Identifying Hornets
European hornets are the only true hornet in the United States. They are brown with yellow-orange stripes and average an inch and a half in length. The bald-faced hornet is common in the US, but are actually more closely related to yellow jackets. These pests are black with white-gray stripes and much smaller than the European hornet, averaging just three-fourths of an inch long. They have six legs, two pairs of wings, and wide heads. Hornets stingers are not barbed, allowing them to sting multiple times.
Finding a Hornet Nest
Bald-faced hornets build their hives in trees and shrubs, whereas European hornets nest in tree and roof cavities, porch rafters, and beneath eaves. Hives are constructed by chewing wood into pulp and typically look like a teardrop in shape. One benefit of having hornets around is that they regulate pest populations by preying on flies, ticks, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects. For this reason, if a nest is located in a safe place far from homes, it is best left alone. People commonly think that hornets look like bees, but hornets have skinny waists between their thorax and abdomen.
Dangers & Removal
Hornets are aggressive pests, especially if their hives are disturbed. Their sting is painful and, since they swarm when bothered, it is rare to receive just one. Additionally, many people are allergic to their venom. Residents can do things like clean up dropped fruit and keep trash cans sealed tightly to deter hornet infestations. Caulking and sealing cracks in walls each spring to keep them from entering roofs and attics is also helpful. When it comes to identifying and removing an established hornet nest, homeowners should rely on the specialists at Critter Control.
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Best Bat Removal
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in
Tulsa!
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.
Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.
Because
bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious
bat droppings.
Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.
She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!
Service:
Bat Removal
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.
He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!