The bald faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) is one of North America’s most recognizable and feared stinging insects. Despite its name, the bald faced hornet is actually a type of yellowjacket wasp, not a true hornet. However, its large size, aggressive behavior, and distinctive black and white coloration make it a significant concern for homeowners across the United States and southern Canada.
For non aggressive wasps I've had great luck spraying the nests with this Spectracide wasp remover in the evening. For more aggressive wasps I also use this rediculous looking upper torso Beekeeping suit. It seems silly, but trust me, it's amazing.
Understanding bald faced hornets is crucial for homeowner safety, as these insects build some of the largest aerial nests and can become extremely defensive when threatened. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about bald faced hornet identification, behavior, nesting habits, and safe management strategies.
The bald faced hornet is easily distinguished from other wasps by its distinctive black and white coloration. Unlike typical yellowjackets that display yellow and black patterns, bald faced hornets have ivory-white markings on a predominantly black body.
Coloration: Predominantly black body with white or ivory markings on the face, thorax, and abdomen. The white facial markings give them their “bald faced” name.
Size: Workers measure 12-15mm (0.5-0.6 inches), while queens can reach 18-20mm (0.7-0.8 inches) in length, making them notably larger than common yellowjackets.
Body Shape: Robust, thick-waisted build typical of social wasps, with a clearly defined head, thorax, and abdomen.
Wings: Two pairs of clear wings that fold lengthwise when at rest.
Antennae: Black, elbowed antennae that are longer in males than females.
The white markings on bald faced hornets serve as warning coloration, alerting potential threats to their defensive capabilities. These markings typically include:
Males can be distinguished by longer antennae and slightly smaller size compared to workers. Queens are noticeably larger with a more robust thorax designed for egg production and overwintering survival.
Bald faced hornets exhibit complex social behaviors that make them both fascinating and potentially dangerous to humans.
Bald faced hornets live in highly organized colonies with distinct castes:
Queens: Fertilized females that establish new colonies each spring and lay all eggs Workers: Sterile females that perform all colony maintenance, foraging, and defense duties Drones: Males produced in late summer solely for reproduction
These insects are omnivorous predators with diverse dietary needs:
Protein Sources: They actively hunt other insects, including flies, caterpillars, yellowjackets, and other soft-bodied arthropods. They’re actually beneficial predators that help control pest insect populations.
Carbohydrate Sources: Workers collect nectar from flowers and tree sap, particularly from maple, oak, and birch trees. They also scavenge sugary substances from fruit and human food sources.
Water Collection: Workers regularly collect water for colony temperature regulation and larval feeding.
Bald faced hornets are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nest area:
Spring (April-May): Queens emerge from overwintering sites and begin nest construction Early Summer (June-July): Colony growth accelerates as worker populations increase Late Summer (August-September): Peak population and aggression levels, new queens and drones produced Fall (October-November): Colony decline, workers die off, new queens seek overwintering sites Winter: Only newly mated queens survive, hibernating in protected locations
Understanding bald faced hornet nesting behavior is crucial for early detection and safe management.
Bald faced hornet nests are architectural marvels constructed entirely from chewed wood pulp mixed with saliva:
Location Preferences:
Construction Process:
Spring Establishment: A single overwintered queen begins construction in April or May, laying the first eggs and caring for initial larvae herself.
Worker Emergence: First workers emerge in 4-6 weeks, taking over all colony duties except egg-laying.
Growth Phase: Colony grows rapidly through summer, reaching peak populations of 100-400 individuals by late August.
Reproductive Phase: In late summer, the colony produces new queens and drones for mating and next year’s colonies.
Colony Death: With the first hard frost, workers and the old queen die, leaving only newly mated queens to overwinter.
Exterior Appearance: Gray, papery envelope with a football or teardrop shape, often with a narrow entrance at the bottom.
Interior Structure: Multiple horizontal combs suspended inside the protective envelope, with cells opening downward.
Insulation: Multiple paper layers provide insulation and weather protection.
Entrance: Single entrance hole, typically located at the bottom of the nest, heavily guarded by workers.
Bald faced hornet stings pose significant risks and require immediate attention and proper treatment.
Stinger Structure: Unlike honeybees, bald faced hornets have smooth stingers that don’t become embedded in skin, allowing for multiple stings.
Venom Composition: Their venom contains enzymes, biogenic amines, and peptides that cause pain, inflammation, and tissue damage.
Multiple Stings: Individual hornets can sting repeatedly, and colony defense often involves multiple attackers.
Local Reactions:
Systemic Effects (even in non-allergic individuals):
Mild Allergic Reactions:
Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis) - MEDICAL EMERGENCY:
Immediate Actions:
Seek Emergency Medical Care If:
Preventing bald faced hornet problems is more effective and safer than dealing with established colonies.
Regular Inspections:
Habitat Modification:
Food Source Management:
Natural Deterrents:
Physical Barriers:
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING: Bald faced hornet nest removal is extremely dangerous and should generally be left to professional pest control operators. These insects are highly aggressive and will attack in groups when their nest is threatened.
DIY removal should ONLY be attempted if:
Protective Equipment Required:
Timing and Approach:
Application Method:
Professional Treatment: The safest and most effective option for any established colony.
Wait and Monitor: In low-risk locations, nests can be left alone as they naturally die off with the first hard frost.
Exclusion: Block access to nesting areas before queens begin construction in spring.
Professional pest control is recommended in the following situations:
No, despite their name, bald faced hornets are actually a type of yellowjacket wasp (Dolichovespula maculata). True hornets belong to the genus Vespa and are not native to North America. The “bald faced hornet” name comes from their white facial markings and large size.
Bald faced hornets are among the most aggressive wasps in North America. They’re more defensive than paper wasps or mud daubers but similar in aggression to yellowjackets. However, their larger size and ability to spray venom make encounters particularly dangerous.
No, bald faced hornet colonies are annual. The entire colony dies with the first hard frost, and new queens establish completely new nests the following spring. Old nests are never reused, though new nests may be built in similar locations.
Yes, bald faced hornets can spray venom up to 10 feet as a defense mechanism. This venom can cause temporary blindness and intense pain if it contacts eyes or mucous membranes. Always approach suspected nests with proper face protection.
The main differences are:
Pain from bald faced hornet stings typically peaks within the first hour and gradually subsides over 24-48 hours. However, swelling may persist for 3-7 days. Multiple stings or allergic reactions can extend recovery time significantly.
While it’s safe to remove empty nests in winter (after confirming no activity), it’s not necessary. The papery nests will naturally deteriorate over winter and won’t be reused. However, removal prevents potential confusion about whether nests are active in spring.
Bald faced hornets are impressive but potentially dangerous insects that require careful management around homes and properties. While they serve beneficial roles as predators of pest insects, their aggressive nature and powerful stings make them unsuitable neighbors for most homeowners.
The key to successful bald faced hornet management lies in early detection, prevention, and professional intervention when necessary. By understanding their behavior, nesting habits, and seasonal patterns, homeowners can make informed decisions about when to act and when to seek professional help.
Remember that bald faced hornet safety should always be the top priority. These insects are highly defensive and capable of inflicting serious injuries, especially to individuals with allergies or when multiple stings occur. When in doubt, consult with professional pest control operators who have the experience and equipment to safely manage these challenging insects.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Wasp and hornet management can be dangerous, and this guide is not a substitute for professional pest control services. Always consult with qualified professionals before attempting to remove wasp or hornet nests, especially if you have known allergies to insect stings or if the nest is large or in a difficult-to-access location. The author and website assume no responsibility for injuries or property damage resulting from DIY pest control attempts.