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Bald-faced Hornets
Dolichovespula maculataCOLOR: Black with a white pattern on most of the face
LEGS: 6
SHAPE: Long, wasp-like
SIZE: 1/2 – 5/8” (12-15mm); queen ¾” (18-20mm)
ANTENNAE: True
REGION: Found throughout U.S.
This atypically large black-and-white relative of the yellow jacket gets its common name from its largely black color but mostly white face. It is named a hornet because of its large size and aerial nest.
HabitsBald-faced hornets are social insects, although not true hornets. They live in colonies that may contain between 100-400 members at their peak. The hornets usually appear in late summer.
HabitatBald-faced hornets build paper nests at least three or more feet off of the ground, usually in trees, shrubs, on overhangs, utility poles, houses, sheds or other structures. They are found throughout the United States, Canada and north into Alaska.
ThreatsBald-faced hornets are aggressive and will attack anyone or anything that invades their space. They have smooth stingers, so they can sting over and over again. Their stings also carry venom that makes the stings hurt, itch, or swell for about 24 hours. Humans are at the same risk of allergic reactions from a Bald-faced hornet stings as with other insect stings.
. Prevention:If you find a Bald-faced hornet nest on your home or property, do not attempt to remove it on your own as this can aggravate the colony and cause them to attack. Contact Stop Bugging Me Pest Control to remove. Stop Bugging Me Pest Control offers hornet, bee and wasp services throughout the sound including Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett and Puget Sound Region.
*Information provided is courtesy of the National Pest Management Association.
