Dealing with a bald-faced hornet nest can be a daunting task for homeowners.
These insects are known to build large, papery nests, and while they play a role in controlling other pests, their aggressive nature can pose a risk when they establish nests close to human activity.
In this article, we’ll discuss some key strategies to safely remove bald-faced hornet nests and prevent future infestations.
One effective method of dealing with a bald-faced hornet nest involves enlisting the help of a pest control professional.
Their expertise in killing and removing the hornets and their nests ensures a safer and more thorough solution.
If you choose to tackle the problem yourself, it’s crucial to approach the nest with caution, ideally during the coolest part of the night when the hornets are less active.
When attempting removal, one strategy includes carefully slipping a large plastic bag over the nest, closing the bag around the limb above the nest, and cutting the limb from the tree.
To eliminate the hornets inside, place the entire sealed bag into a freezer overnight. This method minimizes the risk of hornet stings and ensures you can dispose of the nest safely.
Understanding Bald-Faced Hornets
Appearance
Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata), also known as white-tailed hornets or white-faced hornets, are easily identified by their distinctive appearance.
These insects are larger than most wasps, with workers measuring approximately 5/8 to 3/4 of an inch long. Their bodies are primarily black with white markings on their abdomen and face.
Behavior
Bald-faced hornets display several unique behaviors, including:
- Vigorous defense of their nests
- Ability to squirt venom from their stinger into the eyes of intruders, causing temporary blindness
Despite their aggressive behavior, bald-faced hornets can also benefit the environment by controlling caterpillar and other insect populations.
Habitat
Bald-faced hornets are commonly found across North America, with a significant presence in the southeastern United States.
They build their nests using a paper-like material derived from chewed wood. The nests can be found in various locations, such as Trees, Shrubs, Sheds, Houses and Utility poles
Diet
Bald-faced hornets are predators that actively hunt other insects, including:
- Caterpillars
- Flies
- Spiders
Their diet makes them beneficial as they help control pest populations.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of bald-faced hornets consists of four stages:
- Egg: The queen lays an egg in each cell of the nest.
- Larva: The egg hatches into a larva, which is fed by the adult workers.
- Pupa: The larva eventually forms a cocoon and becomes a pupa.
- Adult: The adult hornet emerges from the pupa and continues working in the nest or becomes a new queen.
A summary table for bald-faced hornets:
| Attribute | Bald-Faced Hornet |
|---|---|
| Size | 5/8 to 3/4 inches |
| Color | Black with white markings |
| Habitat | Paper-like nests in various locations |
| Diet | Caterpillars, flies, and spiders |
| Unique Behavior | Venom-squirting defense mechanism |
Identifying and Locating the Nest
Nest Appearance
Bald-faced hornet nests are typically gray, sphere-shaped structures made from paper-like material.
These nests can range in size, but they’re often quite large and easily noticeable.
The outside of the nest features a textured pattern due to the layers of the papery material.
Common Nesting Sites
Bald-faced hornets build their nests in various locations, including:
- Trees: They often construct their nests on tree branches, which provides them with a safe and elevated location for their colony.
- Shrubs: Sometimes, you can spot their nests at ground level on shrubs.
- Structures: Occasionally, they will build nests on sheds, houses, or utility poles.
Observing Hornet Activity
When attempting to locate a bald-faced hornet nest, it’s essential to observe their activity.
These hornets are usually more active during the day, flying in and out of the nest as they collect food and materials for the colony.
By observing their flight path, you can often trace it back to the nest’s location.
However, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance while observing, as these hornets can be aggressive when they feel threatened.
Safety Precautions Before Removal
Protective Clothing
Before attempting to remove a baldfaced hornet nest, ensure you are wearing proper protective gear:
- Bee veil: Covers your face and neck
- Suit: Covers your entire body
- Gloves: Protect your hands
Stinging Risks and Allergies
Keep in mind that baldfaced hornets can be territorial and may sting when threatened. Their stings can be painful, so be cautious.
People with known allergies to stinging insects should never attempt nest removal on their own, due to the risk of severe allergic reactions.
Timing and Observation
Choose the right time for the nest removal. Hornets are less active at night, making it a safer time to approach the nest.
Before attempting removal, observe the nest from a safe distance to identify the entrance hole and the hornets’ activity pattern.
| Aspect | Hornets | Other stinging insects |
|---|---|---|
| Activity timing | Less active at night | Varied |
| Sting(s) | Can be painful | Varied |
| Allergies | Risk of allergic reaction | Risk of allergic reaction |
How to Get Rid of Bald Faced Hornet Nest
DIY Techniques
There are various methods to get rid of baldfaced hornet nests using do-it-yourself techniques.
