Discover 6 Methods for Getting Rid of Hornets Naturally

The last thing anyone wants is a hornet infestation anywhere in or around their home. There are plenty of reasons why you wouldn’t want their nest on your property. Using repellents and insecticides with toxic chemicals isn’t advised for households with pets or children. 

Thankfully, there are several natural methods to get rid of hornets without using harsh chemicals. Before you try any of these options, make sure you’re completely covered to avoid any painful stings. It’s best to tackle a hornet’s nest in the wee hours of the morning. 

Keep all children and pets indoors anytime you’re working within close proximity of a hornet’s nest. 

1. Make a Hornet Trap

One of the easiest things you can do to get rid of hornets is to make a trap. All you need is an empty water or soda bottle. We suggest using a two-liter bottle to have plenty of room for all the wasps. 

The first thing you’ll want to do is cut the upper third of the bottle off, just below the narrowest part. You don’t have to wash it out first, as the hornets will be attracted to any sticky, sweet residue. 

Next, invert the portion of the bottle you cut off. The opening of the bottle should be upside down. This acts as a funnel to easily guide the hornets inside the trap. You can tape down any sharp edges to prevent any unwanted accidents. 

You’ll want to make a simple syrup that further attracts the wasps. For this, all you need is sugar and water! Combine the two and boil in a pot. Once the liquid is cool enough, place it in the bottle. You can also use juice, wine, or sugary drinks instead. 

2. Plant Hornet-Repelling Plants

It is easy but extremely efficient to deter all types of hornets by planting insect-repellent plants. Not only will they give your outdoor space a stunning display of color and annual beauty, but their potent scent, which is generally pleasing to us, effectively scares away these bothersome insects. 

A lot of these are common garden plants and practical herbs, such as cheery marigolds, stylish eucalyptus, and creeping pennyroyal. Place them in strategic locations throughout the garden. You can use pots, hanging baskets, and window box arrangements. To deter wasps, plant a herb garden with basil, citronella, mint, thyme, and lemongrass. 

3. Hang a Decoy Nest

Wasps are quite possessive and won’t dwell next to other nests, thus an imitation wasp nest could be effective. To deceive stray wasps, purchase phony wasp nests or construct your own by inflating a plain paper lunch bag, sealing it, and putting it beneath the eaves. 

This kind of fake nest resembles the kind of nest that bald-faced hornets build. Once hornets start going into the fake nest, you can get rid of them how you see fit. Some may call an exterminator, while others will burn the bag. Remove the faux nest from your home before trying any method to eliminate the insects. 

4. Utilize Essential Oils

If you don’t have the option to plant fresh mint and other herbs, consider using essential oils. Take a spray bottle along with some peppermint oil. Swirl the bottle vigorously after adding 10 to 15 drops of peppermint oil and water. 

Just like that, you’ve created a hornet repellent using a fresh scent that they absolutely despise! Spray it around openings, doorways, and other areas where these swarming pests attempt to enter. 

Just keep in mind to re-spray it after it rains or if your region gets strong winds. These critters also hate the smell of citrus! The oils in the peels of oranges, lemons, and grapefruit, are the cause of their dislike of them. 

The powerful aromas that these oils’ constituents generate have the potential to overwhelm the sensitive wasp senses. They hesitate before hovering about your picnic or getting close to your outdoor gathering places due to the overpowering citrus smell. 

Hornets also dislike the scent of cloves, lemongrass, thyme, rosemary, lavender, and more! 

5. Keep Your Yard Clean

Remove any food leftovers or crumbs from the area around your house. Wasps enjoy eating protein, so sanitize the barbecue and the area around it completely to deter them. Additionally, wasps enjoy sugar, so thoroughly wash out any bottles of soda or juice you have.  

Wasps are drawn to trash cans that contain old food leftovers or liquid. Wasps might even attempt to build a nest close to this supply of food if the containers are not properly sealed. Close garbage cans and recycling bins to keep out new visitors as well. 

Hornets look for a new territory in the spring. It’s a good idea to take time in the fall and seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation. This can help prevent these flying buzzers from building nests in areas they shouldn’t.

6. Scrub Your Deck or Patio

If you have a deck or patio, chances are you may entertain, eat, or drink in that area. Pour equal volumes of water, white vinegar, and a few drops of liquid dish soap into a spray container. 

Avoid over-mixing the ingredients to the point that the mixture becomes soapy. Spray it all over your deck or patio. The mix rapidly loses its potency, so it’s necessary to keep spraying it, but it will temporarily get rid of a few bothersome wasps from the vicinity. 

Summary of Methods to Naturally Get Rid of Hornets