The bald-faced hornet is large in size and its zebra-like print helps distinguish it from other wasps. If spotted, there is little doubt the nest is near.
These wasps are pollinators. They also eat bugs that most people consider a nuisance. However, their good does not outweigh the bad of having bald-faced hornets near homes and office buildings
Bald-faced hornets have the ability to sting multiple times, and do will so when anyone or thing gets too close to their nest. Those allergic to wasp stings should be prepared for a reaction, especially if stung more than once. The sting area will be red and sore for a while.
WHAT DO BALD-FACED HORNETS LOOK LIKE?
They look as if they are dressed for an encounter or to scare someone. Their body and face are back and marred with white marks. It is those markings that help distinguish them from other wasps. The queen wasp is usually longer than the workers, but the wasps are approximately 22mm.
WHERE DO BALD-FACED-HORNETS LIVE?
The queen bee starts building her nest as soon as the weather begins to warm up. She and her workers go out to gather wood that she can use. The wood fiber is mixed with water to make the substance she uses to construct her nest. The pulp takes on a dirty white color. The nests are built in layers to make combs. The combs are a secure place where the queen puts her eggs. Once the eggs hatch and go through their life cycle, the nest will continue to grow.
The queen tries to choose a location for the nest that is out of the way and in the shade. Most nests are formed several feet off the ground. They can be in trees, under gutters, and sometimes on poles. As the workers add layers, the nest takes on a prolate spheroid shape. The entrance/exit is at the bottom. A lot of work goes into constructing the nest though it is left empty once the weather turns cold.
WHAT DO BALD-FACED HORNETS EAT?
The insects have diverse tastes. After hatching, they feed on small bits of insects and other protein products. The adults will eat insects found near the nest. They do get a craving for sweets too. They will raid a Doylestown garden for nectar. The wasps enjoy spoiled fruit. They will drink soft drinks and juice left unattended if given the chance.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BALD-FACED HORNETS
The queen has to gather two main ingredients to build her nest. The ingredients are water and wood. She mixes the two items to make paper pulp. Unfortunately, the wood needs to come from somewhere close by. Untreated wood on the property or a building is her primary target. However, when she gathers the wood she needs, the wood may not be in the best shape. At a minimum, there will be unsightly marks. However, those unsightly marks or holes could cause the integrity of the wood to fail.
Most of the time, the queen sticks to building her nest outside; however, that does not mean building and homes are not off-limits. The wasps could build nests in attics or upper floors of buildings. The wood they use for their nests will come from the structure itself. After a while, the beams could start to weaken.
ARE BALD-FACED HORNETS AGGRESSIVE?
Bald-faced hornets have a three feet area around their nests that they protect at all times. Accidentally wandering into that zone could cause a group of them to go on the offensive. The insects also tend to get upset if there is a lot of movement or noise near the nest. Someone running a weed wacker may have no idea there is a nest. However, the wasps will swarm and attack. They tend to like to sting in the facial area, and unfortunately, they do not stop once making contact. A person’s first reaction may be to scream, start swatting at the wasps, or run. Try not to do anything of those items if confronted. Instead, be as quiet as possible and make small slow movements to get out of the way.
DO BALD-FACED HORNETS CARRY DISEASE?
There is no reason for Doylestown residents to worry about diseases transmitted by the hornets. Residents should worry about being stung, however. The insects take protecting their nest very seriously. Even if someone or something accidentally stumbles into their territory, they will go into full attack.
Bald-faced hornets do not lose their stinger after a single sting. Instead, a single wasp can sting a human several times. A person will feel a sting once it happens. They will cause pain. The sting area will be sore for several days and may require ice and a pain reliever. People who are known to be allergic to stings may suffer a severe reaction. If that is the case, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
HOW TO DETECT BALD-FACED HORNETS
• Signs of a bald-faced hornet control problem include: • Hornets tend to be loud when nest building. If loud buzzing noises are heard, a nest is nearby. • Coming across a large nest that looks grayish. Trees and buildings are some of their favorite nesting sites. • The wasps are seen inside a building or flying around the yard means a nest is not too far away. • If people or animals are getting stung, a nest is not too far. • Wooden structures or furniture have signs of wear and tear from the hornets scraping them for nesting material.
HOW TO PREVENT BALD-FACED HORNETS
• To help protect against bald-faced hornet issues the following steps should be taken: • Screens on all windows and doors are the best protection for keeping insects on the outside. An open window without a screen is an invitation for the hornets to come in. • Avoid putting out any food for wildlife. Skip hanging any feeders. • Do not leave out any open containers of food. Food scraps should go into a compost bin or trash can that can close tightly. • If there are fruit trees on the property, keep an eye out for fallen fruit and clean them up as soon as possible. • Fix any loose siding or other fixtures that could become nesting sites.
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.
