Hornets
Hornets

Hornet Control Services in Northeast Ohio

Hornets: Identification, Risks & Professional Control

Hornets are aggressive stinging insects that pose risks to people, pets, and property. In Northeast Ohio, warm weather brings increased hornet activity as they build paper nests under eaves, in trees, attics, and wall voids. Attempting to remove a hornet nest without professional help can be dangerous.

At DHS Pest Control, we provide safe, fast, and reliable hornet extermination and nest removal services. Our technicians are trained to eliminate hornet colonies while minimizing risks to your family and property.

Quick Facts about Hornets

  • Common species in Ohio: European hornet, bald-faced hornet.
  • Size: ¾” to 1½” long, larger than wasps and yellowjackets.
  • Color: European hornet: reddish-brown with yellow stripes; bald-faced hornet: black with white markings.
  • Nests: Large, papery nests built in trees, shrubs, under eaves, or inside wall voids.
  • Risks: Aggressive stinging behavior when nests are disturbed; multiple stings possible.

How to Identify a Hornet Infestation

Signs include:

  • Visible nests: Papery, football-shaped nests in trees, shrubs, attics, or under roofs.
  • Frequent hornet activity: Large, fast-flying insects around your home, yard, or entry points.
  • Buzzing noises in walls or attics: May indicate hidden nests inside structures.
  • Aggressive swarming behavior: Hornets defending nests when disturbed.

Why Hornets Are a Serious Problem in Northeast Ohio

  • Painful stings: More painful than bee stings; hornets can sting multiple times.
  • Allergic reactions: Stings can trigger severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.
  • Aggressive defense: Hornets defend their nests aggressively, attacking in swarms.
  • Property risks: Nests built in wall voids or attics can cause structural concerns and are hard to remove.

Common Hornet Species in Northeast Ohio

  • European hornet: Active day and night; attracted to lights; nests in hollow trees and wall voids.
  • Bald-faced hornet: Technically a type of yellowjacket, but larger and more aggressive; builds large, visible nests in trees and on structures.

DHS Pest Control’s Hornet Inspection Process

  1. Exterior Inspection — Identify visible nests around trees, roofs, and siding.
  2. Interior Check — Look for hidden nests in attics, wall voids, and crawlspaces.
  3. Species Identification — Determine hornet type for targeted treatment.
  4. Risk Assessment — Evaluate proximity of nests to people, pets, and high-traffic areas.
  5. Treatment Plan — Recommend safe extermination and nest removal strategy.

Professional Hornet Control & Nest Removal Methods

Our licensed technicians use proven methods to remove hornets safely:

  • Protective equipment: Ensure safety during removal.
  • Targeted insecticide applications: Applied directly to nests for rapid elimination.
  • Nest removal: Safe removal and disposal of nests once hornets are eliminated.
  • Preventive treatments: Barrier applications around entry points and structures.
  • Exclusion: Recommendations for sealing gaps and repairs to prevent re-nesting.

DIY Tips — What Homeowners Should Avoid

  • Do NOT spray nests during the day — hornets are most active and aggressive.
  • Avoid knocking down nests — this can provoke swarms.
  • Don’t rely on store-bought sprays for large nests — they rarely eliminate the entire colony.

The safest option is to call DHS Pest Control for professional removal.

What to Expect During & After Treatment

  • Inspection time: 20–60 minutes.
  • Treatment & removal: 1–2 hours depending on nest size and location.
  • Results: Most hornets eliminated immediately; some stragglers may remain for 24–48 hours.
  • Follow-ups: Scheduled if multiple nests are present or if preventative treatments are needed.

Health & Safety Considerations

Hornets are a significant safety risk. DHS Pest Control uses EPA-approved treatments and follows strict safety protocols. We also offer low-toxicity options for sensitive households. Our technicians ensure nests are removed without putting families or pets at risk.

Long-Term Hornet Prevention Strategies

  • Seal cracks, gaps, and entry points in siding and soffits.
  • Keep outdoor trash bins closed tightly.
  • Trim back overgrown shrubs and trees near structures.
  • Reduce outdoor lighting at night, which attracts European hornets.
  • Schedule seasonal inspections to detect nests early before they become large.

Why Choose DHS Pest Control?

  • Local expertise: We understand hornet behavior and nesting habits in Northeast Ohio.
  • Experienced technicians: Equipped to handle even large and dangerous nests.
  • Safe methods: Protective gear, professional tools, and family-conscious treatments.
  • Fast response: Emergency services available for urgent infestations.
  • Satisfaction guarantee: Follow-ups and warranties available.

Service Areas

We proudly serve Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Strongsville, Canton, Akron, Massillon, Wooster, Millersburg, Mansfield, Ashland, Loudonville, Youngstown, Medina, Hudson, and surrounding communities. Not sure if we cover your area? Call us.. we likely do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are hornets dangerous?
A: Yes. Their stings are painful and can trigger severe allergic reactions. Hornets are also highly aggressive when nests are disturbed.

Q: Can I remove a hornet nest myself?
A: We strongly advise against it. DIY attempts often result in multiple stings and incomplete nest removal.

Q: How soon can DHS Pest Control remove hornets?
A: We offer flexible scheduling and emergency same-day or next-day services when possible.

