Bald Faced Hornets

Bald-Faced Hornet Habits
Different names for the bald-faced hornet include blackjacks, white-faced hornets, bull wasps, and white-tailed hornets. They are easier to identify than some other species as they are black and white instead of black and yellow.
Bald-faced hornets are found across the United States and southern Canada but are more common in the southeastern United States. Bald-faced hornets are omnivorous predators that prey on creatures like flies, caterpillars, and spiders.

Risks of Bald-Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets are not good to have anywhere close to your house or garden, as they are aggressive when they feel that their nest is threatened. Bald-faced hornets will sting repeatedly in defense of their nests and are unique in that they can do more than sting when attacking. Bald-faced hornets are able to spray venom from their stingers that causes burning and blindness if it touches the eyes of humans or animals. They can also cause allergic reactions like bees are known to do.

Signs of Bald-Faced Hornets
Other than the visible presence of bald-faced hornets, the next big sign is a large round or oval-shaped paper nest, usually found in trees, under rock overhangs, inside roofs, and under eaves. Each nest can house over 400 workers and should never be tampered with or approached. If you suspect wasps in your roof or attic, don’t investigate further if you hear a crawling or humming sound. Call your local pest professional to attend to the problem.

Deterring Bald-Faced Hornets
Avoid giving bald-faced hornets food sources. Cover trash cans, aerate compost piles regularly, and don’t leave pet food or bird seed where they can get to it. Hornets and wasps in general do not like plants like eucalyptus and citronella, which can be potted or planted outdoors.

Removing Bald-Faced Hornets
Do not attempt to remove bald-faced hornets or any similar insect by yourself. Proper equipment and protection is needed to safely and humanely remove these insects. Rochester Pest Pro follows industry protocols to protect you, ourselves, and these important members of our ecosystem.

If you suspect a hornet problem, contact Rochester Pest Pro for a quote.