Dealing with hornet’s nest in one’s home is one of the toughest things to deal with.

You can deal with it on your own and risk getting stung or getting sick from all the chemical sprays. Or you can hire experts, which can be expensive.

This was Sandy Dennis’ problem.

She always had to deal with hornets in her own patio. Other people usually deal with hornets with deadly chemical sprays that got the job done. But they also affected the people, and other animals insects and animals nearby. She didn’t want that.

Sandy wanted an eco-friendly alternative.

During her research, Sandy found out that hornets or wasps are territorial insects. The hornets will not build a nest within a hundred feet of an existing one.

So what if she built a fake nest? Will it work?

Since Sandy loves to crochet, she decided to crochet a fake hornet nest instead of buying one online. When she was done, she tested her theory and hung it up on her patio, where she usually finds hornet nests.

What happened when she tested it?

“Hornet’s nests on the outdoor patio were always a problem until 4 years ago when I crocheted and hung my fake one after reading that hornets are territorial. Not a single one since then!” Sandy wrote on her Facebook post.

It worked!

And it turns out more people have this problem more often than they should. Sandy’s post received almost 115,000 shares, more than 10,000 reactions, and more than 7,000 comments. Plus Sandy has even received orders of the crochet nest from numerous people.

If you want to create your own, Sandy shared her crochet nest pattern on Thrifty Fun or you can order online on Etsy.

If you want to try something else or complement your crochet nest, there are other ways you can do to control hornets from invading your place.

1. Clove-Geranium-Lemongrass Spray

In a spray bottle, add water, dish soap, and several drops of clove, geranium, and lemongrass essential oils. Spray it on different areas of your house where you usually find nests.

2. Soap and water

Add soap and water in a spray bottle and spray it on existing small nests.

“The soap clogs their breathing pores (called spiracles) and they die almost instantly,” Chris Walker, an eco-friendly wasp removal expert, said.

Remember, use this spray on small nests. Do not use on large nests for safety reasons.

3. Peppermint oil

You can also add peppermint oil to the soap/water mix and spray on small nests.

4. Wasp traps

You can make your own wasp trap or buy one online. Add some tempting treat like sugar water inside to lure in the hornet. Because the opening is small, it’s more difficult for hornets now to exit the trap. Make sure to place it near the nest as possible.

And remember to call an exterminator to get rid of the hornets. Don’t attempt to do it yourself.

5. Seal cracks

As much as we don’t want hornets in any part of our house, it’s always best to keep them outside as much as possible. Because if they manage to sneak in and build a nest inside the house, it’s going to be trouble for everyone living in the house.

So make sure to seal any cracks you find. Check your window screens for holes, tiny cracks in the edge sidings, and power line entries. They may be small but hornets can find in those holes and cracks.

6. Close waste bins

Make sure that your trash bins are closed and your food waste is not exposed. Studies have shown that there are more wasps in places where food waste is exposed. So close those trash bins.

Are you ready to handle that hornet nest in your house? You got this!

Want to learn how to crochet your own fake hornet nest? Watch the video below.

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Source: Return to Now, Chelsey Bennett, Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons, Good Housekeeping, Good Housekeeping