Bald faced hornets have attractive visuals due to their black and white patches but don’t let the visual appeal deceive you. This kind of hornet is infamous for the severity of its sting.
Bald faced hornets can be confused with wasps due to their aggressive nature, size, and painful sting. However, bald faced hornets strike quickly and will not hesitate to defend their territory. Hence, removing them is a hazardous task best left to the professionals.
In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of bald faced hornets, cons of DIY Nest removal methods, and best practices for the nest removal.
What are Bald-Faced Hornets? Physical Appearance, Lifecycle, & Nesting Locations
To best understand the nest removal procedure of bald-faced hornets, it is important to know their characteristics, lifecycles, and nesting locations.
Physical Appearance of Bald-faced Hornets
Scientifically known as Dolichovespula maculata, the bald-faced hornets are somewhat larger than wasps. It is recognized by prominent black and white patches and stripes all across its body including forehead, thorax, and abdomen tip. Its translucent dark brown wings further enhance its appearance. The body length of bald-faced hornets is roughly ½ to ¾ inches for workers and a little longer for queens. Typical white striped white lines draw attention to its midsection. Its body has a unique triangular form, resembling that of its relative species, the paper wasp and yellowjacket.
Hornet Colony Behavior & Life Cycle
The life of the hornet colony starts in the spring by the queen. The queen carefully gathers paper pieces to build a nest and divides the comb into little chambers to hold her young. Following hatching, the queen carefully provides the larvae with shredded insects to feed them until they reach pupation, a stage of rest before reaching adulthood.
These larvae grow into adult female workers who are responsible for building the nest, caring for the young, and searching for food. The queen turns her attention to creating a second generation as summer approaches. Bald-faced hornet eggs can develop into both male and female hornets, with a colony of up to 400 individuals possible.
The cycle repeats in the next spring when new queens emerge and begin establishing their own colonies.
Common Nesting Locations of Bald-Faced Hornets
The bald-faced hornet is abundant throughout the United States, Canada and Alaska, with the southeastern United States having the highest concentration. These insects thrive well in urban settings with lots of greenery as well as in forests. Their nests are usually built in trees, shrubs, or protected places like rock overhangs and eaves. Sometimes, the nests can reach three feet tall.
Bald-faced hornets nesting sites can also include behind bushes, on building sites, under trees, and overhangs.Usually concealed by foliage, these nests become apparent in the fall when the temperature drops and leaves begin to fall.
These unusual, ball-shaped nests are made from a material that resembles paper that is created by chewing wood fibers combined with saliva. The nests serve a variety of purposes, including food storage, social organization, temperature regulation, and support for reproduction.
The nest is made up of several layers of comb-like structures inside that resemble honeybee hives and are covered in a thick protective shell. The colony’s main entrance is a simple opening near the base of the nest.
Diurnal Nature of Bald-Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets are diurnal insects but are mostly active during the day. They are diligently building their nests and searching for food. During the day time, bald-faced hornets also tend to their young.
During nighttime, they hide in their nests and are less active. Therefore, pest control experts examine the nest during the day and choose to remove the nests at night. It lowers the risk of being stung by bald-faced hornets making the nest removal process safer.
Why Should You Not Use DIY Methods For Bald-Faced Hornet Nest Removal?
Although bald-faced hornet nests are small, they are more than simply nuisances. Trying to take them out on your own is a risky task that might result in discomfort, harm, or destruction of property.
Aggressive Nature
Aggressive behavior is a well-known feature of bald-faced hornets, especially when their nest is at risk. When provoked, they will launch a mass attack in defense of their colony. Because of this, DIY removal is very dangerous.
Risk of Multiple Stings
A disrupted nest can release hundreds of enraged insects, and a single hornet can sting several times. Even for those who are not allergic, getting several stings can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous.
Potential for Allergic Reactions
For people who are allergic to bee stings, even one sting has the potential to be fatal. A hornet sting can trigger anaphylactic shock which is a life-threatening condition and needs rapid medical treatment.
Damage to Property
Nests of bald-faced hornets are frequently constructed in difficult locations including attics, trees, and eaves. Trying to remove a nest on your own may require you to use dangerous tools or climb heights, which could result in injuries. Moreover, if the colony is not completely removed, it is possible for the nest to reappear in the same spot.
Why Should You Rely On Professional Nest Removal Service?
Removing a nest on your own can be quite dangerous. Numerous bugs, especially those that build nests, might spread allergies or infection. Entire colonies are housed in nests, which rapidly repopulate if they are not entirely removed.
Advantages of Professional Pest Control Service
Professional pest control services have several advantages. Skilled professionals are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to manage potentially dangerous circumstances. Because of their experience and understanding, they can quickly identify the pest, locate its nest, and choose the best removal methods. If the nest is within the home or a nearby structure, pest control experts can also take preventive measures to reduce the risk of future infestation.
How to Choose the Best Pest Control Company?
A number of factors should be considered when choosing a pest control business. Important factors include:
- Insurance
- Level of experience
- Customer Feedback
- Licensing
- Cost
How Do Experts Remove Bald-Faced Hornet Nests?
The procedure of removing a nest usually starts with a careful examination of the surroundings. Professionals use protective clothing and proven methods of pest eradication that are specific to each species. To reduce potential accidents, safety measures are put in place by the professionals. They use eye gears, gloves, and other pest eradicating tools.
Professional nest removal costs vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of pest, location of the nest, intensity of infestation, and company pricing. Although do-it-yourself techniques may appear more affordable, the hazards frequently exceed the benefits.
Conclusion
In case of infestation it is advised to contact an expert pest control company to ensure safe eradication. Family Pest Control provides special services to get rid of these unwanted pests. Our skilled professionals have the necessary tools to remove hornet nests safely, making sure your house is safe from the pesky pests.
Save yourself the trouble and risk of doing it yourself. To arrange an inspection of your house and surroundings, get in touch with us at Family Pest Control.
