Hornets are large, aggressive social wasps that build enclosed paper nests that can grow to the size of a basketball or larger by late summer. Unlike paper wasps, hornets will aggressively defend their nest against perceived threats at a considerable distance, making nests near homes, walkways, and play areas particularly dangerous.
A hornet sting is more painful than most wasp stings due to the higher volume of venom delivered, and like other stinging insects, hornets can sting multiple times. For individuals with venom allergies, a hornet encounter can be a medical emergency.
Bald-Faced Hornets are actually a type of yellowjacket but are commonly referred to as hornets due to their size and nest construction. They are black with distinctive white markings on their face and body. Their nests are large, enclosed, teardrop-shaped structures typically found hanging from tree branches, eaves, or building overhangs. Bald-faced hornets are extremely aggressive when their nest is approached.
European Hornets are the only true hornets found in Virginia. They are large, brown and yellow insects that nest in hollow trees, wall voids, and attic spaces. European hornets are unique among local stinging insects because they are active at night and are attracted to outdoor lights. They can cause damage to trees and shrubs by stripping bark to feed on sap.
Removing a hornet nest without professional equipment and training is one of the most dangerous DIY pest control tasks a homeowner can attempt. Hornets can mobilize the entire colony to attack within seconds of a perceived threat. Store-bought aerosol sprays may not penetrate the nest structure deeply enough to kill the colony, and a partial treatment will result in an extremely agitated swarm of hornets.
Nests located in tree canopies, under roof eaves, or inside wall voids present additional hazards including fall risk from ladders and the potential for hornets to enter living spaces through openings created during removal attempts.
Our technicians are equipped and trained to remove hornet nests safely, regardless of location. We use professional-grade products applied directly to the nest entrance to eliminate the colony rapidly. For nests in wall voids or enclosed spaces, dust formulations are injected through small openings to reach the entire colony structure.
Once the colony is eliminated, the nest is removed when accessible to prevent secondary pest issues, as abandoned nests can attract carpet beetles, dermestid beetles, and other scavenging insects.
If you have a hornet nest on or near your property, do not approach it. Contact our team for safe, professional hornet removal.
Learn everything that you need to know about hornet control.
