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Hornets

Home Hornets

 

Hornet near nest

Having problems with hornets?

Hornets are larger and bulkier than common wasps and can become a real safety issue when a nest is near doors, paths, play areas, or inside roof voids and wall cavities.

They are usually calm away from the nest, but will defend it vigorously if disturbed. If you suspect a nest, keep people and pets well away and contact Shire Pest Solutions for safe professional treatment.

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Professional Hornet Control Services in the UK

Hornets are the UK’s largest social wasps. Activity peaks from late spring to early autumn, then colonies die off in winter. New queens overwinter and start fresh nests in spring. Old nests are not reused, although new queens may build nearby.

Where Hornets Commonly Nest

  • Roof spaces, lofts and attics
  • Wall cavities and voids
  • Sheds, garages and outbuildings
  • Hollow trees, dense hedges and shrubs

Why Hornet Nests Can Be a Problem

Hornets are typically calm away from the nest, but they defend it aggressively if threatened. Stings are painful and can trigger severe allergic reactions. If someone experiences breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or neck, or dizziness, seek urgent medical help.

Prevention Tips

  • Keep bins shut and remove fallen fruit
  • Minimise bright outdoor lighting at night which attracts insects and foraging hornets
  • Fit insect mesh to vents and loft gaps
  • Check eaves, sheds and roof spaces in spring so starter nests can be dealt with early
Hornet close up
Hornet identification
European hornet (Vespa crabro)

Hornet Control FAQ

Hornets are larger and bulkier than common wasps, with deeper yellow/brown (or yellow/black) markings and a louder flight “buzz”. You’ll often see them at dusk as well as daylight, and their nests are usually bigger and more papery.
They’re generally calm away from the nest, but will defend it vigorously if they feel threatened. Stings are painful and can trigger severe allergic reactions in some people—seek urgent medical help if there’s breathing difficulty, swelling of the face/neck, or dizziness.
Activity peaks from late spring to early autumn. Colonies die off in winter; new queens overwinter and start fresh nests in spring. Old nests aren’t reused, though a new queen might build nearby.
Keep people and pets well away, don’t block the entrance, and avoid loud vibration or attempts to burn/flood the nest. If it’s near doors, paths or play areas—or in a roof void or high position—book professional removal. If you must act yourself, only approach after dark with full protective clothing and extreme caution.
They’re not typical disease vectors, but they can transfer bacteria (e.g., from bins or carrion) onto food and surfaces. The main health risks are stings, possible allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections if stings aren’t cleaned properly.
Keep bins shut, remove fallen fruit, and minimise bright outdoor lighting at night (which attracts insects and foraging hornets). Fit insect mesh to vents/loft gaps, and check eaves, sheds and roof spaces in spring so small starter nests can be dealt with early.
Do not approach the nest. Take a clear photo from a safe distance and report it via the official UK channels for non-native species; we can also help with identification and next steps. If a nest is on your property, arrange professional treatment immediately.

More About Shire Pest Solutions

Shire Pest Solutions is a trusted and local pest control company proudly serving homes and businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond. We have built our reputation on professionalism, reliability, and fast response times, specialising in the safe and effective removal of pests including ants, wasps, rodents, bed bugs, and more.

Our expert technicians hold full qualifications and use the latest tools and treatments to resolve pest problems quickly and safely—without unnecessary disruption. Whether you face a minor domestic issue or a large-scale commercial infestation, we design our services to meet your needs with minimal fuss and maximum effectiveness.

Based locally, we regularly assist customers in Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Our knowledge of the local area enables us to provide rapid call-outs and treatments that are suited to the unique pest challenges of each location.

At Shire Pest Solutions, we don’t just eliminate pests—we stop them from returning. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and we dedicate ourselves to customer satisfaction, making us the go-to pest control provider for homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients alike.

Contact us today to arrange a call-out or find out more about our pest control services across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.