Hornets are a kind of stinging insect related to wasps and yellow jackets. Though they do serve ecological roles (eating other insects, helping in pest control), they can also pose serious risks when nests are too close to people. In Cleveland, Ohio—and much of Northeast Ohio—hornets and other stinging insects become especially active in the warmer months, making it important for homeowners and businesses to know how to recognize problems and how to safely resolve them.
The Problem: Why Hornets Are a Concern
- Aggression and Risk of Stings
Hornets are defensive of their nests. If their nest is disturbed—by people, pets, or even loud noises—they can swarm and sting. For individuals with allergies, hornet stings can be life-threatening. So, only professionals should be involved in the Hornet Extermination in Cleveland, Ohio. - Property Damage and Nest Locations
Hornets often build nests in hard-to-reach places: under roof eaves, in wall voids, in trees, in attics, or under porches. These nests are often made of paper-like material (a mixture of chewed wood and saliva) and can grow relatively large. Over time, moisture damage or structural weakening can occur, especially if nests are near or inside parts of buildings. - Seasonal Behavior
In Cleveland, hornet activity peaks in summer and early fall. As their supply of natural food sources (insects, sap, etc.) decreases, they may become more attracted to human food and sugary substances. Also, nests built earlier in the season grow larger and more noticeable toward late summer.
Hornet Exterminator Services in Cleveland
There are a number of companies in Cleveland that specialize in hornet (and more generally, stinging insect) control. Here are how local services typically work and some of the main providers.
What Local Extermination Looks Like
- Inspection: First, the exterminator inspects the property to identify the type of insect (hornet vs wasp vs yellow jacket), the nest’s location, size, and risk level.
- Treatment or Removal:
- Chemical treatment of nests: insecticides targeted at hornets to kill or disable the nest.
- Physical removal: where safe, removing the nest once the insects are less active (often at night). Sometimes relocation if bees are involved.
- Safety equipment & proper timing: Exterminators use protective gear and often do treatments after dusk when hornets are less active.
- Warranty or follow-up: Some companies in Cleveland offer warranties or return visits if the pests re-establish nests.
Notable Local Providers
Here are a few companies in Cleveland that specialize in hornet/bee/wasp control:
- Cleveland Bee Removal – Specializes in hornet extermination among other stinging insect removal. They also do live bee relocation in cases of honey bees.
- General Pest Control – One of the long-established pest control companies. They handle bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, etc.
- Prevent Pest Control – Residential & commercial service; handles hornet/wasp/bee removal and offers emergency service.
- Lakewood Exterminating – Offers wasp and hornet nest control, with pricing and warranty details.
How to Choose a Good Hornet Exterminator
If you need to hire a professional, here’s what to look for:
- Licensing and Insurance
Make sure the company is properly licensed in Ohio and has liability insurance. Extermination involving stinging insects is risky business. - Experience with Stinging Insects
A company that understands the behavior of hornets (and related insects) will do a safer, more effective job. Experience in locating hidden nests is particularly useful. - Safety Practices
- Treatments at night or dusk
- Proper protective gear
- Use of safe, approved chemical or physical methods
- Free Estimates and Transparent Pricing
Many companies offer free estimates. The price may depend on the size and location of the nest, accessibility, and whether follow-up is included. Be wary of very low quotes which may signify cutting corners. - Customer Reviews and Guarantees
Look at past customer feedback. Do they come back if the problem returns? Is the company responsive?
What You Can Do to Prevent Hornet Issues
Prevention is often cheaper and safer than removal. Here are some tips:
- Seal cracks, holes, and possible entrance points in your house exterior.
- Keep trim and shrubs well-maintained so nests don’t go unnoticed.
- Remove potential attractants like uncovered trash, rotting fruit, or sugary spills outdoors.
- Be cautious when using outdoor lights (hornets are often attracted at night).
- Regular inspections of your attic, roof eaves, porch undersides, etc.
Conclusion
Hornet infestations in Cleveland, Ohio present a real danger—not just due to painful stings, but also because nests can grow large and be in difficult locations. Fortunately, there are many qualified exterminators in the Cleveland area who provide professional inspection, removal, and prevention services. When dealing with hornets, hiring a competent, licensed, and well-reviewed professional is usually the safest path forward.
If you like, I can pull together a list of top rated hornet exterminators in Cleveland with contact details and approximate pricing—or help you estimate what removal might cost for a specific situation.
