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Bald-faced hornets are striking black and white wasps, easily recognized by their mostly black bodies and bold white markings on their faces and heads. They’re about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch long, with slender bodies, six legs, antennae, and two wings. Their sharp black-and-white coloring makes them stand out against Maine’s natural landscape.
What kind of stinging insects are bald-faced hornets?
Despite their name, bald-faced hornets aren’t true hornets. They belong to the wasp family and are closely related to yellow jackets. Their large size and sometimes aggressive behavior earned them the “hornet” nickname, but scientifically, they’re wasps through and through.
What do bald-faced hornets eat?
Bald-faced hornets hunt soft-bodied insects like caterpillars and flies to feed their young. They also enjoy sweet treats like nectar from flowers and honeydew produced by aphids. Sometimes, they scavenge meat or other protein sources around your property.
Are bald-faced hornets dangerous?
Yes, they can be. Bald-faced hornets are known for their protective and sometimes aggressive behavior, especially when their nests are disturbed. Unlike some bees, they can sting multiple times, which makes them particularly unpleasant to deal with.
For most people, a sting causes pain, redness, and swelling that usually fades within a few days. But if you or a family member has allergies to stinging insects, a sting could cause a serious reaction needing immediate medical attention.
Where do bald-faced hornets nest?
Bald-faced hornets usually build large, grayish, paper-like nests outdoors. Common spots around Maine homes include tree branches, shrubs, eaves, soffits, utility poles, and outdoor structures like sheds or decks. These locations offer shelter and support for their growing nests.
Sometimes, if there are gaps or openings, they might nest in attics or wall voids. During warmer months, you may also see lone hornets flying inside through open doors or windows.
What are the signs of a bald-faced hornet nest on your property?
Keep an eye out for their unmistakable black-and-white wasps buzzing around your yard or near your home. Their nests look like large, grayish paper lanterns made from layered wood fibers and can grow quite big, sometimes the size of a basketball or larger. The nest usually has one round entrance hole near the bottom.
What’s the best way to get rid of bald-faced hornets?
If you find a bald-faced hornet nest on your property, don’t try to handle it yourself. These wasps are aggressive defenders of their home and can sting repeatedly. Pine State Pest Solutions has the training, experience, and protective gear to safely remove nests and keep your family protected. Contact us right away if you spot bald-faced hornets too close to your home or areas where your family spends time outside.
How can Maine homeowners prevent bald-faced hornet problems?
Prevention is the best way to keep these hornets from becoming a nuisance:
- Keep trash cans tightly sealed and stored away from your home’s exterior.
- Limit planting flowering shrubs and ornamentals close to your house that attract hornets.
- Reduce other insect populations in your yard with routine pest control to limit their food sources.
- Fix leaks, drainage problems, and standing water around your foundation to reduce moisture that attracts insects.
- Seal cracks, gaps, and openings in siding, windows, and vents to keep hornets from sneaking inside.
- Regularly check your property in spring and early summer for new nests to catch problems early.
Pair these tips with regular inspections and pest control services from Pine State Pest Solutions for the best protection against bald-faced hornets.