Bald-Faced Hornets: Essential Information for Homeowners

At Best Pest Control, we believe that knowledge is key when it comes to managing pests. One insect that often raises concern is the bald-faced hornet. In this blog post, we’ll dive into their life cycles, habits, nest appearance, and physical characteristics to help you better understand these fascinating creatures.

What Are Bald-Faced Hornets?

Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are actually a type of wasp, not true hornets. They are easily recognizable by their distinct black and white coloring. Their name comes from the striking white markings on their face, which set them apart from other wasps. Adult bald-faced hornets typically measure about 0.5 to 0.75 inches long.

Physical Appearance

Bald-faced hornets have a smooth, elongated body covered in a glossy black exoskeleton with white markings on their faces and the tips of their legs. Unlike many other wasps, they are larger and bulkier, which gives them a more intimidating presence.

Life Cycle

Bald-faced hornets have a fascinating life cycle that consists of several stages:

1. Winter: Only fertilized queens survive the cold months, hibernating in sheltered areas until spring.

2. Spring: As temperatures rise, the queen emerges to build a new nest, laying the first eggs in a small paper-like structure.

3. Summer: The nest expands as the queen continues to lay eggs, which hatch into larvae. Worker hornets emerge to take over foraging duties, nest building, and caring for the young.

4. Fall: In late summer and fall, the colony reaches its peak population. The queen stops laying eggs, and the focus shifts to producing new queens and males.

5. Winter: After the first frost, the colony dies off, leaving only the fertilized queens to survive until spring.

Nest Appearance and Location

Bald-faced hornet nests are one of their most distinctive features. These nests are typically round and can grow quite large, sometimes reaching the size of a basketball or football. They are made from a paper-like material that the hornets create by chewing wood fibers mixed with their saliva. Nests are often found hanging from trees, shrubs, or even buildings, usually 3 to 10 feet off the ground.

The exterior of the nest is grayish in color and has a rough texture, often with layers that resemble the bark of a tree. Unlike honeybee hives, bald-faced hornet nests do not have an entrance hole; instead, they have a small opening at the bottom.

Inside a Bald-Faced Hornet Nest: What You Should Know

At Best Pest Control, we understand that the thought of a bald-faced hornet nest can be unsettling. But knowing what’s happening inside that nest can help demystify these fascinating insects. In this post, we’ll explore the structure and inner workings of a bald-faced hornet nest, so you can better understand what’s going on inside.

Nest Structure & Layers of the Nest

Inside the nest, you’ll find several distinct layers:

1. Outer Shell: The outer layer is the thick, gray, papery covering that protects the inner sections. This shell helps insulate the nest and provides a barrier against predators.

2. Comb Layers: Inside, the nest consists of several layers of honeycomb-like structures called combs. These combs are where the larvae develop. Each layer can contain multiple cells, typically arranged in a series of hexagonal shapes, similar to a beehive.

3. Egg and Larval Cells: The queen lays her eggs in these cells, and as they hatch, the larvae grow and are cared for by the worker hornets. The workers feed the larvae regurgitated food and provide warmth by clustering around them.

The Nest’s Inner Environment

The interior of a bald-faced hornet nest is kept at a relatively stable temperature and humidity level, essential for the development of the larvae. Worker hornets play a crucial role in maintaining this environment. They regulate the nest’s temperature by fanning their wings to circulate air and keep it cool, especially during hot weather. Understanding the inside of a bald-faced hornet nest can help you appreciate these insects’ complexity. While they can pose a threat if provoked, they are also incredibly social and industrious creatures.

Habits and Behavior

Bald-faced hornets are social insects, living in colonies that can number in the hundreds. They are known for their aggressive behavior, especially when defending their nests. Unlike some other wasps, bald-faced hornets are less likely to sting without provocation, but if they feel threatened, they will fiercely defend their territory.

These hornets are also beneficial predators, feeding on other insects, which can help keep pest populations in check. However, their nesting habits and potential for aggression make it essential to manage their presence if they settle too close to human activity.

Conclusion

While bald-faced hornets can be intimidating, understanding their life cycle, appearance, and behavior can help alleviate some concerns. If you discover a bald-faced hornet nest on your property and are concerned about safety, don’t hesitate to contact Best Pest Control. Our trained professionals can assess the situation and safely manage the nest, ensuring your peace of mind. Knowledge is power, and we’re here to help you navigate pest concerns with confidence! Call today for a free quote or fill out a secure contact form from our website. You can also follow us on Facebook for seasonal updates for our many pest control services.