Bald Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets are large black yellow jackets recognizable by their striking white markings. Despite their name, they are technically a type of yellow jacket and not true hornets. These insects are known for constructing large paper nests that can have multiple tiers of gray combs. A single colony can house over 5,000 workers!
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: Black bodies with distinctive white markings on their face and body.
- Nesting: They build sizable nests, often at heights of up to 50 feet, typically in trees or on homes to evade predators.
Behavior
Bald-faced hornets are notably aggressive. When disturbed or threatened, they can swarm and attack, delivering painful stings repeatedly. Their venomous sting causes significant discomfort that can last from 1 to 4 days. Female hornets are the only ones that sting, while males do not possess stingers and are raised solely for mating purposes.
Habitat
You can commonly find bald-faced hornets near homes with accessible water sources, such as ponds, bird baths, or swimming pools. They prefer to build their nests in elevated locations to protect their larvae from potential threats.
Conclusion
Understanding bald-faced hornets is essential for those living near their habitats. While they play a role in the ecosystem, their aggressive nature can lead to conflicts with humans and pets, especially during the warmer months. For more information call HI-TECH PEST CONTROL (248) 569-8001.