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How to Kill European Hornets

European hornets are large and intimidating. Their stings are painful and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. They are up to 1-1/4 inches long and are often confused for cicada killers. You can identify a European hornet by its red-brown head markings and black-and-yellow rear markings. European hornets have a habit of making their nests near light and in areas where humans leave food. Killing these hornets is not easy; do it only if you are unable to relocate them.

Things You'll Need

Bee veil
Gloves
Flashlight
Red cellophane
Hornet killing spray
Plastic bucket with lid
Freezer

Instructions

- 1
  Locate an entire hornet's nest.
- 2
  Wait until after dark to approach the nest. Put gloves and a bee veil on. Put red cellophane over your flashlight lens.
- 3
  Carry the hornet killing spray and the flashlight to the nest. Spray the nest from a 15-foot distance, saturating it from top to bottom.
- 4
  Pull the hornet's nest down the next morning while wearing your gloves and bee veil, and quickly put it into the plastic bucket. When the entire nest is in the bucket, close the lid tight.
- 5
  Put the bucket in a freezer for 48 hours to assure all the hornets die.

Insects & Science