Is Your Bug Zapper Secretly Attracting Hornets In Greenville?

July 30, 2022

Bug zappers are a popular method of home pest control. Many insects are attracted to light sources, including some species of stinging insects. If you notice hornets on your property, chances are there's a nest somewhere close by. Keep reading to learn more about what attracts hornets and how you can protect your yard from an infestation.

Are Hornets Attracted To Light? 

Hornets are a type of wasp. This species of stinging insect is attracted to light due to a phenomenon known as positive phototaxis. An insect with positive phototaxis will be drawn towards light, while bugs that light repels have negative phototaxis. Hornets and other types of wasps are able to see the full spectrum of ultraviolet (U.V.) light, thanks to their compound eyes. Because they are so sensitive to U.V. light, they're highly attracted to most light sources. 

Knowing how to identify hornets on your property is important when dealing with a potential infestation. Here are some of the types of hornets found in the Greenville area, along with their identifying characteristics:

• Bald-faced Hornet: These stinging insects have black bodies and white faces. Their nests have a pear shape and are gray in color. It is common to find a bald-faced hornet nest hanging from a tree branch. These social insects can have up to 1,000 members in each colony.

• European Hornet: The European hornet is significantly larger than most wasps, and many also refer to it as a "giant hornet." They are yellow and black and sometimes white. These hornets build elaborate colonies inside structural walls.

• Yellow jacket: Yellow jackets look similar to European hornets but make their homes underground. They are most active in the late summer to the early fall season and are attracted to protein food sources.

Most wasps and hornets become aggressive if they feel like you or anyone else is a threat. If you discover a nest on your property or suspect an infestation, consider working with an exterminator for safe removal. 

Do Bug Zappers Attract And Kill Hornets?

Most bug zappers emit a strong U.V. light that will attract hornets and other insects with positive phototaxis. However, they will become electrocuted and die as soon as they get too close. While zapping wasps and hornets can save you and your family from dangerous stings, it shouldn't be your primary method of getting rid of them. If their colony is still intact, they will continue to reproduce and fly around your property. 

Preventative measures to keep hornets off your property are much more effective than trying to take down an established nest. Here are some of the ways you can stop an infestation before it starts: 

• Fill holes in your yard with dirt or cement.

• Inspect your home's exterior walls and patch or seal all holes and cracks.

• Repair or replace broken screens in windows and doors.

• Plant flowers and shrubs that repel hornets, like eucalyptus, marigolds, and geraniums. 

• Keep outdoor garbage sealed in a receptacle with a tight-fitting lid.

• Clean your grill after cooking and cover it when not in use.

When home remedies to get rid of hornets fail, work with a trusted Greenville pest control company, like SureShot Pest Control. 

What Is The Best Time Of Day To Spray A Hornets Nest?

If you are planning on spraying a hornet's nest on your property, it's essential to choose the right time of day. Spraying in the early morning is best since most of the hornets will be inside their nest before starting their daily activities. Make sure you have a clear escape path in case the hornets decide to attack. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs and alert family and neighbors of your plans so they can take necessary safety precautions.

Let Us Do The Hard Work By Removing Hornet Nests On Your Property

As soon as you discover a hornet nest in your yard, contact the stinging insect control experts at SureShot Pest Control. We've been keeping dangerous stinging insects off local properties since 2007. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help. Also ask us how we can provide you with comprehensive pest control in Hastings.

Bug zappers are a popular method of home pest control. Many insects are attracted to light sources, including some species of stinging insects. If you notice hornets on your property, chances are there's a nest somewhere close by. Keep reading to learn more about what attracts hornets and how you can protect your yard from an infestation.

Are Hornets Attracted To Light? 

Hornets are a type of wasp. This species of stinging insect is attracted to light due to a phenomenon known as positive phototaxis. An insect with positive phototaxis will be drawn towards light, while bugs that light repels have negative phototaxis. Hornets and other types of wasps are able to see the full spectrum of ultraviolet (U.V.) light, thanks to their compound eyes. Because they are so sensitive to U.V. light, they're highly attracted to most light sources. 

Knowing how to identify hornets on your property is important when dealing with a potential infestation. Here are some of the types of hornets found in the Greenville area, along with their identifying characteristics:

• Bald-faced Hornet: These stinging insects have black bodies and white faces. Their nests have a pear shape and are gray in color. It is common to find a bald-faced hornet nest hanging from a tree branch. These social insects can have up to 1,000 members in each colony.

• European Hornet: The European hornet is significantly larger than most wasps, and many also refer to it as a "giant hornet." They are yellow and black and sometimes white. These hornets build elaborate colonies inside structural walls.

• Yellow jacket: Yellow jackets look similar to European hornets but make their homes underground. They are most active in the late summer to the early fall season and are attracted to protein food sources.

Most wasps and hornets become aggressive if they feel like you or anyone else is a threat. If you discover a nest on your property or suspect an infestation, consider working with an exterminator for safe removal. 

Do Bug Zappers Attract And Kill Hornets?

Most bug zappers emit a strong U.V. light that will attract hornets and other insects with positive phototaxis. However, they will become electrocuted and die as soon as they get too close. While zapping wasps and hornets can save you and your family from dangerous stings, it shouldn't be your primary method of getting rid of them. If their colony is still intact, they will continue to reproduce and fly around your property. 

Preventative measures to keep hornets off your property are much more effective than trying to take down an established nest. Here are some of the ways you can stop an infestation before it starts: 

• Fill holes in your yard with dirt or cement.

• Inspect your home's exterior walls and patch or seal all holes and cracks.

• Repair or replace broken screens in windows and doors.

• Plant flowers and shrubs that repel hornets, like eucalyptus, marigolds, and geraniums. 

• Keep outdoor garbage sealed in a receptacle with a tight-fitting lid.

• Clean your grill after cooking and cover it when not in use.

When home remedies to get rid of hornets fail, work with a trusted Greenville pest control company, like SureShot Pest Control. 

What Is The Best Time Of Day To Spray A Hornets Nest?

If you are planning on spraying a hornet's nest on your property, it's essential to choose the right time of day. Spraying in the early morning is best since most of the hornets will be inside their nest before starting their daily activities. Make sure you have a clear escape path in case the hornets decide to attack. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs and alert family and neighbors of your plans so they can take necessary safety precautions.

Let Us Do The Hard Work By Removing Hornet Nests On Your Property

As soon as you discover a hornet nest in your yard, contact the stinging insect control experts at SureShot Pest Control. We've been keeping dangerous stinging insects off local properties since 2007. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help. Also ask us how we can provide you with comprehensive pest control in Hastings.

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