The bald-faced hornet is a wasp found throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This hornet, which is part of the yellow jacket family, is extremely aggressive and defensive of its territories. Females are well-known for stinging their victims repeatedly. If a bald-faced hornet is discovered in or around a home, it is vital that a professional pest removal expert be called immediately. Allergic reactions to hornet stings are common, deadly, and can appear without prior warning.
WHAT DO BALD-FACED HORNETS LOOK LIKE?
Size: 2-3 centimeters in length Color: White face and black body with three white stripes Characteristics: The six-legged bald-faced hornet is distinguished from other yellow jackets due to its lack of yellow coloring. Its large size and facial characteristics make it easy to identify.
WHERE DO BALD-FACED-HORNETS LIVE?
Bald-faced hornets build paper nests above the ground. These nests are often found in trees, shrubs, or hanging from utility poles. However, it is not uncommon to find bald-faced hornet nests in attics or sheds. Nests can be nearly two feet long and over one foot wide. Nests can hold up to 700 hornets, all of which are extremely protective of their nest. If a bald-faced hornet nest is discovered, homeowners should not attempt to it them on their own.
WHAT DO BALD-FACED HORNETS EAT?
The diet of the bald-faced hornet consists of tree sap, fruit juices, and flower nectar. It will also eat small insects, including katydids, swallowtails, flies, and moths.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BALD-FACED HORNETS
The greatest risk of damage from the bald-faced hornet is its sting. The aggressive nature of the wasp makes it extremely harmful, especially to the elderly and young children.
Bald-faced hornet nests may also draw some unwanted animals to the home. Predators that are attracted to wasp nests include raccoons, foxes, and skunks. Bald-faced hornets abandon their nests in the winter months, which can also draw unwanted insects, spiders, and birds.
ARE BALD-FACED HORNETS AGGRESSIVE?
Bald-faced hornets are very aggressive. They can and will sting repeatedly if they detect that they or their nest is in danger. A person who happens upon a bald-faced hornet or its nest is at risk of getting repeatedly stung. Likewise, bald-faced hornets are disturbed and angered by loud noises, like those that come from lawn maintenance equipment.
DO BALD-FACED HORNETS CARRY DISEASE?
The venom from a bald-faced hornet sting causes a red, swollen sore that may itch and burn. Those who are allergic to wasp venom may experience nausea, a rash or hives, difficulty breathing, cardiac arrest, and even death.
HOW TO DETECT BALD-FACED HORNETS
The presence of a paper nest is usually the first sign in knowing that a wasp is making its home nearby. Homes and businesses should regularly inspect for nests, paying particular attention to rafters of infrequently used buildings or sheds. Additionally, attics should be inspected to ensure that nests have not been built within a structure.
HOW TO PREVENT BALD-FACED HORNETS
The best way to prevent a wasp from building a nest in the home is to regularly inspect buildings for open spaces that might allow a wasp to fly in. If any gaps are detected homeowners can:
" Spray insulation " Repair damaged roofs " Tightly seal all holes
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.
