The bald-faced hornet isn’t a true hornet but is actually a wasp and closely related to yellow jacket wasps. This species of wasp is found all across America. They are well known for their gray football-shaped nest that can be seen in trees or in high places. Bald-faced hornets, like other wasps, pose a threat when they are discovered nesting near a home. Wasps are territorial and will sting those who threaten their nest. A-Tex Pest Management would like to share how to identify and control bald-faced hornets.
Bald-Faced Hornet Queen & Worker Identification
Bald-faced hornets are named for their pale, white markings found on their face. Bald-faced hornets also have white markings on their legs, abdomen, and thorax that are unique to their species. Bald-faced hornets can range from ½ of an inch to ¾ inch in length with the queens being the largest.
Life Cycle of Bald-Faced Hornet Wasps
Like other wasp species, the bald-faced hornet queen will hibernate in winter after mating, while the other colony members will die. Come the spring, the queens will wake up and begin building the early stages of her nest in which to lay her eggs. The queens will collect cellulose from weather wood and chew it while mixing it with her saliva. This makes a paste she uses to build the nest. After the first generation hatches and matures they will take over the duties of expanding the nest and caring for the queen, her eggs, and the larva. By the end of summer, a single colony of bald faced Hornets can reach between 100 to 400 members.
Bald-Faced Hornet Nest
Bald-faced hornets will often build their nest in trees, shrubs and around the eaves of homes. Bald-faced hornets will build their nest at least three and upward to sixty feet off of the ground. The nest at full size can get up to two feet long and about a foot and a half wide. Because bald-faced hornets chew dry wood and mix the wood with their saliva to make a paste, the nests are often gray and resemble a paper shaped football. Bald-faced hornets feed on proteins and will consume smaller insects, with the most common being flies. Mature members will also feed on nectar from flowers. By the end of summer, a young fertilized queen will leave the nest and seek a safe place to hibernate. They can be found hiding in hollow trees, in attics, or under yard debris.
Bald-Faced Hornet Wasp Inspections, Removal & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
Bald-faced hornets are considered a beneficial insect which helps pollinate flowers and crops. Bald-faced hornets usually only attack an intruder that wanders within ten feet of their nest. If the nest is far enough away it is encouraged that you leave the nest alone. However, when a bald-faced hornets’ nest is under the eaves of your home or in the yard, they can pose a problem. Most pest control services that provide wasp removal can help by safely removing the nest. The nest can be relocated which allows the colony to thrive in a better-suited environment. Professionals like A-Tex Pest Management can do this safely because we have the protective gear needed to avoid their stings. If you have a bald-faced hornet nest near your home or yard and need the nest removed, contact A-Tex Pest Management for quality pest control services.