Bald-Faced Hornets

About Bald-faced Hornets

Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are large, aggressive wasps known for their striking black and white coloration. Despite their name, they are more closely related to yellow jackets than true hornets. These insects are common in North America and are easily recognized by their white face markings. Bald-faced hornets are social wasps, living in large colonies that can number in the hundreds. They are known for their paper-like nests, which they build in trees, shrubs, and on structures. While beneficial in controlling pest insect populations, bald-faced hornets can be a significant nuisance and pose risks due to their aggressive nature and painful stings.

What Do Bald-faced Hornets Look Like?

Bald-faced hornets are relatively large wasps, measuring about 0.5 to 0.75 inches in length. They have a distinctive black body with white markings on their face, thorax, and the tip of their abdomen. Their long legs, large eyes, and two pairs of transparent wings are typical of wasps. The black and white pattern of bald-faced hornets makes them easily distinguishable from other wasp species. Their bodies are sleek and smooth, which aids in their swift flight and agile movements. These physical characteristics, along with their size and coloration, make bald-faced hornets easily identifiable.

Facts About Bald-faced Hornets Gestation

Bald-faced hornets have a structured reproductive cycle centered around their colony. In early spring, a fertilized queen emerges from hibernation and begins to build a new nest. She lays eggs in the initial cells and cares for the first brood of workers. These workers take over the nest construction and care for subsequent larvae. Eggs hatch in about six days, and the larvae develop over two weeks before pupating. The pupal stage lasts approximately 14 days, resulting in adult wasps ready to take on colony duties. The colony grows throughout the summer, reaching its peak population in late summer and early fall before dying off, with only new queens surviving the winter.

Bald-faced Hornets Habitat and Behavior

Bald-faced hornets prefer to build their nests in trees, shrubs, and on man-made structures such as buildings and utility poles. They construct large, football-shaped nests made from chewed wood fibers mixed with their saliva, creating a papery material. These nests can house hundreds of workers. Bald-faced hornets are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nests if disturbed. They are omnivorous, feeding on nectar, fruits, and other insects, which they often capture to feed their larvae. Their foraging activities help control pest insect populations, but their aggressive nature can make them problematic when nests are located near human activity.

What Are 5 Unique Facts About Bald-faced Hornets?

1. Bald-faced hornets can sting multiple times because their stingers are smooth and do not become lodged in their target.
2. They build large, enclosed nests that can reach up to 14 inches in diameter and over 24 inches in length.
3. Bald-faced hornets use a combination of chewing and saliva to create the papery material for their nests.
4. Unlike many wasps, bald-faced hornets have a white facial pattern that distinguishes them from other species.
5. These hornets play a beneficial role in ecosystems by preying on flies, caterpillars, and other pest insects.

What Are the Problems Related to Bald-faced Hornets?

Bald-faced hornets can cause several problems, especially when their nests are located near human activity. Their aggressive behavior when defending their nests can lead to multiple painful stings, which are particularly dangerous for individuals with allergies to wasp venom. The presence of a nest near homes, playgrounds, or recreational areas can disrupt outdoor activities and pose a constant threat. Their large nests can also damage trees, shrubs, and structures where they are built. Additionally, while they help control pest insect populations, they can become a nuisance themselves when their foraging activities bring them into close contact with humans.

What Are the Risks Associated with Bald-faced Hornets?

The primary risks associated with bald-faced hornets stem from their aggressive behavior and painful stings. When their nest is threatened, they can swarm and sting multiple times, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and allergic reactions. For individuals allergic to wasp venom, stings can lead to anaphylactic shock, requiring immediate medical attention. The risk of multiple stings is high due to their tendency to attack in large numbers. Additionally, their large nests can cause damage to trees and structures, and their presence can create a hazardous environment in areas where people frequently gather. Effective management and removal of nests are crucial to mitigate these risks.

Get Rid of Bald-faced Hornets Treatment

To get rid of bald-faced hornets, it is essential to locate and safely remove their nest. Approach the nest during the evening or early morning when hornets are less active. Wear protective clothing, including gloves and a beekeeper’s suit, to minimize the risk of stings. Use a wasp-specific insecticide spray designed to target hornet nests, applying it directly to the nest entrance. Ensure you follow the product instructions carefully. After ensuring all hornets are dead, remove and dispose of the nest. For large or hard-to-reach nests, or if you are allergic to wasp stings, it is advisable to hire a professional pest control service to handle the removal safely.

Bald-faced Hornets Prevention Advice

Preventing bald-faced hornet infestations involves regular inspection and maintenance of your property. Seal any cracks or crevices in buildings to prevent hornets from entering and establishing nests. Remove potential nesting sites, such as old tree stumps and debris, from your yard. Keep an eye out for early signs of nest building, especially in trees, shrubs, and under eaves, and remove small nests promptly before they can grow. Use wasp traps to reduce hornet populations around your property. Maintain a clean environment by properly disposing of food waste and securing garbage bins to minimize attractants. Implementing these preventive measures can help reduce the risk of bald-faced hornet infestations and ensure a safer outdoor environment.