The gentle tap of a hornet against your window at night can be enough to disturb your slumber. In fact, it can be concerning as hornets are known to have nasty stings and the last thing you want is them getting into your house.
The good news is that it is rare for hornets to tap your window overnight, they usually just stick to the evening, while you are still awake.
The reason they tap is that they are attracted to the lights on in your home. Hornets don’t see the glass in your window, their eyesight isn’t that good. You may need to contact your local pest control specialist to deal with this issue.
However, before you do, it’s a good idea to find out more about them and why they tap your window.
The European Hornet
In most cases, the European hornet will be the one tapping on your window. These insects are approximately 5mm long and have a reddish-brown color on the top and sides of their faces. They are also very defensive, you will be glad the glass is in your way. Having said that, they are not usually aggressive, the common yellow jacket is more aggressive. Thanks to their size they will hit the window with some force. However, it is highly unlikely that they will be able to break the glass.
Why They Head For The Light
The light attracts the hornets, it is that simple. In most cases, this banging happens in early spring as the hornets are out looking for nesting sites. The Queen will have woken from hibernation and will be eager to build a new nest. They are unusual in that you won’t see the nest hanging from a tree or similar. They prefer to build a nest inside a tree or in your loft, wall void, or even an old birdhouse.
What Action You Should Take
You should not open your window! The hornets will come in, heading for the light in your home, and they may cause you problems. It is best to leave them outside.
However, you should monitor them and, if necessary, get the professionals in. They are likely looking for a place to nest or they already have a nest nearby. You’ll have to see where they fly to and from to locate the site of the nest. The sooner you find the nest the easier it will be for the professionals to remove it.
Hornets are beneficial in that they will eat the insects in your area, which is good for you and the environment. But if the nest is too close to where you walk frequently, then you’ll find yourself and your family is at risk. That’s when you need to get professional help to remove the nest. This is not a job you want to be tackling by yourself.
Again, the sooner the better, a mature nest can have as many as 400 hornets, you don’t want them all mad at you.
