We have huge hornets buzzing wildly around our front yard. They come every summer. People are afraid to come to our door. I got rid of hostas which I thought were attracting them. We put gas and a match in several holes, but can't seem to find them all.
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 1
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Are they hornets? If they are 'huge' and are chewing holes in the wood to nest, they are carpenter bees. Hornets usually make paper nests under things, or nest in the holes in metal (like on a grill or swing). Hornets also nest in the ground. To get rid of carpenter bees, a match will not do. Buy some 'Sevin Dust' and put some in a plastic bottle with a tip, like used for hair coloring. Squeeze a puff into each hole you find, then let it set for 3-4 days. This will allow the female to carry it back to her nest, and to carry it to each hole you do not find. Now, seal each hole you find with filler of some kind. THEN paint or seal all wood. Carpenter bees prefer bare wood for nesting, so if it is painted or sealed, they generally will not chew into it. Another tidbit. Male carpenter bees do not have stingers, and females only sting in self defense. They are non-aggressive. Their chewing nests WILL weaken the structure of whatever they are into, though.
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