Bald-Faced Hornet
Biology
Baldfaced hornets are found throughout the United States and Canada. This type of stinging insect is actually a yellow jacket wasp and not a true hornet. The adults are made up of by workers that are sterile females, queens, and males that come from unfertilized eggs and appear in the late summer. Only inseminated females overwinter and stay within the nests. In the spring, she uses chewed-up cellulose material to build a paper carton nest that contain dozens of empty cells. One egg is laid in each cell as it is created. The queen feeds the developing larvae protein material and nectar. After about 30 days, the first 5-7 workers hatch and take over all the work except for egg laying. The nest will eventually consist of 3-5 rounded paper combs which are open and attached to each other. Nest size varies up to 3,500 cells and the reproductive cells are built within. The newly emerged queens and males leave the nest and mate. Only inseminated queens hibernate and survive the winter. The rest of the colony dies.
Feeding Preferences
Early in spring and summer, protein from live prey is the usual diet consisting of flies, other yellow jackets and many other insects. As the season changes and there are fewer larvae to feed, the workers will feed on flower nectar.
Transmitted Diseases
Not a carrier of human disease.
Habits
The overwintering queen selects the nest site. This can vary from shrubs or vines at ground level or higher in trees. Nests may also be built on overhangs, utility poles, houses, sheds, or other structures. The nests can vary in sizes of up to 14″ in diameter and over 24″ in length. Often nests located in vegetation are not discovered until the leaves fall in the autumn. Nests are not reused the next season.
The bald faced hornet is known for it’s aggressive nature and ability to sting multiple times. Bald faced hornets have a smooth stinger and in some cases repeatedly injecting a venomous liquid into the victim. Though the venom from these wasps may not be poisonous for some people, it can possibly turn fatal to those who are allergic to bald faced hornet stings. If you spot a bald faced hornet nest near to an area where there is a lot of people, then it is advised that the nest be dealt with as soon as possible. Expert Pest has a reputation for fast service and can handle any pest with the safety of our customers being our main priority.
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