When you hear the words “wasp nest,” you would traditionally think of the kind that hangs from a tree or roof. However, many people don’t realize that most wasps, bees, and hornets actually live underground. Out of all these insects, ground hornets are one of the most dangerous and definitely a species you should have proper knowledge of.
Identifying Ground Hornets
First off, you’ll need to know how to identify ground hornets so they can be distinguished from other flying insects around your home. They have black bodies accented with yellow markings giving them a similar appearance to yellow jackets. Their bodies can grow up to two inches in length. Ground hornets are also known as cicada killers and are one of the largest species of digger wasps in the United States.
Where Ground Hornets Live
Unlike most other stinging insects, ground hornets tend to be more solitary. They build their nests nearly anywhere ranging from backyards, sidewalks, gardens, and more. Once their burrowing process begins, they create nesting sites. These nesting sites can be a whopping foot and a half deep below ground surface. The tremendous depth enables them room to grow and eventually become an infestation. If you look for sizeable holes in your yard or garden, you will be able to identify a possible nesting site. These holes are typically an inch and half in diameter at the openings. Finding several within close proximity to one another is another easy way to identify their nest.
Tips For Prevention
- It is a well-known fact that ground hornets like to nest in loose soil. One of the best things you can do is practice good lawn care and healthiness to avoid the formation of their nest.
- Keeping your yard watered stops the soil from becoming too loose preventing them from burrowing in it.
- Areas that receive lots of sunlight are their preferred nesting sites. Therefore, it will be most beneficial to plant any shade-providing vegetation as an effective countermeasure.
- An important factor to remember is that ground hornets pose a serious health risk to anyone allergic to them.
- In addition, they have the potential to stirrup trouble for anyone trying to enjoy the outdoors.
Chorbie Is Here To Help!
Ground hornets can be extremely bothersome and can quickly turn into an unmanageable problem if you allow them to. If you’ve reached the point where your ground hornet problem is too complex to handle, don’t hesitate to call the professionals. Chorbie has experts that specialize in pest control including ground hornet situations and would be glad to lend a helping hand. Give us a call today!
