By Barsha Bhattacharya
Ever had a hornet zip past your ear and instantly felt your whole body tense up? You’re not alone. Aggressive flying insects like hornets, wasps, and certain bees have a way of turning a calm backyard into a place of panic. And when they build a nest too close to home, it’s not just annoying — it can be dangerous.
So how do you deal with these pests without putting yourself at risk? The goal is to keep your space safe, protect those around you, and avoid making the problem worse. Here’s what you need to know.
Know Your Enemy
Not every buzzing insect is out to get you, but it helps to understand the ones that are.
Hornets are a type of wasp. They’re bigger than the average wasp and a lot more defensive, especially if you get near their nest. Their stings pack more punch too, which can be a serious issue for anyone with allergies, and still pretty painful for those without.
Yellowjackets are also common aggressors. Like hornets, they’re highly territorial. They’re quick to sting and can do so multiple times.
Paper wasps are a little more chill in comparison, but they’ll still defend their nest if they think you’re a threat. Bees, while usually less aggressive, can also turn hostile if provoked, especially certain wild species.
Identifying what you’re dealing with helps determine how to approach the situation. Hornets? You’ll want to be extra cautious. Yellowjackets? Assume they’re ready to fight.
Why They’re a Bigger Deal Than You Think
It’s easy to brush off the occasional hornet sighting, especially if it’s just one flying by. But ignoring the signs of a nest nearby can lead to bigger issues fast.
Unlike some pests, aggressive flyers don’t just keep to themselves. They defend their turf. And if you or someone in your household accidentally disturbs their nest — mowing the lawn, trimming a tree, even opening a shed door — they can swarm. That’s not just scary. It’s dangerous.
Multiple stings from hornets or wasps can trigger serious reactions. For those with allergies, a single sting can be life-threatening. Even without an allergy, enough stings in the wrong spots can send someone to the hospital.
It’s not just about safety, either. Hornets chew through wood and can damage parts of your home if they’re nesting in walls or eaves. Wasps sometimes dig into the ground or nest in attics, garages, and crawl spaces. The longer they stay, the harder it gets to remove them safely.
Call Professional Pest Control
Let’s be clear: trying to deal with hornets or aggressive wasps on your own is not worth the risk. Climbing a ladder to spray a nest, poking at a hole in the ground where yellowjackets are swarming, or throwing water at a beehive — these are the kinds of things that can go wrong fast.
Professional pest control services have the gear, training, and protective equipment to handle nests without provoking a swarm. Candor Pest Control can identify the type of insect, locate nests that aren’t easy to spot, and apply the right treatment for complete removal. And importantly, they’ll do it without putting anyone in danger.
Yes, it’s tempting to try and save money by handling it yourself. But unless you have experience and the proper gear, it’s just not worth it.
When It’s OK to Handle Things Yourself
There are a few cases where it’s relatively safe to deal with flying insects on your own, but only under specific conditions.
- The nest is small, inactive, and not near people or pets
- It’s early in the season before the colony has grown
- You can reach it safely from the ground without climbing or risking a sting
Even then, use extreme caution. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and keep your face protected. Spray treatments designed for wasps and hornets can be effective if used properly — just make sure to follow every instruction exactly. Always apply sprays at night when the insects are less active, and never approach a nest during peak daylight hours.
If you try once and don’t see results, don’t go back for round two. At that point, it’s time to bring in professionals.
What Not to Do
There’s a lot of bad advice out there when it comes to getting rid of hornets and wasps. Here are a few things to absolutely avoid:
- Don’t burn the nest – Fire won’t kill them fast enough. It could cause more damage to your property than the insects ever would.
- Don’t flood it – Water won’t destroy the structure of the nest, and it’ll just make the colony more aggressive.
- Don’t swat at a lone hornet or wasp – Aggressive movements can attract more. Stay calm and move away slowly.
- Don’t block a nest entrance – This might seem clever, but they’ll just find another way out, sometimes into your home.
Stick to smart, proven methods and leave the dramatic ones behind.
Protecting Your Space Long-Term
Once a hornet nest has been removed, your job’s not quite done. Prevention is key if you don’t want a repeat visit next season.
Seal any gaps in siding, under eaves, or around vents. Check screens on windows and doors, and make sure outdoor trash bins are sealed tight. Food, especially sugary drinks or proteins, will attract wasps and hornets looking to feed their colony.
Trim back trees and shrubs where nests might form, and check outdoor furniture, swing sets, or storage areas regularly.
And remember, even if it’s quiet now, nests can be built in a matter of days. Stay alert, especially in warmer months.
When Things Go Wrong
If someone gets stung, keep an eye on how they respond. For most people, a sting means redness, swelling, and some pain. Ice and over-the-counter treatments usually do the trick.
But if you notice trouble breathing, swelling in the face or throat, dizziness, or a rash spreading fast, it could be an allergic reaction. That’s a medical emergency. Call for help immediately and use an epinephrine auto-injector if available.
Even without allergies, multiple stings can cause a toxic reaction. If someone’s been stung more than five times, especially in the face or neck, it’s safest to get medical attention just in case.
A Safer Summer Starts With Action
You shouldn’t have to choose between enjoying your yard and avoiding aggressive insects. Hornets, wasps, and similar flyers might be part of the environment but that doesn’t mean you need to live with the threat they pose.
Pay attention to early signs of nests. Don’t wait until there’s a problem to act. And when in doubt, call in experts who know how to handle things safely. It’s the smartest way to keep your home, family, and pets protected.
