the species, hornets can be yellow and black, yellow and brown, or white and black in color.
Threats Posed By Hornets
As previously stated, hornets have large, smooth stingers that allow them to sting multiple times in a row. Although hornets are not considered to be as aggressive as other types of wasps such as yellow jackets, they will sting if they or their nest feels threatened. Hornets stings are known to be very painful. What’s worse, they can prove to be more harmful or even fatal to people with severe allergies to their venom. If someone receives a multitude of stings from hornets, even if they are not allergic, it can also prove to be fatal.
What Attracts Hornets To Yards?
Hornets are typically drawn into yards because there is an abundance of flowering plants or other possible food sources. Furthermore, another reason that hornets may enter onto a property is that the property provides ample places in which the hornets can build a nest. Hornets feed on plant nectar and other insects. Therefore, a lot of flowering plants, trees, and gardens can attract hornets. Hornets typically build their nests in areas out of the way of humans and other threats. They will build their nests on tree branches, in dense shrubs, and under roof eaves.
Hornet Prevention Tips For Your Dallas Property
When it comes to keeping hornets away from your Dallas property, you should try to remove any factors that might be attracting them in the first place. Furthermore, taking away potential nesting areas also goes a long way in keeping hornets out of your yard. Finally, you should also take steps to make sure hornets do not get inside of your home. To accomplish these goals, you should:
- Get rid of any fallen trees, stumps, or excess woodpiles from around your property.
- Trim back tree branches and shrubs from your home’s exterior.
- Refrain from planting too many flowering plants around your property.
- Remove water sources by filling in low lying areas in your yard and keeping gutters free of debris.
- Install screens in windows and exterior doors.
- Seal cracks in your home’s foundation and exterior with caulk
Effective Hornet Control Solutions
If you have a hornet problem on your Dallas property, don’t try to get rid of it on your own as it could lead to injury or worse. Instead, contact the trained pest professionals here at All-Safe Pest & Termite and let us handle it for you. Here at All-Safe Pest & Termite, we offer quality residential pest treatments that you can count on to effectively eliminate any hornet infestation with which you are dealing. Don’t let hornets threaten the safety of you and your family. Give us a call today.