Should I remove low hanging Baldfaced Hornet nest over walkway? - Ask Extension
The nest is only 7 or 8 feet up in a low branch, and kids walk by going to school. I’ve read these can sometimes be left alone, but I’m afraid a k...
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Should I remove low hanging Baldfaced Hornet nest over walkway? #878485
Asked July 23, 2024, 6:12 PM EDT
The nest is only 7 or 8 feet up in a low branch, and kids walk by going to school. I’ve read these can sometimes be left alone, but I’m afraid a kid might get a stick and mess with it. Should this be removed?
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
As ecologically beneficial, native members of our ecosystem, we would normally say that removal is not recommended if a Baldfaced Hornet nest can be avoided until autumn/winter, when the nest members will die out. If some type of fencing, sign, or other warning or barrier can't be used to keep people far enough away from the nest (a few feet in all directions should be all that's needed, both for people walking and anyone mowing the grass directly under the nest), then it might need to be treated. Wasp spray, used as directed on the product label, is the only option, and it will kill the wasps (probably over the course of a few days).
Miri
Miri
Okay, thanks very much.
You're welcome.