Horning, and in particular the species Velutindetect the pheromones of bees (including geraniol), which show them the presence of a source of food – honey or pollen.
Through fruit, i.e. Apples, plums or grapes emit volatile organic compounds. Most often they are Ethanol and vinegar aldehyde, which detect the hornets with the help of chemoreceptors on the tentaclesreceiving them like “neon lights” indicating easily available food. These fragrances act as alarm signals, leading insects to the source of simple sugars and fermenting juice, which are a source of energy for them. Exhibition of a bowl with transparent or slightly rotting fruit outside significantly increases the risk of hornets in the space used by humans.
In addition to fruit, a strong lure for hornets are Fragrances of fermenting organic remains. Apple cider vinegar or liquid beer bait imitates the fragrance of decaying matter, providing the hornets of both sugars and proteins derived from microorganisms. Especially apple cider vinegar emits a characteristic, sour-fruit aroma, to which hornets react intensivelyreaching traps filled with such liquid, where they die as a result of drowning or the washing agent. In turn, the waste left in baskets and composters left without protection can become an unintentional source of food for these insects.
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After dark, many species hornets show phototaxia. Terrace lanterns, Garden lamps or intense light indoor light act like visual signpostscausing chaotic flights around the light source. Therefore, it is worth replacing traditional bulbs with yellow LED lamps that emit wavelengths less attractive to insects, and turn off unnecessary lighting outside after dark.
Regular removal of overripe and damaged fruit and organic residues significantly reduces the emission of volatile fragrances that attract hornets and wasps. You should also close the baskets for waste and composters and regularly wash the places where we serve sweet drinks and snacks outside. Thanks to this, we will deprive insects of an easily available food source and discourage them from feeding in our area.
Planting plants such as lavender, basil, mint, marjoram or thyme around terraces and windows creates a natural insect repellent belt thanks to strong essential oils secreted by leaves. In addition, cotton pads soaked in lavender and clove oil or coffee can be spread at the entrances to enhance the deterrent effect on hornets and wasps.
Specialized traps, available in beekeeping and garden stores, use synthetic pheromones, which effectively attract hornets inside the container. Most often they contain a set of attracting substances and two separate chambers, designed for various insect species. To ensure maximum efficiency and safety, traps should be arranged along the borders of the property, away from places of the most common people’s activity.
- Lighting manipulation
Horbreenings are attracted to artificial lighting, especially in the blue and UV spectrum. Installation of LED bulbs with a warm, yellow or amber color (2000-2700 K) reduces the number of attracted insects by up to several dozen percent. Excluding unnecessary lights outside after dark, we additionally minimize the risk of hornets near the house.
Although the sting of hornet can be very painful, the dose of venom (~ 0.2 mg per sting) usually does not pose a threat to a person without hypersensitivity. For comparison, The toxic dose starts from about 10-90 mg of venom per kilogram of body weight, which would require several dozen individual stings at once. However, people who are allergic to insect venom or who experience many stings should immediately report for medical help.
It is also worth knowing that self -removal of nests is a great risk of a defensive attack of the entire colony. Even with minimal interference, insects can collect collectively. Therefore, the safest solution will be to rent a licensed disinfestation company, which has professional protective equipment and insecticides. Specialists will carry out the procedure in appropriate conditions (usually at night) and ensure safe removal of the nest.
