How to Get Rid of a Hornets’ Nest Safely and Effectively

Few things make a backyard feel less inviting than spotting a hornets’ nest tucked under your eaves, in a tree, or even inside a shed. Hornets are known for being territorial and aggressive, especially when their nest is disturbed. While they do play a beneficial role in controlling other insects, a nest that’s too close to home is a risk most people can’t ignore.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of a hornets’ nest, this step-by-step guide will help you understand when it’s safe to do it yourself—and when it’s better to call in a professional.

Table of Contents

Before You Begin: Know What You’re Dealing With

Not all stinging insects are hornets. Misidentifying them could lead to unnecessary risks. Hornets are a type of wasp and tend to be larger and more aggressive than yellow jackets or paper wasps. European hornets, common in the U.S., are reddish-brown with yellow stripes and usually build aerial nests in trees, attics, or wall voids.

Key Characteristics:

Size: 1 to 1.5 inches long
Nest: Large, enclosed, football-shaped paper nests, often high up
Behavior: Aggressive if threatened, especially near their nest

If you’ve identified hornets as the culprit and the nest is within striking distance of your home or family, it’s time to act.

Step 1: Know When to Remove the Nest

Timing matters—a lot.

Best time of day: At night or very early morning when hornets are less active
Best time of year: Late fall is safest (most hornets die off), but nests built in spring or summer are more dangerous and may need immediate removal

Never attempt to remove a nest during daylight hours, when hornets are most aggressive and active.

Step 2: Choose the Right Approach

There are two ways to remove a hornets’ nest: DIY treatment or professional extermination. Here’s how to decide:

DIY Removal is okay when:

The nest is small or newly formed
It’s easy to access without a ladder
You have the right tools and are confident in your approach

Hire a professional when:

The nest is large or hard to reach (e.g., under the roofline)
You or a family member is allergic to stings
You’re unsure of the hornet type or your ability to do it safely

Hornet stings can cause serious reactions, so always err on the side of caution.

Step 3: Gather Supplies

If you’ve decided on the DIY route, here’s what you’ll need:

Hornet and wasp aerosol spray (look for long-range foam with pyrethroids)
Protective clothing: Thick jacket, gloves, pants, goggles, and a hat with netting
Flashlight covered with red cellophane (hornets can’t see red light)
Trash bag (if removing a dead nest)
Ladder (only if absolutely necessary—ground nests are safer to approach)

Step 4: Spray the Nest

Approach slowly at night with minimal noise and no sudden movements.
Stay 10–15 feet away, and use a long-range hornet spray aimed at the nest entrance.
Spray thoroughly, soaking the nest. Foam sprays are effective because they trap and kill hornets quickly.
Back away immediately after spraying. Don’t stick around to see what happens.

Important: Don’t attempt to knock down or touch the nest immediately after spraying. Wait at least 24–48 hours to ensure all hornets are dead.

Step 5: Dispose of the Nest (Optional)

Once you’re certain the nest is inactive:

Wear protective gear just in case.
Carefully cut the nest down using a pole or tool.
Seal it in a trash bag and dispose of it in an outdoor garbage bin.

Some people leave the nest in place to deter new colonies from forming in the same spot. Hornets typically don’t reuse old nests.

Step 6: Prevent Future Nests

Hornets are persistent but you can reduce your risk by:

Sealing entry points around eaves, vents, soffits, and siding
Removing food sources, such as uncovered garbage or sugary drinks
Trimming trees and shrubs near your home’s roofline
Hanging decoy wasp nests (they’re territorial and won’t nest near others)
Spraying residual insecticide in high-risk areas in spring

Regular inspections in early spring can help you catch a new nest before it grows.

What Not to Do

Avoid these common mistakes when dealing with a hornets’ nest:

Don’t burn the nest – it’s dangerous and rarely effective.
Don’t hose it down with water – this just makes them angry.
Don’t swat or hit the nest before treating – this can trigger an aggressive swarm.
Don’t use homemade traps for an active, occupied nest—they’re not fast-acting enough.

When in Doubt, Call the Pros

Hornet nest removal is serious business. If the nest is inside a wall, near a power line, or extremely large, let pest control professionals handle it. Most licensed pest removal companies can treat a nest quickly and safely, with options to prevent recurrence.

Professional services are especially worth it if:

You’re allergic to stings
The nest is close to children or pets
You’ve had a recurring problem in the same spot

Final Thoughts: Safety First, Always

Learning how to get rid of a hornets’ nest can be empowering, but it’s also a task that requires care, preparation, and a good dose of respect for nature. Hornets are not naturally aggressive unless provoked—but when their home is threatened, they defend it fiercely.

Whether you decide to DIY or hire help, the key is timing, safety gear, and the right tools. Don’t take shortcuts, and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance if you’re unsure. After all, keeping your family and home safe is always the top priority.