The Sandhills Hornet (Vespula Arenaria) is native to Utah, the central and northern US, Canada, and Alaska. These yellow and black insects are well-known to many an outdoor barbecue and have a nasty disposition. Their “in-your-face” behavior is disturbing, but they don’t often sting unless injured or threatened. Most of what you’ll see are females, the males are produced later in the summer and die after mating.
Hanging traps are a popular way to get rid of the little pests—but hang them away from your picnic area. Traps have an attractant to entice the hornet into the trap, but they can’t find their way back out and eventually die.
Bait the trap inside your garage, but avoid getting the attractant on yourself (not a good idea). To get rid of the entire colony, you’ll need to follow the workers home. You’ll need to attack with military precision at night when they are much less likely to fly. Their vision is most sensitive in the shorter wavelength, avoid blue or purple clothing.
Wasps and hornets can sting multiple times, so be careful. The nest usually has an entrance hole at the center bottom, direct the spray (we recommend Fertilome Hornet and Wasp Killer containing Tetramethrin),at the opening, and have a ready exit path available. Repeat, if necessary in 20 to 30 minutes. Ultimately, you’ll want to remove the nest.
Follow the current label instructions—sometimes instructions change.
If you’d like more guidance on how to execute a precision eradication assault, stop by any Western Gardens Center and one of our expert gardeners can help you plan your attack. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook.
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