Hornet Nest RemovalHornets: Identification, Sting Risks & Nest Removal
Professional hornet nest removal across South & West Yorkshire, with local pages for Sheffield and Leeds.
Big insect, worse sting? Apex identifies it and removes hornet nests safely.
European hornet nests treated from £80 +VAT · One visit · Full PPE · Asian hornet? Report it · 7 days a week
At a Glance
- Service
- Hornet Nest Removal
- Provider
- Apex Pest Control Ltd
- Locations
- Sheffield, Leeds, Rotherham & Barnsley
- European hornet from
- £80 + VAT
- Asian hornet
- Notifiable — report to APHA
- Credentials
- BPCA certified · full PPE · £5M insured
European Hornet or Asian Hornet?
Apex Pest Control Ltd deals with two very different hornets across South and West Yorkshire, and the right action depends entirely on which one it is.
The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the UK’s largest native wasp — a big, brown-and-yellow insect up to 25mm long that nests in hollow trees, wall cavities and lofts. It looks alarming but is less aggressive than its reputation, and Apex Pest Control Ltd treats a European hornet nest in the same safe way as a wasp nest.
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is different: a smaller, darker invasive species with a black thorax, an orange-yellow face and a single narrow yellow band. It is a serious predator of honey bees and a notifiable species — it must be reported and must not be treated privately. Apex Pest Control Ltd will help you confirm which hornet you have.
Hornet Profile
How to Tell the Hornets Apart — and Where They Nest
Apex Pest Control Ltd confirms the species before doing anything, because the European and Asian hornet need completely different responses. If it turns out to be an Asian hornet — an invasive species that must be reported to the authorities via the Asian Hornet Watch app — Apex identifies it and directs you to the correct route, rather than simply spraying it.
European hornet
Large (18–25mm), warm brown and yellow with a brown thorax, and active even after dark. Treated like a wasp nest.
Asian hornet
Smaller and darker — a black thorax, orange-yellow face, one thin yellow band and yellow leg tips. Notifiable: report it, do not treat it.
Not a hornet at all
A common wasp is much smaller, smooth and bright yellow. If that is what you have, see wasp nest removal.
Where they nest
Hollow trees, wall cavities, lofts and attics, sheds, garages, eaves and chimneys — the papery nest is built from chewed wood.
Why a Hornet Nest Should Be Treated Professionally
Apex Pest Control Ltd treats hornet nests in full protective equipment because the risk is greater than with a wasp.
A bigger sting
A hornet is large and its venom load per sting is greater than a wasp’s, so the sting is very painful.
Allergic reactions
A hornet sting can cause swelling and, in sensitive people, a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) needing urgent medical help.
Do not disturb the nest
A disturbed hornet nest can sting in numbers. This is not a DIY job — full PPE and professional treatment are essential.
Asian hornets threaten bees
The invasive Asian hornet preys on honey bees and is a threat to pollinators, which is why every sighting must be reported.
How Apex Pest Control Treats a European Hornet Nest
Apex Pest Control Ltd treats European hornet nests with a proven, professional method, in full PPE.
Confirm the species
The technician first confirms it is a European hornet and not the invasive Asian hornet, which must be reported to APHA instead of treated.
Treat the nest
A professional insecticidal dust is applied to the nest entrance at dusk or dawn, when the hornets have returned and activity is lowest.
The colony dies down
The hornets carry the treatment through the nest and the colony dies, usually within 24 to 48 hours. One treatment is normally enough.
Aftercare advice
The nest entrance is not sealed straight away, and Apex Pest Control Ltd advises on safe re-entry and on removing the nest where you would like it gone.
European hornet nest treatment from £80 plus VAT for one visit; a loft nest can be physically removed for £120. No call-out fee. An Asian hornet nest is reported to APHA and destroyed free of charge.
What Our Customers Say
"Contacted the Barnsley branch about a wasp nest. They called back almost immediately and attended the same day — Tom sorted it within twenty minutes. First-class local service."
"Tony was very knowledgeable, professional and polite. He didn’t even need to carry out treatment — he advised me how to deal with the problem, which was very comforting. I strongly recommend them."
"Absolutely fantastic service. Tom came out the day I enquired, very professional and knowledgeable, and explained everything thoroughly. Highly recommend."
Rated 4.9/5 from 110+ reviews across our Google (Sheffield & Barnsley) and Trustpilot profiles.
Transparent Pricing
How Much Does Hornet Nest Removal Cost?
Fixed price for European hornet treatment, no call-out fee. Asian hornet nests are reported to APHA and destroyed free.
European hornet from
£80
+ VAT · one visit · loft nest removal £120
- One-visit European hornet treatment by a BPCA-certified technician
- Species confirmed first — European hornet vs Asian hornet
- Fixed price confirmed before treatment — no call-out fee
- Loft nest physically removed for £120 if required
An Asian hornet nest is not a chargeable job — it is reported to APHA, who destroy it free of charge. Every European hornet job is quoted upfront, all plus VAT.
Why Choose Apex for Hornet Nest Removal?
Apex Pest Control Ltd is a BPCA-certified, family-run Yorkshire business. Founder Tony Johnson has 40 years' experience, and every hornet treatment is carried out in full protective equipment.
BPCA Certified
Every technician holds current BPCA certification — the recognised UK standard for safe, professional hornet control.
From £80, One Visit
A fixed price from £80 plus VAT for a European hornet nest, confirmed before treatment. No call-out fee.
European vs Asian Confirmed
Apex Pest Control Ltd confirms the species first — treating European hornets and reporting Asian hornets to APHA.
Full PPE for a Bigger Sting
Hornet stings carry more venom than a wasp, so every treatment is carried out in full protective equipment.
Honest Asian-Hornet Advice
If it is an Asian hornet, Apex tells you straight: report it to APHA, who destroy it free — never a private treatment.
Available 7 Days a Week
Monday to Friday 08:00–19:00 and Saturday to Sunday 08:00–13:00 — hornets do not keep office hours.
Where Do We Remove Hornet Nests?
Apex Pest Control Ltd removes European hornet nests across South and West Yorkshire from four local offices. Choose your nearest area below for local availability, response times and area-specific advice.
Think You’ve Seen an Asian Hornet? Report It.
The Asian hornet is an invasive species and a threat to honey bees. Do not approach or treat the nest. Report any sighting to APHA — they destroy confirmed nests free of charge. Not sure? Apex Pest Control Ltd will help you identify it.
Pest Intelligence
About Hornets — Facts & Identification
Knowing which hornet you have is the most important step — one is treated, the other is reported.
Hornet Nest Removal — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often. If yours is not listed, call us on 0114 349 1098.
Hornet Nest? Get Expert Help Today
A hornet nest on your property? Apex Pest Control Ltd treats European hornet nests across South and West Yorkshire from £80 plus VAT, one visit, no call-out fee, 7 days a week — and gives you straight advice if it turns out to be an Asian hornet. Please do not disturb the nest in the meantime.