Baldfaced Hornets

Dolichovespula maculata
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What do baldfaced hornets look like?

baldfaced hornet outside of a new jersey home in flower garden

Baldfaced hornets have a long, thin, wasp-like body. They are large with workers growing to between one half and five-eighths of an inch. The queens are even larger and grow to be about three-fourths of an inch. Baldfaced hornets are black except for an off-white pattern on their face, the end of their abdomen, and the thorax. Baldfaced hornets tend to place their paper nests 3 feet or higher off the ground. An interesting fact about baldfaced hornets is that they aren’t actually hornets; they are more closely related to yellow jackets. They are only referred to as “hornets” because of their large size.

Are baldfaced hornets dangerous?

Yes, baldfaced hornets can be dangerous if they create their nest on your home or close enough to your home that they become a threat to you, your family, and your pets. Baldfaced hornets are social insects that live together in colonies that contain 100-400 members; they are very aggressive and will not hesitate to attack a perceived threat. Baldfaced hornets have a smooth stinger and, therefore, have the ability to painfully sting their victim over and over again. The venom from a baldfaced hornet sting can cause an allergic reaction in people; sometimes the allergic reaction is so severe it requires immediate medical attention.

What attracts baldfaced hornets?

Baldfaced hornets are attracted to properties that provide easy access to food and water sources. Water that builds up in clogged gutters is often used as a water source. They feed on a wide variety of things like other stinging insects, flies, caterpillars, nectar, and other forms of sugars and carbohydrates. A property that has a lot of flowering landscaping, gardens, fruit trees, and unsecured areas of garbage can easily become home to baldfaced hornets.

Can I prevent baldfaced hornets?

It is very difficult to stop baldfaced hornets from choosing your property to nest on; the best solution to these pests is to seek help from Arrow Pest Control as quickly as possible. There are, however, a few things you can do around your home and on your property to make it a bit less attractive to baldfaced hornets:

  • Remove flowering landscaping that is overgrown and that comes in contact with the exterior of your home.
  • If fruit trees are located on your property, quickly remove fruit that has fallen to the ground.
  • Place garden areas a distance away from the outside of your house.
  • Make sure that any gaps in the exterior of your home are fixed and that any gaps around windows and doors are caulked. Screens should be free of holes and tears.

How do I get rid of baldfaced hornets?

The best way to get rid of baldfaced hornets that have become a danger is to contact a pest control professional that has experience eliminating stinging insects. Baldfaced hornets are extremely aggressive and their nests can be placed in high and precarious locations. The experienced pest control professionals at Arrow Pest Control have the safety equipment, experience, and training needed to safely remove baldfaced hornets from your property. If baldfaced hornets have decided to nest on your New Jersey property or home, contact the dedicated pest professionals at Arrow Pest Control today!

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