Bald-Faced Hornets in Florida
The bald-faced hornet is a large, aggressive stinging insect commonly found in Florida. Despite its name, it is technically a type of yellowjacket and is known for its distinctive black-and-white markings. These pests build large, paper-like nests in trees, shrubs, and buildings, often defending them aggressively if disturbed. While they play a role in controlling other insect populations, their defensive nature can pose a threat to people and pets.
What Do Bald-Faced Hornets Look Like?
The bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) resembles the yellowjacket wasp and gets its name from the ivory-white markings on its face. Their color and size often cause them to be mistaken for other types of wasps, but they are slightly larger than yellowjackets, making them easy to identify when spotted. Their facial markings are also a reliable feature to differentiate them.
Brushing up on bald-faced hornet information may just help you spot them. If you’re unsure, call in the bee, wasp, and hornet exterminators and check out our guide to stinging insects in Florida.
Signs of a Bald-faced Hornet Infestation
A clear sign of an infestation is the presence of a large, gray, paper-like nest. These nests are often football- or basketball-shaped and found in trees, on buildings, or under eaves. Increased hornet activity around food, garbage, or outdoor spaces can also indicate the proximity of a colony. If you notice hornets aggressively defending a specific area, their nest is probably nearby.
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Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Behaviors
Understanding the habitat, diet, life cycle, and behaviors of bald-faced hornets can help you avoid conflicts and safely manage their presence.
Where Do Bald-Faced Hornets Live?
The bald-faced hornet is more likely to build its large, paper nest around areas where humans live, work, and play. These hornets build gray-colored, egg-shaped nests that can become quite large, some growing to 24 inches in length and 30 inches in diameter. Bald-face hornet nests are created in spring and early summer by worker hornets chewing on natural wood fibers and mixing it them with their saliva. Bald-faced hornets will construct nests in trees, under eaves, around light structures on buildings, and inside children’s playhouses. When the nest is finished, it will be the size of a football or basketball.
Diet
Bald-faced hornets primarily feed on live prey and sugary substances. They hunt other insects, such as flies and caterpillars, to feed their developing larvae. Adult hornets, however, prefer nectar, fruit juices, and other sugary liquids. Their attraction to sugary foods often brings them into contact with people, especially during picnics or near garbage cans.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of a bald-faced hornet begins in the spring when a fertilized queen emerges from her winter hiding spot. She builds a small nest and lays her first eggs, which develop into worker hornets. These workers then take over the nest-building and foraging duties while the queen focuses on laying more eggs. Colonies grow throughout the summer and peak in population during late summer or early fall. As temperatures drop, the colony dies off, except for newly mated queens which hibernate and begin the cycle anew the following spring.
Behaviors
Bald-faced hornets are relatively large flying insects. Like Africanized honey bees, they will defend their nests aggressively when they feel threatened. When defending their colony, they release alarm pheromones that signal other hornets to attack, often swarming intruders in coordinated assaults. As well as using pheromones, bald-faced hornets also use body movements, like antennal tapping and vibration signals, to communicate.
These beneficial wasps live in colonies of 100-400, with population sizes peaking at the end of the summer. They wouldn’t be such a threat to humans if they did not nest in attics and cavities found around the home and yard.
Unlike honeybees, bald-faced hornets do not die after stinging. They are also highly active during the daytime, foraging for food and building their nests.
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Are Bald-Faced Hornets Dangerous?
Bald-faced hornet stings are venomous and can cause pain and swelling for about 24 hours. People who are allergic to bee stings may have similar reactions to a bald-faced hornet sting. Bald-faced hornets scavenge in trash cans and forage upon food and beverages consumed outdoors. They also consume ripe fruit in yards, farms, and vineyards. In the autumn, due to cooler temperatures and reduced food, wasps seek warm shelter. This is when they are more likely to invade homes.
As with many stinging insects, these pests will sting if they feel threatened or their nest is in danger. In protecting yourself against bald-faced hornets, information is key. But if a nest is located near human activity, it is important to contact an experienced bee exterminator.
How To Get Rid of Bald-Faced Hornets
Eliminating bald-faced hornets requires caution and expertise due to their aggressive nature. Attempting to remove a nest on your own can lead to multiple stings. We recommend you contact a professional pest control company like Florida Pest Control. Our team is trained in safe and effective nest removal methods, ensuring your safety and the complete elimination of the hornet colony.
Bald-Faced Hornet Prevention Tips
To prevent bald-faced hornets from nesting near your home or business:
- Regularly inspect your property for early signs of nest building, especially during spring and summer.
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls, soffits, and eaves to eliminate potential entry points.
- Keep garbage cans tightly sealed and clean up food and drink spills as quickly as you can.
- Trim trees and shrubs to reduce nesting opportunities near your home.
- Use yellow outdoor lighting, which is less attractive to flying insects.
Need Help with Bees, Wasps, or Hornets?
If you’ve noticed bald-faced hornet activity on your property or discovered a nest, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Florida Pest Control offers expert removal services tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and take the first step toward reclaiming your outdoor spaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far do bald-faced hornets travel from their nest?
Bald-faced hornets typically travel up to 200 yards from their nest to forage for food. They prefer to stay close to their colony for protection and efficiency.
Do bald-faced hornets sting?
Yes, bald-faced hornets can sting, and they will do so repeatedly if they feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed. Unlike some bees, they have smooth stingers and do not lose their stinger after stinging.
How bad is a bald-faced hornet sting?
A bald-faced hornet sting can be quite painful due to its venom, which causes localized swelling, redness, and a burning sensation lasting about 24 hours. People with allergies to insect stings may experience more severe reactions.
How aggressive are bald-faced hornets?
Bald-faced hornets are highly aggressive, especially when defending their nest. They will attack perceived threats en masse, making them one of the more defensive stinging insects.
Where do bald-faced hornets nest?
Bald-faced hornets build large, paper-like nests in trees, shrubs, under building eaves, or in other elevated outdoor locations. These nests are usually gray, football-shaped, and can grow quite large over the summer months.
