Unit - 3, 6-8 Hans Crescent SW1X 0LJ London

Hornet Control

2 hours emergency response across London — from £199

Hornets

Large aggressive wasps that build substantial nests and pose serious stinging threats to London residents.

2 hours emergencyResponse
98%Success rate
£199From
highRisk level
Identification

How to identify hornets

Hornets close up
Size
25–35mm — noticeably larger than a wasp
Colour
Brown and yellow with a russet thorax
Active
Active May-October, peak aggression late summer
  • Deeper, louder flight sound than a wasp
  • Nest usually in a hollow tree, loft or outbuilding
  • Less aggressive than wasps unless the nest is threatened
  • Active into the evening, often drawn to lights

Commonly confused with: The Asian hornet is a notifiable species — darker, with a distinct yellow leg tip. If you suspect one, report it and do not approach.

Lifecycle

The hornet lifecycle

1

Queen emerges

April–May

Founds the nest alone

2

First workers

June

Colony begins to expand

3

Peak colony

August–September

Several hundred hornets

4

Decline

October–November

Nest is abandoned for good

Generations: One colony per yearLifespan: Workers weeks; queens overwinter
Symptoms

Signs of hornets in your property

Large yellow and black insects
Substantial paper nests
Loud buzzing sounds
Aggressive behavior when disturbed
Dead insects around nest sites
Risks

Health risks and property damage

Health risks

  • Extremely painful stings
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Multiple sting capability
  • Potential anaphylactic shock
  • Higher venom concentration than wasps

Property damage

  • Large structural nests
  • Tree and shrub damage
  • Aggressive territorial behavior
  • Property access restrictions
Pest handling

What to do before we arrive

Do this

  • Keep well clear and restrict access to the area
  • Photograph from a distance to confirm the species
  • Close nearby windows, especially at dusk
  • Report any suspected Asian hornet sighting to the authorities

Avoid this

  • Do not attempt any DIY treatment — hornet stings are significantly more serious
  • Do not block the nest entrance
  • Do not use lights near the nest at night; hornets are drawn to them
  • Do not disturb a nest in a confined space such as a loft
Treatment

How we treat hornets

Specialist removal with full protective equipment and emergency protocols

Every treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan. Our success rate on hornets is 98%, and we attend within 2 hours emergency of your call.

When they are active: Active May-October, peak aggression late summer
Tips and tricks

Keeping hornets out for good

1Seal large cavities and voids
2Remove food sources
3Professional nest monitoring
4Early season intervention
Hotspots

Where we find them

TreesWall cavitiesRoof spacesLarge shrubs
Good to know

Hornets facts

Can be up to 4cm long
Nests can house 700+ hornets
Can sting multiple times
More aggressive than common wasps
Questions

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can you treat hornets in London?

We aim to attend within 2 hours emergency of your call anywhere in London, with a 24/7 line for urgent cases.

How much does hornet treatment cost?

Hornets treatment starts from £199. The final price depends on the size of the property and the extent of the infestation, and we confirm it in writing after the survey — there is no call-out charge.

How do I know if I have hornets?

The most reliable signs are: Large yellow and black insects; Substantial paper nests; Loud buzzing sounds; Aggressive behavior when disturbed. If you are seeing any of these, book a survey rather than waiting — hornets rarely resolve on their own.

How do you treat hornets?

Specialist removal with full protective equipment and emergency protocols Our success rate on hornets is 98%, and treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan.

Are hornets dangerous?

Hornets are rated high risk. The main health concerns are extremely painful stings, severe allergic reactions, multiple sting capability. They can also cause large structural nests.

How can I stop hornets coming back?

Seal large cavities and voids; Remove food sources; Professional nest monitoring. We include a prevention plan with every treatment and can arrange scheduled monitoring for properties that have had repeat problems.