Understanding Bald-Faced Hornets: A Guide for Homeowners
Bald-Faced Hornets: What Homeowners and Pest Pros Need to Know
Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are a common sight in North America, especially in areas like Ozaukee County, Washington County, Milwaukee County, and Sheboygan County. Despite their name, they’re actually a type of yellowjacket wasp—just bigger, meaner, and with a striking black-and-white look.
These wasps are known for their aggressive nature, especially when defending their nests. Whether you’re a homeowner worried about a growing nest in your backyard or a pest control pro dealing with an infestation, understanding their habits is the first step in handling them safely.
What Are Bald-Faced Hornets?
Bald-faced hornets stand out with their black bodies and bold white or ivory markings on their face and thorax. They grow between 0.75 and 1 inch long and live in large colonies. Unlike honeybees, they don’t lose their stinger after one attack—they can sting multiple times, and trust us, it hurts.
Their Life, Nests, and Behavior
1. How Their Colonies Work
Every spring, a single queen wakes up from hibernation and starts a new nest. Over the summer, the colony expands rapidly, sometimes growing to the size of a basketball by mid-season. The worker hornets—sterile females—take care of everything from foraging for food to maintaining the nest.
2. Where They Build Nests
Bald-faced hornets are expert builders. Their nests, made from chewed-up wood fibers mixed with saliva, have a papery texture and can be found in trees, shrubs, and even under the eaves of houses. If you live in Ozaukee, Washington, Milwaukee, or Sheboygan counties, you’ve probably seen them hanging around.
3. Why They’re So Aggressive
These wasps don’t take kindly to intruders. If they feel their nest is threatened, they’ll defend it with a vengeance. Since they can sting repeatedly, their attacks can be especially painful, leading to swelling, intense pain, and even allergic reactions in some people.
How to Identify a Bald-Faced Hornet Problem
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with bald-faced hornets, look for these signs:
✔ Distinctive Look – Black body with white or ivory markings.
✔ Large, Paper-Like Nests – Usually found in trees, shrubs, or under eaves.
✔ Aggressive Behavior – They’ll chase and sting if their nest is disturbed.
What You Can Do About Them
1. Prevention
Check Early – In late spring and early summer, inspect your yard for early nest-building activity. Catching them early makes removal easier.
Stay Alert – If you notice hornets flying around a particular area often, there may be a nest nearby.
2. Call in the Pros
Because bald-faced hornets are so aggressive, dealing with a nest is best left to professionals. Pest control experts have the right protective gear and tools to remove nests safely without putting you or your family at risk. They’ll typically use specialized sprays or dust treatments to eliminate the colony effectively.
3. DIY (If You Must)
If you decide to handle the problem yourself, be extremely careful.
✔ Wear Protective Gear – Long sleeves, thick gloves, and a face shield are a must.
✔ Use Insecticide Properly – Always follow label instructions and apply treatments at night when hornets are less active.
✔ Have an Exit Plan – If they start swarming, you’ll want to get out fast.
Need Help? Contact the Experts
If you’ve spotted a bald-faced hornet nest on your property, don’t take any chances—give us a call at (262) 261-3925. Our experienced pest control team is here to help keep your home safe and hornet-free.
