Quick Bald-Faced Hornet ID Summary
Bald-faced hornets are large black-and-white wasps (often mistaken for “black hornets”) that are most easily identified by their gray, papery, football-shaped nest hanging in trees, shrubs, or under eaves. The nest usually has one opening on the bottom, and they will be very aggressive if you disturb it. In Virginia, they’re also known as the Bald-Faced aerial yellowjacket.
Common characteristics
- Body Size: 1/2 – 3/4 an inch long.
- Common Characteristics: Black and white coloring with a white or “bald-faced,” head.
- Number of Legs: 6
- Wings: Translucent, dark brown wings.
- Habitat: Build large paper nests to house a large social colony.
Introduction to the Bald-Faced Hornet
The Bald-Faced Hornet is a stinging insect found throughout the State of Virginia. The Bald-Faced hornet is not a true hornet because they more closely resemble Yellowjackets, meaning they are black and white wasps. The hornets are well-known for their color, specifically their white heads. This is why they are called Bald-Faced Hornets or “White-Faced Hornets.” This stinging insect species is easily identifiable by the large paper nests they construct. Usually, these nests are hanging from a tree, eave, or other structure.
Bald-Faced Hornet Behavior
Bald-faced hornets are social insects and live in large colonies. Each colony has a Queen, drones, and workers. The Queen is responsible for laying hundreds of eggs and collecting fibers to start the nest. The drones’ job is to find a receptive queen to fertilize. Finally, the workers perform all the tasks to operate the nest. In the summer, worker wasps will search for flowers and collect nectar. This means the wasps are also considered pollinators. The hornets have other means of obtaining food as well. They will scavenge through trash and eat food and beverages humans eat outdoors. They will also consume fruit grown in gardens.
Bald-Faced Hornet Habitat
As stated earlier, the bald-faced hornet will build a large paper nest that hangs from structures. Queens are the only members of the colony that survive winter. In the spring, the queen will begin collecting fibers from fences or houses to start building a nest. At this point, drones will fertilize the queen. When the eggs hatch and become workers, they assist with nest building. This is why nests are usually found near where humans live. The nests are large and gray-colored. Some can even reach 24 inches in diameter. An opening at the bottom of the nest allows the wasps to enter and exit, and it stays guarded.
Bald-Faced Hornet Threats and Dangers
Bald-faced hornets are like other social wasp species. This means they will sting if the colony is threatened. Unlike bees which leave their stinger behind, Bald-Faced hornets can sting multiple times. The stings are painful and venomous, causing swelling and redness for 24 hours or more. People who are allergic to bee stings should be very careful as multiple stings can be dangerous.
Do You Have A Bald-Faced Hornet Nest On Your Property?
If you’re in Richmond, VA, or the surrounding counties, contact GreenShield Home & Pest Solutions and ask about our stinging insect removal services.