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How to Make a Hornet Nest Fall

The nest of the bald-faced, or North American, hornet is the familiar, pear-shaped, gray, papery nest you sometimes see hanging in a tree, shrub, or sometimes attached to a utility pole or house. The hornets that inhabit the structure generally avoid humans, and you should not disturb them unless the nest is in close proximity to a high-traffic area. Bald-faced hornets normally will not attack unless a person gets within three feet of their nest. For best results, wait until after the first hard freeze, when most of the hornets are dead.

Things You'll Need

Ladder
Plastic garbage bag
Snips, strong scissors or pruning saw
Protective clothing

Instructions

Collecting a Hornet Nest
- 1
  Wear protective clothing, including long pants secured at ankles, a long-sleeved shirt secured at wrists, and gloves. Place a ladder against the tree or pole where the nest is located.
- 2
  Carefully climb the ladder, and quickly place a plastic bag over the entire nest and part of the tree branch. Quickly tie the bag.
- 3
  Ensure the bag is completely tied around the branch. Cut the branch with scissors or a pruning saw, leaving enough room for you to grab and securely hold the branch.
- 4
  Place the bag in the freezer for two days to ensure all hornets are dead.
- 5
  Display the nest in an area safe from vibrations or weather.
Knocking Down a Nest
- 6
  Mid to late fall after the first hard freeze, place a ladder against the hornets' tree.
- 7
  Hit the branch with a strong blow from a heavy stick, bat, or similar object. You can also directly hit the nest. Most, if not all, hornets should be dead at this point.
- 8
  Climb down the ladder and examine the destroyed nest.

Nature