Hornets are large, intimidating insects that can be dangerous if they nest close to your home. Understanding what attracts hornets to your home is key to preventing them from settling in and creating a nest on your property. Hornets, like most insects, are driven by their need for food, water, and shelter, and your home may be providing an ideal environment for them.
In this article, we will explore the common factors that attract hornets to your home, how to identify their nests, and what to do if you encounter one indoors.
What Do Hornets Like?
Hornets are opportunistic feeders and nest builders, attracted to environments that offer food, water, and shelter. They are drawn to sweet foods such as ripe fruit, soda, and desserts, as well as protein-rich sources like meat and fish, often scavenging at picnics, barbecues, or trash bins. Water is another essential for hornets, making standing water, birdbaths, or leaky faucets appealing to them. For nesting, hornets seek quiet, sheltered locations like eaves, attics, sheds, or dense tree branches to build their papery nests undisturbed.What Attracts Hornet to Your House?
Hornets are drawn to homes that provide easy access to food, shelter, and favorable conditions for their activity. Below are some factors that make your house more inviting to these pests:Food Sources
Hornets are attracted to open trash cans, leftover food, and fallen fruit, which serve as easy sources of nourishment. Outdoor eating areas, like patios or decks, are frequent hotspots where hornets forage for sugary or protein-rich foods.Shelter
Protected areas such as eaves, rooflines, attics, and sheds provide ideal spots for hornets to build their nests. Cracks and gaps in walls or windows can also serve as entry points for hornets looking for secure nesting locations.
Seasonal Activity
Hornet activity peaks in late summer and early fall when colonies reach their largest size. During this time, the demand for food increases, making residential areas more attractive to these insects. Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on hornets and ways to tackle a hornet infestation.What to Do if a Hornet is in Your House?
Discovering a hornet inside your home can be unsettling, but handling the situation calmly and effectively is key to avoiding stings or escalation.Stay Calm
Avoid sudden movements or attempts to swat at the hornet. This can provoke it, increasing the likelihood of an aggressive response.Secure the Area
Close off doors to confine the hornet to one room, limiting its movement and making it easier to address the situation.
