The term "hornet" is often loosely applied to various wasps that construct large, papery nests. Among these, the baldfaced hornet, scientifically known as Dolichovespula maculata, stands out. Despite its common name, the baldfaced hornet is technically not a true hornet but rather a type of aerial yellowjacket.
Identifying the Bald-Faced Hornet
Baldfaced hornets are easily identifiable by their striking black and white markings. They are relatively large, heavy-bodied wasps, typically measuring about 3⁄4-inch long. The face and head are largely white, giving them their characteristic "bald-faced" appearance. In addition to the white face, these wasps have three white stripes at the end of their bodies.
Nest Construction and Location
These wasps are known for building exposed, mottled grey nests in trees or shrubs. The oval-shaped nests are constructed from a paper-like material created from chewed wood fibers mixed with the wasps' saliva. These nests can grow quite large, reaching up to 24 inches in length and 30 inches in diameter. While they typically build nests in trees and shrubs, they may also be found under roof overhangs, in attics, crawlspaces, wall voids, or under decks and porches.
The Bald-Faced Hornet Life Cycle
The life cycle of a bald-faced hornet colony is annual, with new nests founded in the spring and early summer by a single queen. After overwintering in sheltered places, the fertilized queen emerges and begins constructing a small nest. She lays her first eggs, which hatch into worker hornets. These workers then take over the duties of nest building, foraging for food, and caring for the developing larvae, while the queen focuses on laying more eggs.
The colony expands throughout the summer, reaching its peak population in late summer or early fall. During this time, the queen begins to lay eggs that will become drones (males) and new queens. After pupation, these fertile males and females leave the nest to mate. The fertilized queens then overwinter to start new colonies the following year, while the males and workers die at the end of the season. Old nests are not reused.
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The Diet of Bald-Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets are omnivorous insects with a diet that varies depending on their life stage and the needs of the colony.
Feeding the Larvae
The primary food source for developing bald-faced hornet larvae is other insects. Worker hornets hunt and capture a variety of insects, including flies, caterpillars, spiders, and even their yellowjacket relatives. They chew up these insects and feed the resulting pulp to the larvae, providing them with the protein they need to grow.
Adult Diet
Adult bald-faced hornets have different dietary preferences than their larvae. While they still consume insects, their primary food sources are nectar, tree sap, and fruit pulp, particularly that of apples. They have also been known to scavenge raw meat and other sugary substances.
In late summer and early fall, when the larvae have matured and no longer require as much protein, the worker hornets shift their focus to sugary foods. They may be found feeding on ripe fruit, spilled sodas, honey, flower nectar, and other sweet-tasting materials. This is when they can become nuisance pests at picnics, outdoor eateries, and around trash cans.
Specific Dietary Observations
- Prey: Bald-faced hornets are known to prey on flies, caterpillars, and spiders, which they feed to their developing larvae.
- Sugary Substances: Adult hornets consume nectar, fruit juices, tree sap, and other sugary liquids.
- Scavenging: They may scavenge for food in trash cans and around outdoor gatherings, consuming meats and sweets.
Bald-Faced Hornets as Beneficial Insects
Despite their potential to be pests, bald-faced hornets can also be considered beneficial insects. By preying on flies, caterpillars, and other insects, they help to control populations of unwanted pests in gardens, agricultural fields, and other areas. Additionally, when searching for nectar, they contribute to the pollination of flowers.
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Managing Bald-Faced Hornets
Due to their aggressive nature and painful stings, managing bald-faced hornets can be challenging. If a nest is located in an area where it poses a threat to people or pets, it may be necessary to take control measures.
Prevention
- Keep outdoor trash in containers with tight-fitting lids and empty them regularly.
- Clean up any spills, especially sugary liquids, that may attract hornets.
- Cover food and drinks when outdoors.
- Avoid using strong perfumes, scented lotions, or floral laundry detergents.
Nest Removal
- If the nest is in a location where it is not a threat, it may be best to leave it alone and wait for the colony to die out in late fall or early winter.
- If removal is necessary, it is best to contact a professional pest control company.
- If attempting to remove the nest yourself, do so at night when the hornets are less active.
- Use a foaming wasp and hornet spray that jets from a safe distance.
- Spray the nest directly, starting with the entrance hole, and saturate the nest thoroughly.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing, long rubber gloves, and goggles to protect yourself from stings and insecticide.
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