Greater Philadelphia residents have good reason to worry when bald-faced hornets are nearby. These wasps frequently make pests of themselves. Living in colonies that may have hundreds of individuals, it can be difficult to get rid of bald-faced hornets once they are present.
Each spring, fertilized queens emerge from their hiding places. They build a rudimentary nest so that they can lay their eggs, which will grow into the colony's first workers. Astute property owners inspect the exteriors of their buildings and the grounds to see if new nests are being constructed in the spring. This is the ideal time to stop the infestation as the colony is small and weak. Later in the season, the colony will be large and aggressive, making treatment more complicated.
It is sometimes possible for property owners to tackle bald-faced hornet nests when they are being established. However, more mature nests are too dangerous to try to resolve with DIY methods.
Bald-faced hornets are aggressive, and they will attack anyone who ventures close to their nest. Pest management technicians have tools and techniques at their disposal that make it safer and easier for them to deal with these problems. Using specialized products and their understanding of bald-faced hornet biology, pest control technicians can end these infestations without undue risk to the people and pets that occupy the property.
WHAT DO BALD-FACED HORNETS LOOK LIKE?
They may be called hornets, but these insects are part of the wasp family. Yellow jackets are some of their closest relatives, and they share some physical characteristics. An average worker may be between one-half and three-quarters of an inch long. Members of the species may be identified by their mostly black coloration, which is set off by ivory markings. These markings are especially noticeable on the face, which gives this pest its familiar name.
WHERE DO BALD-FACED-HORNETS LIVE?
It always is wise to look up when trying to find bald-faced hornet nests. That is because this species favors aerial nests that may hang from the eaves of a building, a utility pole, a porch post, a tree or a shrub. The colony's workers are responsible for construction of the nest, which they accomplish by gathering wood fibers. The fibers are mixed with saliva and chewed to create a material that looks like paper.
The workers fashion between three and four tiers of combs to form the nest's interior. These combs are then covered with the papery substance. At the bottom of the nest, a hole is formed to serve as the entrance and exit.
A bald-faced hornet nest in a remote location that is not frequently visited by people poses no threat. However, nests that are on property that are inhabited by people are a recipe for repeated stinging attacks.
WHAT DO BALD-FACED HORNETS EAT?
Juice and nectar from various plants are staple foods for bald-faced hornets. People may observe these insects hunting for and collecting insects and arthropods. However, adults do not eat these. The insects are chewed up by the adults and fed to the colony's young. This also is the reason why these wasps may be seen hanging around a dead animal. The meat may be gathered from the carrion and taken back to the nest.
Of course, bald-faced hornets do not restrict themselves to obtaining food from natural sources. They have powerful senses that attract them to garbage cans, picnic tables and barbecue grills. It is the meat, condiments, juice, sodas and baked goods that bring in the wasps. Similarly, these insects are drawn by pet food.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BALD-FACED HORNETS
Property owners are frequently surprised to learn that a colony of bald-faced hornets actually can cause damage. Most of the destruction occurs as the pests build, maintain or add on to their nests. Wood fibers are a basic construction material for bald-faced hornets, and although trees can provide this, it may be easier to forage from fences, decks, siding, railings and other man-made structures. Any wooden structures that are not painted or stained may be attacked by bald-faced hornets.
The landscaping on the property may be vulnerable as well. This is particularly true for shrubs and trees that have only a thin layer of bark. Sometimes, the outer layer on this vegetation will be completely removed by the pest. Other insects, various diseases and the elements may now more easily attack the tree or shrub.
ARE BALD-FACED HORNETS AGGRESSIVE?
Any time that a person gets close to the nest of a bald-faced hornet colony, they are in acute danger of being stung many times. This is because these pests are inordinately aggressive when they are in and around their nest. One alarmed colony member may begin stinging while simultaneously sending out a pheromone warning to other bald-faced hornets. As other individuals join the attack, the victim could receive hundreds of stings.
These wasps also will sting in other locations if anyone interferes with or disturbs them. It is never wise to swat at a bald-faced hornet as this could incite an attack.
DO BALD-FACED HORNETS CARRY DISEASE?
Some pests are known disease vectors that can make people sick with only minimal contact. This is not the case with bald-faced hornets. A single sting certainly is painful, but the swelling and discomfort usually resolve fairly quickly.
A stinger that is stuck in the wound can be removed with tweezers. Elevate the stinging site as much as possible, and try applying an ice pack. Over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers help with the common side effects of a sting.
People who are the victims of multiple stings or who have an allergy to stings may experience more serious symptoms such as tightening in the throat, problems with breathing, nausea, dizziness, racing pulse and loss of consciousness. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
HOW TO DETECT BALD-FACED HORNETS
Signs of a bald-faced hornet presence include:
• Finding nests hanging from trees or the eaves of a building • Hearing buzzing noises while close to or inside man-made structures • The occurrence of several stinging attacks
HOW TO PREVENT BALD-FACED HORNETS
To help prevent bald-face hornet issues the following precautions should be taken:
• Paint or staining all wood on the property • Correct water leaks • Conduct regular inspections in the spring for signs of new nests • Get rid of yard debris piles • Ensure that woodpiles are kept 20 feet away from buildings • Eliminate clutter outdoors • Keep garbage cans clean • Use tight lids on trash cans and recycling bins • Refrain from eating outdoors • Use screens on all doors and windows • Seal up cracks and fissures in building exteriors
HOW TO TREAT FOR BALD-FACED HORNETS
Here at Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we use a multi-faceted approach for treating hornets and wasps that have become problematic for area homes and businesses. Our methodology involves making use of the most appropriate detection, prevention, and treatments methods available. By combining these measures, we ensure that your home or business remains free of wasps and hornets.
