Bald-faced Hornets
Pest LibraryComprehensive Guide on Bald-Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets are a common species of hornet in Maryland. They are widespread throughout the state and often build nests in trees, bushes, wood piles, and eaves. At Bug Geeks Pest Control, we know how alarming it can be to deal with a bee, wasp, or hornet problem at your home or business. We act quickly to identify and assess the threat and determine the safest and fastest method of bald-faced hornet nest removal. Call us now if you have a problem with bald-faced hornets in Pasadena, MD, or the surrounding areas.
What Is a Bald-Faced Hornet?
Bald-faced hornets are a common pest in Maryland. They are a subspecies of yellowjackets. They are not true hornets but social wasps. They are recognizable by their black and white bodies and white faces. Their size ranges from ⅝ to ¾ of an inch long for workers and over an inch long for queens. These hornets build light gray to light brown nests that are cone or egg-shaped. The nests are usually built in the open in high tree branches, building overhangs or eaves, walls, utility poles, bushes, and wood piles. The nest can be quite large and may house 100-400 wasps.
Are Bald-Faced Hornets Dangerous?
Bald-faced hornets are known to be aggressive. They have the same nest-protection instinct that other wasps have, but their defense response can also be triggered by seeing a specific color or smelling a certain soap or perfume. They will sting multiple times, and their stingers don’t dislodge. A bald-faced hornet sting can cause intense pain, swelling, and severe allergic reactions in humans and pets.
Signs of a Bald-Faced Hornet Infestation
Bald-faced hornets are most active during the spring and summer months and should be left alone if the nest isn’t in a populated area. Prevention is key, as they are both predators and prey insects and are extremely territorial. Call us immediately if you notice any warning signs of an infestation or if you see any type of wasp or hornet’s nest on your property or see swarms of wasps, bees, or hornets around your home or business. Some of the signs of an infestation are:
- A large gray or brown paper-like nest hanging from a tree, eave, utility pole, clothesline, overhang, or anywhere else on your property
- Large number of hornets or wasps flying around your home or business
- A distinct buzzing sound that grows louder as you approach
How to Get Rid of a Bald-Faced Hornet Nest
You should hire a professional for bald-faced hornet nest removal. The process requires extensive protection gear, careful planning, and knowledge and experience with hornet and wasp behavior. Our team has removed hornet and wasp nests of all sizes, including large, complex, and difficult-to-reach nests. We have the tools, protective gear, and knowledge needed to ensure the job is done safely without injury or damage to your property. We also ensure the nest and wasps are completely removed so that there is no further threat to your home or business. Our residential pest control and commercial pest control process includes:
- Identification and Assessment – We begin with a thorough assessment of the nest to identify the species of wasps or hornets, the size of the colony, and their behavior.
- Protective Gear – We wear protective gear such as a jumpsuit, gloves, boots, and eye protection.
- Use of Insecticide – We will spray the nest thoroughly with a hornet-specific insecticide.
- Nest Removal and Disposal – When it is clear that there is no more activity in the nest, we will remove it carefully and dispose of it properly.
- Ongoing Check-ins and Maintenance – We offer ongoing check-ins to ensure no wasps or other pests have returned. We can also provide ongoing or as-needed pest control services.
Tips for Preventing Wasp and Hornet Problems
The best way to protect your property from wasps and hornets is to be proactive about preventing them from seeing your home or business as an attractive place to nest. Wasps and hornets are drawn to ripe fruits, sweet or sticky spills, flower nectar, and sugary substances like soda. They also look for sheltered sites to build their nests. Here are some tips for preventing wasp and hornet infestations:
- Keep trash can lids closed and trash and recycling bins away from your property.
- Trim vegetation regularly to eliminate possible nest sites.
- Avoid clutter and debris in your yard or around your property.
- Fill in holes, cracks, gaps, and crevices that wasps or hornets may use to enter your property.
- Regularly inspect trees, bushes, overhangs, and other spots where nests may be built.
- Install mesh screens or boards over your roof, gable vents, chimneys, and any entry points that wasps or hornets could use.
Schedule a Consultation for Bald-Faced Hornet Removal
At Bug Geeks Pest Control, we have a team of pest control experts who are dedicated to maintaining the safety of local homes and businesses. We offer targeted, carefully tailored pest solutions for infestations of all sizes. Our comprehensive general pest control services include pest inspections, active infestation treatment, pest prevention, and ongoing or seasonal pest control and maintenance. Call us now or reach out to us online for a free estimate or to schedule a consultation for bald-faced hornet removal in Pasadena, MD, or the surrounding areas.
Contact Us
We Service
Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Carroll County, Frederick County and Baltimore County
Discuss your infestation concerns with a seasoned pest exterminator.