Bald-faced hornets are a large species of stinging insect which we frequently see on Long Island in the summer and early fall. While they are called “hornets,” these stinging pests are technically members of the wasp family, just like Yellow Jackets and Paper Wasps. Similarly to other wasps, bald-faced hornets have long, thin bodies that are black, as well as their own unique, off-white pattern covering most of their faces (that’s what gives bald-faced hornets their name!)
Here are 3 important facts about bald-faced hornets to know in case you see them flying around your yard in the coming weeks.
1. How to Spot a Bald-Faced Hornet Nest
Bald-faced hornets do not build their nests in the ground like Digger Wasps and Cicada Killer Wasps do. Instead, you’ll always find the nests at least 3 feet above the ground in bushes, shrubs, fences, lights, and under the eaves of buildings. A bald-faced hornet’s nest is grey in color and can be over 2 feet long. For nests located near human activity, extreme caution is needed. A hornet colony consists of a queen and many workers, and a single bald-faced hornet’s nest may contain over 400 workers!
Each winter, only the queens survive in protected places like rock piles, hollow trees, under bark and in the walls and attics of buildings. The queen builds a new nest every spring.
2. Bald-Faced Hornets Attack!
Whatever you do, do not disturb a bald-faced hornet’s nest! Bald-faced hornets are very protective of their hives. Animals or humans can be attacked by a large number of aggressive wasps. Unlike some other stinging insects which can only sting once, bald-faced hornets can sting multiple times because their stingers are not barbed. A Bald-Faced Hornet’s sting is painful because it contains a venom. The venom injected by the stinger can make the stings hurt, itch, and swell for about 24 hours.
3. Bald-Faced Hornet Removal is Not a DIY Job.
Due to the risk of painful hornet stings and allergic reactions, it’s important to let a pest control professional get rid of your Bald-Faced Hornet nest. Suburban Exterminating can help to control and eliminate dangerous Bald-Faced Hornets and their nests through our residential pest control services.
Suburban Exterminating has been serving Long Island for generations and can help your family too. Our Seasonal Pest Protection Plan provides you with many ways to help successfully control Bald-Faced Hornets on your property like customized service appointments, regularly scheduled preventative services, and inspections by our professionally trained and licensed technicians.
Contact Suburban Exterminating today to protect your home and family from bald-faced hornets!
