Bald-Faced Hornets Dolichovespula maculata
Bald-faced Hornets Identification
Color: Black with a white pattern on most of the face
Size: 1/2 – 5/8” (12-15mm); queen 3/4” (18-20mm)
Legs: 6
Antennae: Yes
Shape: Long, wasp-like
Region: Found throughout U.S.
What is a Bald-Faced Hornet?
Despite its name, the bald-faced hornet is not actually a hornet. It’s a relative of the yellowjacket and other wasps. It gets its common name from its distinctive black body and mostly white face. Because of its large size and aggressive nature, it is commonly mistaken for a true hornet. Like other wasps, bald-faced hornets can deliver a painful sting. Read on to learn more about these black and white wasps, including where they live and how to identify them.
What Do Bald-Faced Hornets Look Like?
If you spot a black and white wasp, you may be looking at a bald-faced hornet. These wasps closely resemble their yellowjacket relatives, but their black bodies and mostly white-patterned faces set them apart.
They also have two slanted white lines running from the middle of their bodies towards the head, along with additional markings on the rear portion of the abdomen. Like yellowjackets and paper wasps, their upper-midsection has a somewhat triangular shape when viewed from the side. Queen bald-faced hornets are larger than adult workers.
Yes. Bald-faced hornets are aggressive and will attack anyone or anything that invades their space. Unlike other stinging insects that may only sting when they feel extremely threatened, bald-faced hornets can be quick to attack, making removal difficult and something that should be left strictly to a professional for safety.
Yes. Bald-faced hornets have smooth stingers, so they can sting over and over again, whereas other stinging insects like honey bees are only able to attack once before their stinger falls off.
Bald-faced hornet stings carry venom that cause pain, itching, and swelling for about 24 hours. People face the same risk of allergic reactions from bald-faced hornet stings as they do from other insect stings.
Bald-faced hornets build paper nests at least three or more feet off the ground, often in:
- Trees and shrubs
- Overhangs
- Utility poles
- Houses and sheds
- Other structures.
Bald-faced hornet nests can be as large as 14 inches in diameter and more than 24 inches in length.
Yes. Bald-faced hornets are social insects and are most visibly active during the day.
Bald-faced hornet colonies may contain between 100 and 400 members at their peak.
Bald-faced hornets usually appear in late summer when their populations are largest. At the end of summer, males emerge from unfertilized eggs and impregnate the new females for the next season. The inseminated insects are the only members of the colony that overwinter when the weather cools, while the remaining members of the nest die off. The cycle begins again the following spring and summer.
No. Unlike other stinging insects, bald-faced hornets do not reuse their nests season after season. New members rebuild them each year using new materials.
The most obvious sign of a bald-faced hornet infestation is a nest, which is typically suspended above the ground. You will also notice worker bald-faced hornets flying around the nest and nearby area.
Recognizing these black and white wasps and avoiding contact with them is key to preventing bald-faced hornets and their stings.
Homeowners should seal any tiny openings where these wasps could enter when seeking shelter.
Keeping food covered, especially when outdoors, will also help keep these insects at bay and potentially avoid a bald-faced hornet sting.
When spending time outside, avoid wearing strong fragrances and opt for unscented hygienic products. Likewise, wear shoes that cover and protect their feet from rogue hornets.
If you find a bald-faced hornet nest on your home or property, do not attempt to remove it yourself, as this can aggravate the colony and cause the hornets to sting. DIY bald-faced hornet nest removal should be avoided at all costs. Contact a pest professional instead.
Use our pest control directory to find qualified pest control companies in your area that can inspect the property, identify the nest and recommend an appropriate removal approach.
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