Bald-faced hornets are more than a nuisance across Texas. Due to the potential issues they can cause, we at A-Tex Pest Management would like to further discuss the subject to help you learn the basics of bald-faced hornets. In the southeastern states, the bald-faced hornets are heavily populated and are seen across North America, including Texas. They favor meats and harvest nectar and pollen from flowering plants in their diet in addition to devouring soft-bodied insects like caterpillars and aphids as well as yellow jackets.
Bald-Faced Hornet Nests
The cellulose materials (trees and plant materials) that greatly resembles paper is how these social insects form their nests. Because of their size and coloring bald-faced hornets are commonly mistaken for bees, however, they more closely related to yellow jackets than they are hornets and bald-faced wasps. In order to rear their young, the nests are built in spring which resembles sphere-shaped paper-like nests that can reach up to 3 feet tall.
Bald-Faced Hornet Queen, Drones & Workers in Colony
As social insects typically do, bald-faced hornets have seemingly larger colonies. To help support the colony, they all have specific tasks to contribute, these roles include the queen, drones, and workers. The workers do most of the work to keep the colony thriving such as nest construction, as well as caring for the young, drones, and queen, foraging for food and keeping the nest safe. Drones are readily available for when their queen is receptive to fertilization, which she will then lay hundreds of eggs in turn. Bald-faced hornets visit various flowers to collect the nectar, as they are minor pollinators and the height of their activity in late summer.
Bald-Faced Hornet Stings
Since they do not lose their stinger, unlike bees that sting once and die, bald-faced hornets sting repeatedly, unlike bees that sting once and die. Protecting the nest is their primary objective and whenever they feel the colony is in danger, they will attack until satisfied there is no longer a threat. Frequently seen patrolling their territory close to the nest, females are the only sex with a stinger and any perceived danger is attacked with unmerciful stings. Also, venomous fluid is injected when they use their smooth stinger to pierce through the skin. Should someone be stung by a bald-faced hornet, they not only endure varying levels of pain but can also experience varied allergic reactions as well.
Where Do Bald Faced Hornets Live & Build Nests?
In the beginning, the queen develops the first phase of the nest to start her colony in the spring by gathering wooden fibers, commonly foraged in branches, houses, fencing, and plants. A few of the places the nests are constructed are often suspended and hangs off of tree limbs or from eaves or other points of a structure. When the nest is finished, it is generally approximately the size of a basketball. The wooden fibers are chewed and mixed with their saliva as they build layers with paper-like cells throughout the construction. The interior resembles a honeycomb after the nest is created.
Stinging Insect Inspections, Control, Removal & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
To keep you, your family, and pets safe from their venomous stings and potential allergic reactions, it is best to call in the specialists of A-Tex Pest Management and let our certified experts in the event you discover bald-faced hornets too close to your home or business. Contact us for all your pest control needs.