Tag Archives: Hornet Control

Bees, News, Stinging Insects, Wasps, Yellow Jackets

Attack Pheromones Stimulate Mass Hornet Attacks – What to Know

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What to Know About Hornet Attacks
What to Know About Hornet Attacks

When the weather is beautiful, it can be a real pleasure to be outdoors. Whether you’re working in the garden, mowing the lawn, or just relaxing with a cool beverage on the patio. The problem is, there may be stealth-like flying insects hovering nearby.

Hornets and Pheromones

Hornets aren’t an insect you want to make angry as they become aggressive when threatened. This can lead to a stinging fray that can leave you worse for wear. When faced with a hornet population, you need the help of a NJ pest control service.

While a single sting may not be an issue repeated stings can be, especially for those with allergic reactions. When a hornet feels in jeopardy, it isn’t just the one that will be on the defense.

Hornets are social. This means just one can incite action among the entire nest by releasing an attack pheromone. If the hornet is killed, it can still release the pheromone. If the scent of the pheromone comes into contact with your clothes or skin, this can cause an attack. When this happens, it can lead to repeated stings to you and anyone or anything else, like pets, that may be nearby.

For help with hornets and their nests, the NJ pest control experts at Stern Environmental have the knowledge and equipment to deal with the situation safely. Schedule an appointment and we’ll take care of the rest.

Insect Control, News, Stinging Insects

Why Are Hornets a Serious Problem for Businesses and Home Owners?

Why Are Hornets a Serious Problem for Businesses and Home Owners?
Why Are Hornets a Serious Problem for Businesses and Home Owners?

We see them all the time whenever we’re outdoors; insects. Whether crawling, walking, or flying, Mother Nature has provided a smorgasbord of insects for us to share the environment.

This works out fine unless we happen to get in the way of one of these social species: the hornet.

About the Hornet

There are two genera; Vespa (22 species ) and Provespa (3 species). The Provespa species, unlike the Vespa, are nocturnal. In North America, the European Vespa hornet is most prevalent.

Hornets are often confused with yellowjackets due to their similarity in appearance. Their distinguishable characteristics include a distinctive head and an elongated rounded abdomen. In size, some species can grow to over two inches long.

Stirring Up a Hornet’s Nest

There’s an old saying about “stirring up a hornet’s nest,” which means when applied to a human situation you want to avoid causing trouble. When applied to hornets, this is something you don’t want to do deliberately for any reason. They’re already an aggressive species without any provocation, but when their nests are in danger, they become even more so and attack anything in sight including humans and pets.

Due to their aggressiveness, hornet nest removal is best left to a professional service with trained staff and appropriate solutions. At Stern Environmental, our hornet nest removal process will rid your home or commercial building of these unwanted pests. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Insect Control, News, Pest Control, Pest News, Stinging Insects, Wasps

How do Hornets Differ from Wasps?

How do Hornets Differ from Wasps?
How do Hornets Differ from Wasps?

You’re outdoors enjoying the clear skies, brilliant sunshine, and comfortable temperatures poking your garden or maybe you’re trimming tree branches or bushes and out of nowhere, an aerial assault leaves you with a painful sting or multiple stings.

You look around for the out-of-control pilot and realize you’ve happened upon a wasp or hornet’s nest and they’re reacting with pinpoint precision.

Wasps vs Hornets

Wasps are most aggressive when provoked. This is usually if you’ve interfered with a nesting spot. Removal of their nests is best left to the services of a wasp abatement professional for this reason. The nests may be clearly visible hanging from the eaves of a home giving you ample opportunity to steer clear, but if they’re hidden behind the siding, you can find yourself in a hurtful predicament when doing any type of outdoor home improvement project.

Hornets, on the other hand, are aggressive without any particular provocation and they’ll do it repeatedly. For many, the stings of both the wasp and the hornet can cause an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which, if not treated, can result in a deadly outcome. An estimated 1,500 people die annually due to anaphylactic reactions.

While you may think it’s safe to handle the situation on your own, you have no idea how many stinging pests you may be faced with. For the proper help with wasp abatement, contact the experts at Stern.

Bees, News, Pest Control, Pest Management, Stinging Insects

Tips for Identifying Hornets and Their Nests

Tips for Identifying Hornets and Their Nests
Tips for Identifying Hornets and Their Nests

Just the thought of hornets is enough to make some people shudder. These pests are often a problem for NY and NJ homeowners and business owners. Still, do you know how to correctly identify them and their nests? Once you know you have hornets on your property, you’ll be able to make plans to deal with them. This should include calling NJ & NYC pest control specialists for assistance.

What do Hornets Look Like?

Hornets, wasps and yellow jackets are often confused for one another, yet they’re all very different. A hornet’s color is usually white and black, while the others are yellow and black. This is one of the easiest ways to differentiate between them.

Also, hornets have much smaller waists than the others. One characteristic that sets hornets apart is the fact that their stingers are not barbed. This means they are able to sting repeatedly, without losing their stingers and dying.

What do Hornet Nests Look Like?

Hornet nests are gray and shaped like an oval. They appear to be made out of paper, but the material used to make them is actually wood and saliva. You’ll find their nests are often high above the ground, hidden out of sight.

Do you have a hornet problem? NJ & NYC pest control experts can help you get rid of them. Contact us here at Stern and we’ll provide you with the help you need.

Insect Control, News, Pest Control, Pest Management, Residential Services, Stinging Insects

Hornet Nest Removal 101

Hornet Removal
Hornet Removal

If you come across a hornet nest on your property, it’s important not to panic. Your first action should be to remain calm and assess the situation so that you know exactly how to handle it, and whether or not to proceed with removal of the nest.

Questions to Ask

Ask yourself the following questions when you come upon a hornet nest:

  • Is this nest in a dangerous place where people might get stung?
  • Is it likely that the nest just started forming because it’s very small?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you know what you should do.

Removing the Nest

If the nest is still very small, you can use a large rock or a brick to flatten the nest. Make sure you hit it really hard, and leave it alone after you flatten it. However, if the nest is larger than the size of a tennis ball, you will need to use a can of hornet or wasp jet spray. Spray the nest thoroughly, but wait until the evening hours when the hornets will be asleep. You will want to douse the nest with spray, and then leave it alone. Observe for any activity the next day.

As your NJ pest control specialists, we’re able to help you remove any nests when you’re not able to. Please contact us for an appointment.