Hornets nest removal

[trapperjoemo]

I`ve been asked to remove a large hornets nest from a tree limb close to a house. The lady does not care how, just feels it`s not safe since it`s only about 10 feet off the ground. Worried about the kids playing near it, and yard mowing, etc... I think she is right. I would like to exterminate the hornets, but save the nest, as it`s in perfect condition. I`ve found and sold them in the past.
So, how would you remove it safely now, while it`s still very active?
I was thinking about a heavy duty trash bag quickly pulled up over it, in the middle of the night. Then either freeze it for several months, or inject some insecticide into the sealed bag.
The problem I see with either method would be a bunch of dead hornets left decaying inside the nest. Had one rot like that one time.
I also considered the bag method, then cut off enough of the small limb it`s on and re-attach it to a tree in a safer area. Then pull off the bag and RUN ! lol Let the hornets leave on their own this fall. I believe they all leave the nest before the first frost... right? And the queen goes to ground?

What do you think??
And, what has been your experience with hornets?

[Bob Jameson]

My experience with these types of nests brings back some painful memories and I do this for a living.LOL You are dealing with bald faced hornets most of the time or yellow jackets. They are very aggressive with any disturbances near or around the immediate nest site and they will run you down if they recognize you as being the aggressor. Been there done that. We always suit up with these hornets due to their very defensive behavior when around the nest doing a treatment.

The best way to deal with this with minimal damage to the nest is this. Get a long poll or an adjustable paint pole from lowes and tape a total release aerosol insecticide to the end of the pole with duck tape. The top release insecticides are the easiest to use many times. It depends on whether you have a bottom nest entry or a bottom side entry hole. They can have different entry points in this manner but most are towards the bottom for the most part.

I would suggest wearing a head net and a rainsuit for protection. You can remove the nest the next day or immediately if you are dressed properly and gloved.

You will have to remove the larvae and dead hornets from the interior of the nest to utilize the nest for another purpose or the larvae can continue to mature and hatch in short order if the temps are right.

GOOD LUCK
BJ

[trapperjoemo]

Thanks for that suggestion Bob.

Joe

[SgtWal]

There's a product on the market the PCO's call Bee Dust. It is sudden death on bees, hornets, and wasps. An extension pole and a duster is all we use. A puff or two at the entry and walk away. Take down a dead nest the next day.
There is a market by the way for dead bees and hornets. There is a place on the web that buys them if killed right to make antivenum from.


wayne

[trapperjoemo]

Dead bees and hornets wanted huh? I should look into this further. Anybody done the search for that web address yet? I`m going to try.
Thanks Wayne

Joe

[SgtWal]

I cannot find the article now. It was a Pest Control article on AHB removal that talked about shipping the dead bees to a lab.
The lab names was Vesper or vespis Lab something bee sounding.
The folks below have the same deal.


freeyellowjacketremoval.com/faq.html


wayne

[trapperjoemo]

Thanks Wayne.

[foxtail]

They don't want any that have been killed with poison.

If I remember correctly the company is in MS and is called White Owl or something like that.