Scientific Name
Dolichovespula maculata
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Dolichovespula maculata (Bald-Faced Hornet)
Bald-faced hornets are aggressive social wasps that live in colonies, with a queen laying eggs throughout the warm months. Workers maintain the nest, protect it from threats, and hunt for food. Their diet primarily consists of nectar, fruit, and other insects, making them natural predators of smaller pests. These hornets build their nests in trees, shrubs, or attached to buildings, using chewed wood pulp to create a sturdy, enclosed paper structure. Colonies die off in the winter, with only fertilized queens surviving to start new colonies in the spring.
When dealing with bald-faced hornets, our technicians follow a structured approach:
If the nest is inside a wall void, we apply insecticidal dust and may use an aerosol foam to fill the space and eliminate the colony. Due to the aggressive nature of these hornets, multiple treatments may be necessary for complete removal.
Bald-faced hornets are highly aggressive and will sting repeatedly if they feel their nest is threatened. Their stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
They typically build large, enclosed paper nests high up in trees, shrubs, or on buildings. Their nests can grow to be basketball-sized or larger.
Attempting to remove a bald-faced hornet nest without proper equipment is extremely dangerous. These insects will aggressively defend their colony. It’s best to have a professional handle the removal.
Avoid the nest and call a professional pest control service. Disturbing the nest can provoke an aggressive response from the colony.
The colony is seasonal, meaning it will die off in the winter. However, new queens will emerge and start fresh nests in the spring. This is why professional treatment is necessary to prevent future infestations.
No, they do not reuse nests from previous years. Each colony builds a new nest every season.
Our process includes nest identification, applying residual insecticide, and removing the nest once the colony is eliminated. For nests in wall voids, we use insecticidal dust and foam treatments as needed.
Yes, our hornet treatments come with a 30-day warranty, ensuring that the issue is fully resolved at no additional cost if the nest is not completely neutralized on the first visit.
