What is a baldfaced hornet?
The first thing to know when it comes to baldfaced hornets is that they aren’t actually hornets; they are actually more closely related to yellow jackets. They are only referred to as hornets because of their large size. Baldfaced hornets have a long, thin, wasp-like body; workers grow to between ½ and 5/8th of an inch in length; the queens are even larger and grow to be about ¾ of an inch in length. Baldfaced hornets are black in color except for an off-white color pattern that is found on the face, at the end of the abdomen, and on the thorax. Baldfaced hornets create paper-like nests and place them 3 feet or higher up off of the ground.
Why do I have them?
In most cases baldfaced hornets are found on your property because there is easy access to food and water sources. Baldfaced hornets feed on a wide variety of things like other stinging insects, flies, caterpillars, nectar, and other forms of sugars and carbohydrates. A property that has a lot of flowering landscaping, gardens, compost piles, fruit trees and unsecured areas of garbage, can attract baldfaced hornets to it. Baldfaced hornets usually choose an aerial location to place their nest; trees, utilities poles, the side of your home, or underneath of roof eaves can all become home to a baldfaced hornet nest.
Are they dangerous?
Yes, baldfaced hornets can be dangerous to you, your family, and your pets if they decide to place their nest on your home or close enough to your home that they become a threat as you try to enter or leave. They are fairly aggressive and will sting when they feel threatened. Baldfaced hornets have a smooth stinger and therefore can sting their victim over and over again. The venom from a baldfaced hornet sting can cause an allergic reaction in people; sometimes the allergic reaction is very severe and requires immediate medical attention.
Can I do it myself?
Do-it-yourself baldfaced hornet control is never recommended. Baldfaced hornets inflict painful stings and their venom can cause severe allergic reactions; only professionals who have experience dealing with stinging insects and who have proper safety equipment should attempt to eliminate them from a property. It is also important to note that DIY pest control products can be very dangerous to you, your family, pets, and plants if not mixed or used properly. Contact Schendel Pest Services to learn how we can quickly and safely help to get rid of a potentially dangerous baldfaced hornet nest from your property.
How soon can you get here?
We are dedicated to making sure that we get help to you as quickly as possible, we understand how stressful pest problems can be for you and your family. In most instances, Schendel will respond the same or very next day.
Is the treatment safe?
Yes, our treatment methods are safe for use around people, pets, and plants. We use the least amount of material possible to solve your pest problem whether that is using natural products, baits, mechanical means, or conventional produces.
We follow very strict guidelines, and all of our conventional products are EPA registered. Our trained and experienced service technicians will also inform you of any specific safety measures that may need to be taken before treatment begins.
How much does it cost?
We have standard pricing for all of our pest services, based on average size homes under 3500 square feet and where the infestation does not require more than the standard number of services. We will always make you aware of any price changes before we start your service. Sign up for your FREE quote today and see how much you can save with Schendel.
How can I prevent this in the future?
Preventing baldfaced hornets from invading your property is difficult but there are a few precautions that you can take to help deter them from choosing your property to nest on.
- Trim back trees, flowering landscaping, and bushes from exterior of your home.
- If fruit trees are located on your property, quickly pick up fruit that has fallen to the ground.
- Make sure gutters are free of debris to prevent them from collecting water.
- Place gardens and compost piles a distance away from the outside of your house.
- Make sure that trashcans have tight fitting lids and make sure to place any trash inside of them.
- To prevent baldfaced hornets from getting inside make sure that any gaps found in the exterior of your home are fixed and that gaps found around windows and doors are caulked. Screens should be free of holes and tears.
