Bald-Faced Hornets in Montana: Facts, Treatment, and Prevention
Bald-faced hornets, commonly mistaken for true hornets, are social wasps native to North America. They are essential to Montana's ecosystem as pollinators and predators of other pests.
However, their aggressive nature and painful stings make them unwelcome around homes, especially in late summer, when their colonies peak.
In this guide, you'll learn key facts about bald-faced hornets, how to address an infestation and the best strategies for preventing their return.
Key Takeaways
Bald-faced hornets are aggressive social wasps with black bodies, white markings, and football-shaped paper-like nests.
Their life cycle begins with a queen in spring and ends with colony death in late fall.
Using specialized tools and effective treatments, professional pest control is safest for large or hard-to-reach nests.
Preventing infestations may involve sealing entry points and using deterrents like decoy nests or inspections.
What Are Bald-Faced Hornets?
Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are social wasps known for their distinctive black bodies and striking white markings on the face and the tip of the abdomen.
Workers, typically between 0.5 and 0.7 inches long, use wood fibers to build nests with a unique, paper-like texture.
These fibers are gathered from weathered wood, chewed into a pulp, and shaped into the nest's familiar football-like form.
To fuel their work and sustain the colony, these social insects forage for starches found in tree sap, fruit, and other natural sugary substances.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of a bald-faced hornet starts in spring when a single queen wakes up from overwintering and begins building her colony. She lays fertilized eggs that hatch into female workers, who take over foraging and nest-building duties as the colony grows.
During the summer, the colony can reach up to 700 workers.
By late summer, the queen shifts to laying unfertilized eggs, which develop into males, while the colony also produces new queens. These new queens and males leave the nest to mate.
Once fall arrives, the original colony dies off, leaving only the fertilized queens to overwinter and start the cycle again the following year.
Are Bald-Faced Hornets Dangerous?
While bald-faced hornets contribute to the ecosystem as predators of pests, they also pose significant risks to humans. Their stings are particularly painful and can cause severe allergic reactions.
Unlike bees, their stinger lacks barbs, allowing them to sting multiple times.
Because of their nesting habits, these hornets are often called aerial yellowjackets. They are highly aggressive when defending their nests, making them a potential threat to people or pets nearby.
Infestations are often identified by observing hornets entering and exiting specific areas or discovering their large, paper-like nests, which are more enclosed than the open-comb nests of paper wasps.
How to Treat Bald-Faced Hornet Infestations
When getting rid of bald-faced hornet nests, your chosen method will depend on how accessible the nest is and how comfortable you feel tackling it.
Professional Pest Control
For large nests or nests in hard-to-reach places, calling a pest control professional is the safest and most effective solution. Professionals use specialized tools and products to neutralize the colony and safely remove the nest.
How to Prevent Future Bald-Faced Hornet Infestations
Want to keep bald-faced hornets away? These simple steps can reduce the chances of another round of infestation:
Habitat Management
Simple steps can make your home less inviting to bald-faced hornets. Here’s how to reduce attractants and keep them out:
Eliminate Food Sources: Clean up sweet residues like fallen fruit and sugary drinks.
Seal Entry Points: Block access to attics and eaves using fine mesh.
Deterrents
These deterrents can help reduce the chances of bald-faced hornets nesting near your home:
Decoy Nests: Bald-faced hornets are territorial and may avoid areas where they perceive an existing colony.
Plant Selection: Avoid planting shrubs and trees near entrances that may attract hornets for nesting.
Regular Inspections
Check eaves, trees, and other potential nesting spots, especially in spring and early summer.
When to Call Professional Hornet Control
While bald-faced hornets contribute to pest control and the ecosystem, their aggressive behavior and painful stings pose a challenge for homeowners in Montana.
With proper knowledge and preventive measures, you can safely coexist—or seek professional help at Kodiak Pest Control when necessary to manage infestations. By taking action now, you can enjoy your outdoor spaces hornet-free.
For expert pest control services in Montana, contact us today. Let us help you regain your peace of mind and protect your home.