One of the most common methods is to spray the nest with a wasp and hornet aerosol insecticide at night when the hornets are less active.
Make sure to wear protective clothing, such as a bee veil, suit, and gloves.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Immediate action
Cons:
- Potential danger from stinging hornets
- Incomplete removal may lead to future infestations
Professional Pest Control
Hiring a pest control professional is highly recommended for safe and efficient removal of baldfaced hornet nests. Here’s a brief comparison:
| Criterion | DIY | Professional Pest Control |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | High |
| Safety | Risky | Safer |
| Efficiency | Variable | High |
| Future Infestation Risks | Possible | Lower |
Pros:
- Trained professionals ensure safe removal
- Lower risk of future infestations
- Custom treatment plans
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Possible wait time for appointments
Preventing Future Infestations
Regular Inspections
Conducting regular inspections of your property is crucial in early detection and prevention of hornet infestations.
Inspect areas like eaves, gutters, and trees for signs of nests or hornets. Some indications to look for include:
- Papery nests
- Adult hornets flying around
- Damage on leaves or flowers
Eliminating Attractive Environments
To make your property less inviting for hornets, focus on eliminating their favorite environments:
- Remove fallen fruit and debris from the garden.
- Seal garbage cans and keep them clean.
- Control aphids and other insects that serve as food for hornets.
Consider planting less preferred plants near more vulnerable plants, such as insect-repelling herbs.
Using Repellents
There are several repellents available to deter hornets from nesting on your property. These repellents can be natural or chemical-based. Some options include:
- Natural: Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or soapy water
- Chemical: Pyrethrum-based spray insecticides1
Comparison table:
| Repellent Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Natural | Environmentally friendly | Less effective in extreme cases |
| Chemical | Fast-acting, effective | May be toxic, harm beneficial insects |
Choose a repellent that meets your preferences and weigh its pros and cons to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Conclusion
Dealing with a bald-faced hornet nest is no small feat, but armed with the right information and precautions, it’s a challenge that can be safely and effectively managed.
Whether you opt for professional pest control services or decide to undertake a DIY approach, the key is to act thoughtfully and carefully.
Remember, these hornets play a role in our ecosystem, but their proximity to human activity can pose risks that are often best mitigated sooner rather than later.
We’ve covered everything from identifying the hornets and their nests to various removal techniques and safety precautions. But our guidance doesn’t end at removal; we’ve also provided you with tips to prevent future infestations, making your property less inviting to these stinging insects.
So, whether you’re a homeowner dealing with a first-time infestation or someone looking to prevent a recurring issue, we hope this article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding, removing, and preventing bald-faced hornet nests. Stay safe, be prepared, and good luck!
Footnotes
18 Comments. Leave new
Very helpful website, and comments. I have an active, basketball-sized nest of Bald-faced Hornets in a bush right outside my front door, here in a wooded part of NJ. I have walked within 4 feet of the nest many times before and after discovering it a week ago, and they have not yet bothered me. I don’t want to kill or poison them, and wonder if there is a way to detach the nest (at night, wearing gloves & headnet, of course), and deposit the entire thing way up in the woods, away from the house. I also wonder if I do not remove, will they return to the same area each spring? I live alone, so there’s no threat to others getting stung. Any professional suggestions? Thanks.
We believe your intentions are noble, but we would fear the nest might not survive a relocation. The Hornets might become disoriented and the nest would may fall prey to predators. Bald Faced Hornet nests do not survive the winter but new queens will hibernate after mating and begin a new nest in the spring.
Thanks for your reply. One more question: Several friends have told me they peacefully co-existed with wasp/hornet nests, but once the fall weather made the air temp cooler, the hornets became aggressive and they got stung repeatedly. I don’t know if my friends were dealing with bald faced hornets, but this is a concern of mine. Do bald faced hornets turn aggressive in colder weather? Do other types of wasps/hornets? Thanks. -Ken
This is a good question, but we are unable to find any information that supports it. Here is a helpful website: http://pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/wasp_and_hornet_control.htm
believe we have a bald face hornet nest in cedar tree by our patio. just noticed it this evening. alot of activity in and out of the nest. they are not bothering us so we are leaving them alone to do their thing.
