What Do Bald-Faced Hornets Look Like?
The bald-faced hornet is not a true hornet, but a large species of wasp closely related to the yellow jacket. It earns the name “hornet” because of its larger size and highly defensive, aggressive behavior. Bald-faced hornets are primarily black with distinct white markings on the face, thorax, and the tip of the abdomen, giving them their recognizable “bald-faced” appearance. They are larger than yellow jackets, typically measuring between ½ and ¾ of an inch in length. Like other wasps, they have two pairs of translucent, dark brown wings.
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Where Do Bald-Faced Hornets Nest?
Bald-faced hornets build large paper nests in trees, shrubs, under eaves, around light fixtures on buildings, and inside children’s playhouses. These nests can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 24 inches in length and 30 inches in diameter. Bald-faced hornets are social insects living in colonies containing between 100 and 400 hornets with one queen bee. Hornets construct a new nest from scratch every year.
Do Bald-Faced Hornets Sting?
Yes, bald-faced hornets can sting. They are very aggressive wasps that attack and sting people who invade their space. Bald-faced hornets have smooth stingers and can sting more than once. Hornet stings are very painful and cause itching and swelling for up to 24 hours. Bald-faced hornets will often attack in large numbers, which increases the chances of multiple stings or a severe allergic reaction.
If you are stung, remove the stinger with a tweezer. Do not squeeze the stinger, as it can inject more venom. Next, ice the area. If you were stung on the arm or leg, keep it elevated. The sting will be painful, so take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lessen the pain. If difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat, nausea, fast pulse, dizziness, or loss of consciousness occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Hornet Nest Removal in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you discover a hornet nest on your property, do not try to remove it yourself. Instead, contact the pest control experts at Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control for safe and effective hornet nest removal. Our wasp exterminators offer reliable, long-lasting solutions to eliminate hornets and wasps from your home or business. Take advantage of our seasonal stinging pest treatments in spring and summer to keep your property pest-free all year round.