Members of the yellow jacket family, bald-faced hornets are a common wasp in Feasterville. They are social insects that live in large colonies that may consist of hundreds of members. If the colony places their nest in a high-traffic area, it is virtually inevitable that many stinging attacks will follow.
The best time to prevent infestations of bald-faced hornets is early in the spring when queens that survived the winter emerge to build new nests. Queens begin laying eggs almost immediately, and the colony's population will explode unless the nest is promptly treated.
People may be able to deal with a brand-new nest without assistance, but once the workers begin to appear, it is essential to call a pest management professional. This is because bald-faced hornets are extremely territorial and most prone to stinging attacks when they are close to their nests. Accordingly, a person who tries to treat or remove the nest is vulnerable to being stung multiple times.
The good news is that pest control technicians are equipped with specialized tools and products that make controlling bald-faced hornets quick, safe and efficient. Best of all, the methods employed by exterminators are safe to use around people and pets. Thanks to their efforts, it is possible to return to enjoying outdoor spaces without worrying about bald-faced hornets.
WHAT DO BALD-FACED HORNETS LOOK LIKE?
Despite their name, these insects are wasps not hornets. They belong to the yellow jacket family and are quite large with workers averaging lengths of one-half to three-quarters of an inch. Unlike yellow jackets, bald-faced hornets are mostly black with ivory markings. These markings are on the body as well as the face, which gives this species its common name.
WHERE DO BALD-FACED-HORNETS LIVE?
These wasps are a diurnal species that build aerial nests. Suspended from trees, shrubs or utility poles, the nest is built by the colony's workers using a combination of wood fibers and saliva. The resulting material resembles paper. Inside the outer layer of paper-like material are three to four tiers of combs. One opening is placed at the bottom of the nest to be used as an entrance and exit. Although the natural setting for a bald-faced hornet nest in Feasterville is a wooded area, these nests may be attached to the siding or eaves of a building, multiplying the risks of stinging attacks.
WHAT DO BALD-FACED HORNETS EAT?
Adult bald-faced hornets mainly rely on plant nectar for nutrition, though they also will feed on juices from fruit and other sources. However, they do collect insects and arthropods as well. These creatures are chewed up and fed to the larvae back in the nest. Similarly, it is possible to see members of the species buzzing around carrion. They are foraging for meat that can be fed to the young.
These wasps may be found around garbage cans where food scraps are present, and they are likely to invite themselves to any meals that people serve outdoors. Any food that is intended for people that contains protein or sugar will be targeted by the foraging insects.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BALD-FACED HORNETS
An infestation of these insects can cause a surprising amount of damage. Trees and shrubs that have thin bark may have their outer layers entirely removed by bald-faced hornets. This leaves landscaping plants vulnerable to disease, infestation by other pests and the elements.
Additionally, bald-faced hornet workers will strip away the weathered outer layer of any wood on the property. This may include lumber as well as siding and framing.
The species is less likely to attack wood that is painted or stained. Property owners may want to consider painting, staining or otherwise treating decks, fencing and building exteriors each spring to protect these structures.
ARE BALD-FACED HORNETS AGGRESSIVE?
This is an aggressive species that seems disposed to attack at the slightest disturbance. Most of these attacks occur within a close proximity of the wasps' nest as they are extremely territorial with regard to their colony. Only female bald-faced hornets are equipped with stingers, but they are able to use these weapons several times. Moreover, any slight disturbance in the area of the nest can excite hundreds of wasps into action. People who get to close to a nest or who inadvertently disturb a nest could be stung hundreds of times.
DO BALD-FACED HORNETS CARRY DISEASE?
This is not a species that transmits illnesses to people, but it certainly can deliver painful stings. People who take quick action after being stung may experience less severe pain and itching. A stinger, if one is left behind in the wound, can be removed with tweezers. Place ice on the wound, and try to elevate the body part that was stung. It is a good idea to remove any jewelry shortly after being stung as generalized swelling can occur. An over-the-counter painkiller is helpful as is an antihistamine for minimizing itchiness.
Anyone who develops a quickened pulse, nausea, dizziness, a tightening of the throat, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness after a sting may be having an allergic reaction. Immediate medical attention is required in these circumstances.
HOW TO DETECT BALD-FACED HORNETS
Signs of a bald-faced hornet presence include:
• Building nests on or close to buildings • Stinging people who come within three feet of their nest • Making buzzing noises that can be heard inside man-made structures
HOW TO PREVENT BALD-FACED HORNETS
To help prevent problems with bald-faced hornets the following steps should be taken:
• Get rid of discarded lumber on the premises • Eliminate yard debris piles, especially those containing woody plants • Ensure that outdoor wooden structures are in good repair and fully painted or stained • Regularly inspect building exteriors, utility poles and lamp posts for signs of new nests • Fix water leaks that might attract a variety of pests, including bald-faced hornets
HOW TO TREAT FOR BALD-FACED HORNETS
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. Schedule a FREE inspection today.
