5 Tips for Getting Rid of Bald-Faced Hornets in Billings, MT

Bald-faced hornets, a type of social wasp, are a common pest in Billings, MT, and throughout Montana. These stinging insects are notorious for their aggressive behavior and large nests, which can house hundreds of wasps by late summer.

If you’re dealing with a bald-faced hornet nest near your home, here are five effective tips for safe and efficient removal.

Key Takeaways

• Bald-faced hornets build football-shaped nests, often in trees or eaves, and their stings can cause allergic reactions.

• Protective clothing like bee suits, gloves, and goggles is essential to avoid multiple stings from aggressive hornets.

• Use hornet sprays labeled for aerial nests, applying from a safe distance during early morning or late evening.

• Safely remove neutralized nests, take preventative steps to avoid future infestations, or call professionals for expert help.

1. Locate and Identify the Nest

Bald-faced hornets build large paper nests often found in trees, under eaves, or attached to other elevated surfaces. These nests differ from yellowjacket nests, typically underground, and paper wasp nests, which are smaller and more exposed.

When inspecting your property, look for:

• A football-shaped nest with smooth, layered walls.

• Increased hornet activity around backyards, garbage areas, or eaves.

Hornet activity is highest during the day, so inspect during early morning or late evening when they are less active​.

2. Wear Protective Clothing Before Approaching

Safety should always come first when dealing with bald-faced hornets.

Unlike honey bees, hornets can sting multiple times and are particularly defensive of their nests. To protect yourself:

• Wear a bee suit or heavy protective clothing that covers all skin.

• Use gloves, goggles, and sturdy boots.

• Ensure all zippers and openings are securely closed to prevent stingers from reaching your skin​.

For additional protection, consider purchasing equipment like protective clothing or wasp sprays from local hardware stores.

3. Approach Hornet Sprays with Caution

Hornet sprays are often designed to neutralize bald-faced hornets from a safe distance, usually around 15-20 feet, and used in the early morning or late evening when hornets are less active.

However, it’s important to be aware that spraying a nest on your own can be risky. Disturbing the nest may provoke aggressive behavior from a large number of hornets, capable of stinging multiple times.

Because of these risks, call a professional to handle the situation.

If you do choose to use a wasp spray, make sure you’re fully protected with the right gear, follow the product’s instructions carefully, and prioritize your safety.

For large nests or hard-to-reach locations, it’s always safest to let the experts take care of it.

4. Leave Nest Removal to the Professionals

Once the hornets have been dealt with, the nest will need to be safely removed.

While it may be tempting to use a plastic bag or garbage bag to dispose of the nest yourself, this can still be dangerous, as hornets that were away during treatment could return and become aggressive.

Instead, contact a professional pest control service to handle the removal. They have the tools and expertise to safely dispose of nests, especially those located in attics, wall voids, or high tree branches.

5. Take Preventative Measures

To keep bald-faced hornets and other wasps from coming back, start by getting rid of anything that might attract them, like sugar spills, fallen fruit, or exposed garbage.

Next, seal up any cracks or gaps in your walls, eaves, or siding to close off their entry points. Make it a habit to check your yard and home regularly for new nests, especially in the spring when queens are just starting to build.

If you’re seeing a lot of wasps in the same spot over and over, it’s a good idea to call in a professional who can treat your property with effective deterrents.

Get Expert Help from Kodiak Pest Control

As homeowners, dealing with a bald-faced hornet nest can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time facing such an infestation.

At Kodiak Pest Control, we provide expert hornet removal services in Billings, MT, and surrounding areas. Whether it’s bald-faced hornets, yellowjackets, or other wasp species like the Western yellowjacket or European wasp, we’ve got you covered.

Call us today to schedule a consultation and reclaim your yard safely and effectively.

Bald-Faced hornets are aggressive insects that can sting at any time. Kodiak Pest Control does not recommend trying to remove their nests on your own. Please seek professional help to ensure you stay safe in the process.