I think I have the beginnings of a bald faced hornet nest on the eave of my roof (on my deck). It’s not huge like the pictures I’ve seen here. It does have a cylinder type thing hanging down where I saw one going into last evening. Is it going to get bigger? I have a pool and this thing is right above it. Worries me because I have lots of people (including my grand children) at my pool each weekend. Should I have it removed?
A Hornet Nest above an active pool seems to us like a deterrent to summer water sports.
This website’s intentions are noble, perhaps, but these are terrifying-looking, menacing insects with a painful sting, and it’s understandable no one would want them on their property. Any hardware store such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc., can help with their extermination and removal. I had to remove them from my backyard, as I simply could not tolerate such large wasps zooming past.
BALD FACE HORNETS ARE AGGRESSIVE! THEY CHASE MY HUMMINGBIRDS AND ORIOLE’S AND THEN WHEN I GO TO FILL THE FEEDERS THEY ATTACK ME!! I GOTTA KILL THEM BY NETTING THEM IN A BUTTERFLY NET BEFORE I CAN FILL FEEDERS. IT HAS JUST GOTTEN TO BE FUN NOW BUT BOY THEY ARE MEAN BUGGERS !!!! BE SAFE!
ONTARIO CANADA
Thank You! I read Bob’s assessment and thought the same thing. Not aggressive my ass. I noticed my hoverbirds hovering around debating wether to approach the feeder- then I saw this bald bee chasing them off. At first I thought they were checking for competing hummingbirds but nooo they were looking for these comparably sized hornets that took over. I armed myself with the first book I found, ironically my sons’s copy of the Jungle Book, and moved their feeder hoping it was a more agreeable distance for the hornets. I found myself to be the next target. Next time I’ll be armed with a bottle of dish soap and water. McFly and his hover friends are safe for now. How can you consider an insect armed with the ability and intent to repeatedly sting its victims not aggressive?!
[Yes we lovingly call our hummingbirds hoverbirds and refer to them as McFly and friends. It’s a reference to Back to the Future. I consider it a better substitution for lack of a hover board we thought the future promised as kids.]
BALD FACE HORNETS ARE AGGRESSIVE! THEY CHASE MY HUMMINGBIRDS AND ORIOLE’S AND THEN WHEN I GO TO FILL THE FEEDERS THEY ATTACK ME!! I GOTTA KILL THEM BY NETTING THEM IN A BUTTERFLY NET BEFORE I CAN FILL FEEDERS. IT HAS JUST GOTTEN TO BE FUN NOW BUT BOY THEY ARE MEAN BUGGERS !!!! BE SAFE!
ONTARIO CANADA
Thank You! I read Bob’s assessment and thought the same thing. Not aggressive my ass. I noticed my hoverbirds hovering around debating wether to approach the feeder- then I saw this bald bee chasing them off. At first I thought they were checking for competing hummingbirds but nooo they were looking for these comparably sized hornets that took over. I armed myself with the first book I found, ironically my sons’s copy of the Jungle Book, and moved their feeder hoping it was a more agreeable distance for the hornets. I found myself to be the next target. Next time I’ll be armed with a bottle of dish soap and water. McFly and his hover friends are safe for now. How can you consider an insect armed with the ability and intent to repeatedly sting its victims not aggressive?!
[Yes we lovingly call our hummingbirds hoverbirds and refer to them as McFly and friends. It’s a reference to Back to the Future. I consider it a better substitution for lack of a hover board we thought the future promised as kids.]
This one was suspended over a small river in the Robert Treman State Park trails in Ithaca NY.
I had a nest in progress under one of my gutters. They are pretty hornets even if they are dangerous.
My magnolia was been sprayed in the spring but noticing increase in white mold and the hardy leaves are getting white mold on the branches. The tree is 22 years old. We thought we had it conquered two years ago. It’s back with bugs flying all over it. Help
Hey there! Curious if you know how far bald faced travel from their nest. Today we have encountered many and am worried a nest is on our property but am hoping the nest is in the near by hollow. The bald faced are collecting pulp from our deck and fence so that nest must be getting bigger. Thank you for your help!
We cannot state for certain how far Bald Faced Hornets forage.
Yes. They are aggressive and chase our hummingbirds every day. I go out with a swatter to clear the feeders several times a day. I do try not to kill them but I go swat crazy when they come after me. They’re very persistent until I give them a good whack. We didn’t have any last year in 2022 but this year, they are a constant menace.