well according research vinegar, peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon[and allot of other scents] deter wasps and probably hornets temporarily. A spray bottle with vinegar and peppermint oil should work. I would not do this without help. And make sure you have an escape route because if the smell doesn't repel them they'll go after you. Been through nest removal before and it can get scary. The last 2 bald faced hornet nests I dealt with I used the foam spray that encapsulates the nest and the hornets die quickly. I did not want to do this but the nests were too close to a basketball hoop and kids were always around, The nests were kind of low in the tree as well so it was an accident waiting to happen. Have a garden hose with you with a good nozzle to spray them if they go after you. This will give you some time to get away.