These black and white wasps, a member of the yellowjacket family and native to North America, have a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous. But is there any truth to it? Let’s find out by exploring some basic information about bald-faced hornets, from what they look like and where they live to how they behave toward humans.
Appearance
Bald-faced hornets have black bodies and a predominantly white-patterned face. They have two slanted lines running from their midsection to their head and on their abdomen. The queen is larger in size than the adult worker bald-faced hornet.
Habitat
They are commonly found in forests and urban areas with vegetation, including homes with lawns and lush gardens. The nests of white and black bald-faced hornets are gray, paper-like, and enclosed and are usually located in trees, bushes, rock overhangs, and under the eaves in residential spaces. It can be as large as a basketball, with around 100–400 wasps inside.
Behavior
Bald-faced hornets are a highly aggressive species, attacking anyone who is close to their nest. However, they are not harmful unless they are disturbed.
Once they perceive a threat, they will swarm and attack, making them dangerous, especially for children and pets playing outside without knowing there’s a nest nearby. They can also sting repeatedly, injecting the victim with venom.
They are plentiful during late summer as the males look to mate with the females for the upcoming season. So, if you come across a nest, call a professional to perform the removal safely and properly.
The Sting
Since they are highly protective of their hive, they won’t hesitate to sting anyone as a way of defending themselves. Once you get stung, their venom is injected, containing a potent mixture of chemicals that can cause itching, swelling, redness, and excruciating pain. For some individuals, the sting of these wasps can be life-threatening, as it can trigger an allergic reaction.
If a person is stung by a bald-faced hornet, the following symptoms may require immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, rapid heartbeat, and nausea.
Ensure Your Property Is Free From Hornet Hives and Nest
If you spot a bald-faced hornet’s nest or hive, calmly move away, and then seek our help at Arrow Services, Inc. in quickly removing it for everyone’s safety. We provide a range of pest control services in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our work.