Protect Your Home from Aggressive Hornets with Fillmore Pest Control
Hornets are among the most intimidating and dangerous stinging insects found in the New York and New Jersey area. Their large size, aggressive nature, and ability to sting repeatedly make them a serious threat when they build nests near homes, businesses, or outdoor living spaces.
While hornets play a role in managing insect populations, their presence around people can create a hazardous situation. A single nest can house hundreds of hornets, all ready to defend their colony if disturbed. For those with allergies, even one sting can be a medical emergency.
Fillmore Pest Control provides professional hornet removal services in Staten Island and throughout NYC and NJ. Our trained technicians use specialized tools and proven safety procedures to remove nests efficiently and prevent hornets from returning. To schedule service, call us at 718-307-9818 or fill out our online form today.
Why Hornets Are So Dangerous
Hornets differ from smaller wasps and yellow jackets in both behavior and biology. Their size allows them to inject more venom per sting, and their instinct to defend their nest makes them particularly aggressive.
Hornet infestations are dangerous for several reasons:
- Aggressive Defense Behavior – Hornets defend their nests in large numbers and can sting multiple times. Even vibrations or movement near the nest can trigger a swarm response.
- Large, High-Traffic Nests – Hornet nests can grow to the size of a basketball or larger and are commonly found in trees, shrubs, eaves, attics, and even wall voids. The higher and more concealed the nest, the more dangerous it is to remove.
- High Venom Potency – Hornet stings contain a higher volume of venom than most wasp species, causing intense pain and swelling. For those allergic to stings, this can lead to severe or life-threatening reactions.
- Seasonal Growth and Reinfestation – Hornet colonies grow rapidly through the summer, often expanding until late fall. If the queen is not eliminated, hornets can return and rebuild in the same area the following year.
Because hornet nests can become dangerous so quickly, professional removal is the safest way to eliminate them.
Common Hornet Species in NYC and NJ
Different types of hornets have distinct nesting habits and behaviors. Identifying the species is the first step in ensuring effective and lasting control.
- European Hornets – The most common species in the region, European hornets are large, reddish-brown insects that build aerial nests in hollow trees, wall voids, and attics. They are highly defensive and active both day and night.
- Bald-Faced Hornets – Technically a type of yellow jacket, bald-faced hornets are known for their black-and-white coloring and large football-shaped nests that hang from trees or structures. They are highly territorial and attack quickly when disturbed.
Regardless of species, hornets require specialized treatment due to their aggression, nesting locations, and potential to rebuild if not fully eradicated.
Our Hornet Removal Process
At Fillmore Pest Control, our Staten Island technicians follow a structured, safety-focused process for every hornet removal job. We combine targeted treatments with professional equipment to ensure full nest removal and long-term prevention.
- Inspection and Identification – We begin with a thorough inspection to locate the nest and identify the hornet species. Understanding nest size, location, and colony behavior helps determine the safest removal method.
- Safe Nest Neutralization – Using protective gear and professional-grade insecticides, our team treats the nest directly to eliminate the colony, including the queen. For elevated nests, we use extension applicators or ladders to ensure complete coverage.
- Nest Removal and Site Treatment – Once the colony is neutralized, we remove or seal the nest area to prevent re-use. A perimeter treatment is applied around the property to discourage new hornets from nesting nearby.
- Follow-Up and Prevention – After removal, our technicians provide guidance on preventing future infestations, such as sealing structural gaps, trimming overhanging branches, and limiting food attractants outdoors.
Each step is performed with a focus on safety — both for the homeowner and the technician — to ensure the threat is completely eliminated.
Why Professional Hornet Removal Is the Only Safe Option
DIY attempts to remove hornet nests often lead to serious injury. Hornets will defend their colony aggressively, and a single mistake can result in dozens of stings within seconds. Consumer-grade sprays rarely penetrate large nests effectively and may only agitate the colony.
Professional removal ensures:
- Complete elimination of the nest and queen
- Proper treatment to prevent re-infestation
- Reduced risk of stings and allergic reactions
- Safe, environmentally responsible application methods
Our technicians are equipped to handle nests in hard-to-reach locations — whether on rooftops, in wall voids, or deep within landscaping — using professional-grade tools and safety equipment that are not available to the public.
Protect Your Home and Family from Hornets
Hornet activity can escalate quickly, creating a dangerous situation for anyone nearby. Early intervention is key to preventing the nest from growing and reducing the risk of stings.
If you’re seeing hornets or have discovered a nest on your property, contact Fillmore Pest Control immediately. We provide same-day and emergency service throughout Staten Island, NYC, and NJ to restore safety to your home or business.
Call 718-307-9818 or fill out our online form to schedule a visit from one of our licensed pest control experts. We’ll safely remove the nest, apply preventive treatments, and ensure your property remains hornet-free.