Why Hornets Keep Choosing Your Home
Hornets are very clever. They do not just fly around without a plan. They are very picky about where they live. And it is possible that your house will be one of their top picks.
Find out more about why hornets like to hang out near your vents and eaves, and what you can do to stop them.
Why Hornets Love Eaves and Vents
For hornets, eaves and vents are the best places to stay warm and safe. Eaves, which are those small areas under your roof, are high up and out of sight. This protects hornets from wind, rain, and predators. Plus, eaves do not get disturbed much by people or pets. Once a hornet nest is set up there, it is generally safe from people going about their daily lives.
In some ways, vents are even better. Because they connect to your home’s HVAC system, they stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This helps hornets stay alive and reproduce. Some vents let in damp air from inside your home as well. That makes a warm and damp place that is great for a nest to grow in.
Hornets do not build nests on just any surface. For their papery homes to stay put, they need a solid structure. Vents and wooden walls give hornets strong support and stability, which lets them anchor their nests safely.
What Attracts Hornets to These Spots?
Hornets are drawn to certain smells and materials. They are especially interested in trash or food that smells sweet. If you leave pet food outside or put your trash cans near vents or doors, you are basically calling hornets to dinner.
They also like floral designs and bright colors. Hornets might think that flower-shaped lights or other bright items in your windows or on your porch are real flowers.
Also, when hornets look for places to nest, they look for places that are quiet and not being bothered. Architectural nooks in your home, such as roof peaks, gable ends, and overhangs, are great places to hide.
How Dangerous Are They?
It is not just a bother to have hornets around your house. It might be dangerous.
Hornets are meaner than other types of wasps. If they think they are in danger, they will sting more than once. If someone in your home is allergic, even one sting can be very bad for their health.
Another concern is the nests themselves. Hornet nests that are too big can damage the structure of your home. They push against walls, soffits, and beams as they grow. This can cause building materials to bend or become soft over time.
Also, when hornets move in, they bring in other pests as well. Ants and flies are drawn to empty nests or food scraps that have been left out.
What Can You Do About It?
To keep hornets away, start by making your home less appealing to them.
Fill in any holes or gaps in your vents, walls, or soffits. Check the window and roof vent screens for tears. Fine mesh can be used to block entry points without stopping air flow.
Close trash cans all the way and keep pests away from your house. Pick up any fruit that falls off, and do not feed your pets outside. Do not leave food or sweet drinks out on your porch for too long.
Cut back tree branches that are too close to your roof. These are often used as launching points by hornets.
Some people try putting up fake hornet nests. Hornets are territorial. They usually move on if they see another “nest” close. But this trick works best early in the season, before the birds build their own nests.
Avoid removing hornet nests yourself due to their strong defenses and potential danger. Instead, contact a licensed pest control service for safe removal and prevention of future nests.