What Are the Signs of a Hornet Infestation?

Hornets can pose a serious problem if they begin to nest around your home or property. Since they are aggressive while defending their nests, they are a potential danger to homeowners, particularly those with allergies. Recognizing the signs of a hornet infestation early on can help you take action before the problem escalates, ensuring the safety of your home and family.

Increased Hornet Activity

One of the first and most obvious signs of a hornet infestation is an increase in hornet activity around your home or garden. You may notice hornets flying around regularly, especially near certain spots like eaves, rooflines, or trees. Hornets tend to follow a clear flight path when they’re travelling to and from their nests, so if you observe hornets repeatedly flying in and out of the same area, it’s a strong indication that a nest is nearby. During the warmer months, hornets become more active, especially in late summer and early fall when they are foraging for food to support their colony. If you spot several hornets around your home or outdoor spaces, it’s a good idea to investigate further for a possible nest.

Discovering a Hornet Nest

Another clear indication of an infestation is discovering a hornet nest on your property. Hornet nests are usually made of a paper-like substance created by the hornets themselves from chewed wood fibres. These nests are often found in trees, under roof eaves, or tucked away in sheds or attics. A typical nest has a round, balloon-like shape and can grow to be quite large as the colony expands. If you find a hornet nest, it’s important to avoid disturbing it, as hornets will aggressively defend their home. Take note of the location and size of the nest and consider contacting a pest control professional to handle the hornet removal.

Unusual Sounds Around Your Home

In some cases, hornets may build nests inside wall cavities, attics, or other hidden spaces. If this occurs, one sign of a hornet infestation might be unusual buzzing or scratching noises coming from the walls or ceiling. These sounds indicate that hornets are actively moving within the structure of your home. If left unchecked, a nest inside a wall can grow significantly and become more difficult to remove. If you hear these noises, it’s important to have your home inspected, as hornets can cause damage to walls and insulation while building their nests.

Dead Hornets Inside Your Home

Finding dead hornets inside your home is another warning sign that you may have an infestation. While it’s normal to occasionally see a hornet that has flown indoors through an open window or door, discovering multiple dead hornets, especially near windowsills or light fixtures, could mean that a nest is nearby. This suggests that hornets may be entering your home from an undetected nest in the attic, walls, or another hidden space.

Aggressive Behavior

Hornets are known for their aggressive behavior, particularly when they feel their nest is threatened. If you notice hornets behaving aggressively when you approach certain areas of your yard or home, this could be a sign that their nest is close by. Hornets will often attack in swarms if they perceive a threat, and their stings can be painful and dangerous, especially for individuals who are allergic. If you or someone in your household has experienced an increase in hornet stings or has been chased by hornets, it’s crucial to locate the nest and have it removed as soon as possible.

Myths and Facts About Hornet Infestations

Myth	Fact
Hornet nests are always visible and easy to spot.	Hornet nests can be hidden in attics, walls, or under roof eaves, making them harder to detect.
Hornets only build nests in rural areas.	Hornets can nest in both urban and rural areas, including homes and gardens.
Hornets are only aggressive if provoked.	Hornets can become aggressive when they sense any potential threat near their nest.
If I see a single hornet, I don’t need to worry about a nest.	Seeing multiple hornets flying around the same area often indicates a nearby nest.
Hornets die after they sting.	Hornets can sting multiple times before dying, making them more dangerous.