Q: How much does hornet control cost?
A: Pricing depends on nest size, location, and accessibility. We provide free or low-cost inspections with upfront estimates.

Contact Us Today!

Protect your family from painful stings. Call DHS Pest Control for professional hornet nest removal today.

DHS Pest Control is Northeast Ohio’s trusted experts for safe and effective hornet extermination and nest removal.
Service
Name
Name
First Name
Last Name
Dhs Pest Control place picture
5.0
Based on 28 reviews
powered by Google
Elizabeth Castro profile pictureElizabeth Castro
17:10 02 Oct 25
DHS completed a VA refinance pest inspection for us and they were able to schedule us quickly, were efficient, respectful and knowledgeable. I will be recommending them to our friends and family. Excellent service.
Response from the owner 19:04 03 Oct 25
Hey Elizabeth! We're really happy to hear about your experience with our pest inspection service. It’s wonderful knowing everything went smoothly, and we appreciate your recommendation!
Kenneth Kelly profile pictureKenneth Kelly
20:33 27 Aug 25
DHS Pest Control is absolutely outstanding! From the moment I called, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about solving my problem. The technician arrived right on time, explained everything in detail, and made sure I felt comfortable with the process. Their knowledge and attention to detail gave me complete confidence, and the results speak for themselves.

What really stood out was the level of customer service. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and went above and beyond to make the entire experience stress-free. It’s rare to find a company that combines expertise, reliability, and such a personal touch, but DHS does it all.

If you’re looking for a trustworthy, effective, and locally dedicated pest control company in Wooster, I can’t recommend DHS Pest Control enough! They’ve earned a customer for life.
Le Slime profile pictureLe Slime
13:57 13 Aug 25
They took care of my bee problem and were very quick about it! Much appreciated!
Response from the owner 14:10 13 Aug 25
Thank you for the nice review. Please let us know if we can assist you in future pest issues!
Mike Manchak profile pictureMike Manchak
00:39 13 Aug 25
We called with a bald-faced hornet and yellow jacket problem and they came out same day and took care of everything for us. Super professional, great customer service, very reasonable pricing.

I hope to not be a repeat customer but if I ever find myself needing pest control again, they are the first ones I will call.
Response from the owner 21:34 18 Aug 25
Hey Mike! Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad we could help resolve the issue quickly and that you were pleased with our service and pricing. Hopefully you won’t need pest control again anytime soon, but if you do, we’ll be ready to help right away.
Kimberly Surgala profile pictureKimberly Surgala
01:23 02 Aug 25
Very happy with the service from DHS Pest Control. Trent and Lonnie were very thorough about making sure our yellow jacket problem was taken care of. The pricing was affordable and I was not charged for the follow up. I will definitely be using DHS Pest Control for any future needs!
Response from the owner 01:35 02 Aug 25
Thank you so much for the nice review Kimberly!
Eric Mace profile pictureEric Mace
22:17 30 Jun 25
Very professional and friendly.we had such a bed bug problem we didn't think it could be solved.trent and his crew,who are a family business come in and got it taken care of faster and better than we could have ever hoped.i can't imagine anyone better
Response from the owner 18:16 07 Jul 25
Hi Eric! We're so glad to hear our team could tackle your bed bug issue quickly and effectively. We take pride in delivering dependable service, and it means a lot to know we made a difference for you.
Lee Ann Bristow profile pictureLee Ann Bristow
14:46 14 Jun 25
I would like to give a huge shout out to Trent from DHS Pest Control. I was faced with a Carpenter Ant problem that caused significant damage to my sunroom. I called Trent at 12:55pm about my issue. He was on a job an hour away. He said he could be at my house when he was finished his current job. He arrived at my home in a timely fashion. He was polite, professional, and understanding of my situation. He did a thorough inspection of the inside, outside and basement of my home. Then he got to work treating the property. His price was extremely reasonable. If after 30 days I see any Carpenter Ants he will come back and treat the property for no charge. Where can you get a better deal than that? I highly recommend Trent Koller and his company.
Response from the owner 16:35 16 Jun 25
Hey Lee Ann! I'm really glad to hear that you had such a positive experience with me handling your Carpenter Ant issue. It's great knowing that the service and pricing left you satisfied, and I'm here if you need any further assistance in the future.
Barbara McGrew Austin profile pictureBarbara McGrew Austin
21:24 23 May 25
Trent and his Nephew did a Great job! Very informative and professional! Explained everything well and worked diligently! Was very happy with service!!!!😁
Response from the owner 16:23 27 May 25
Hi Barbara! I’m thrilled to hear you were happy with how everything went. We always aim to be informative and professional, so it's great to know it made a difference.
Gretchen Carr profile pictureGretchen Carr
13:05 17 May 25
I highly highly recommend Trent. He is very professional and diligent. No stone left unturned! He's also great to work with.
Response from the owner 16:46 19 May 25
Thank you so much for the kind words and recommendation! I truly appreciate your support and am glad I could provide the level of service you were looking for. It was a pleasure working with you!
Joan Swick profile pictureJoan Swick
19:44 13 May 25
Very polite and professional. Did a great job. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner 20:28 15 May 25
Thank you Joan🙂