Greater Philadelphia area residents have good reason to worry when bald-faced hornets are nearby. These wasps frequently make pests of themselves. Living in colonies with 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 to build a rudimentary nest and lay eggs, which grow into the colony's first workers. Astute property owners inspect buildings and grounds in the spring to catch new nests early when the colony is small and weak. Later in the season, the colony will be large and aggressive, making treatment more complicated.
While small nests can sometimes be removed by property owners, mature nests are too dangerous for DIY methods. Bald-faced hornets are aggressive and will attack anyone who gets too close. Professional pest control technicians use specialized products and techniques to eliminate infestations safely.
Despite their name, bald-faced hornets are actually wasps. They are closely related to yellow jackets and share some physical traits. Workers measure between 0.5 to 0.75 inches long and have a predominantly black body with distinctive ivory markings, particularly on their face, which gives them their name.
Bald-faced hornets favor aerial nests that may hang from eaves, utility poles, porch posts, trees, or shrubs. Workers build these nests by collecting wood fibers, mixing them with saliva, and chewing them into a paper-like substance.
Inside the nest, three to four tiers of combs are covered with the papery material, with an entrance hole at the bottom. While nests in remote locations pose little threat, those on residential properties can lead to frequent stinging incidents.
Bald-faced hornets primarily consume juice and nectar from plants. They also hunt insects and arthropods, which they chew up and feed to their young. Additionally, they scavenge meat from dead animals and are attracted to human food sources, including garbage cans, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and pet food.
Property owners may be surprised to learn that bald-faced hornets can cause structural damage. As they collect wood fibers for nest construction, they may strip wood from fences, decks, siding, and railings. Unpainted or unstained wood is particularly vulnerable.
Additionally, trees and shrubs with thin bark may suffer damage as hornets strip away outer layers, making them more susceptible to disease and pests.
Yes, bald-faced hornets are extremely aggressive, particularly near their nests. If a single hornet feels threatened, it can release a pheromone that signals others to attack, leading to multiple stings.
They may also sting if disturbed away from the nest. Swatting at a bald-faced hornet can provoke an attack.
Unlike some pests, bald-faced hornets do not transmit diseases. However, their stings can be painful, with swelling and discomfort that typically subside quickly.
If stung, remove the stinger with tweezers, elevate the affected area, and apply an ice pack. Over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers can help alleviate symptoms.
Multiple stings or allergic reactions may cause severe symptoms such as throat tightness, breathing difficulty, nausea, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. In such cases, seek immediate medical attention.
Signs of a bald-faced hornet presence include:
To minimize the risk of bald-faced hornet infestations, take the following precautions:
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we use a multi-faceted approach to eliminate wasps and hornets. Our methods include detection, prevention, and treatment to keep homes and businesses hornet-free.
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Courtesy: Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
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