Bald faced hornets are the only type of hornet found in Texas. They’re very common pests that you can find flying around your property and creating nests in bushes, trees, attics, sheds, as well as under eaves, decks, and soffits. Bald faced hornets are mostly black with white features on their heads. Stinging insects fly around so quickly that it can be hard to identify if you’re seeing a hornet, wasp, or yellow jacket without getting too close (which is not something you should do). If you see stinging insects flying around, the best way to narrow down the type of pest is by identifying the nest.
What does a hornet nest look like?
Bald faced hornets create nests that look like a large, gray football, located in old sheds, deep in terraces, balconies, attics, and lofts. On average, 200-400 hornets will live together in any given nest, which is why they’re classified as “social insects.” An example of a “solitary insect” (the antonym of social insects) are paper wasps, which live alone as adults. There can be thousands of hornets in a single nest at any given time. Hornets create their nests by chewing wood that they find in the area such as pieces of decking, fences, logs and play sets for example. They combine it with their own saliva to create a pulp-like substance that’s used to build the nest. Nest colors can vary depending on the wood they are able to access. According to the National Pest Management Association, a bald faced hornet nest can grow as large as 14” in diameter and more than 24” in length, at least 3 feet or more off of the ground. As the season progresses, undisturbed hornet nests grow with the expanding population of their colony. Bald faced hornet activity will cease when it becomes cooler outside, leaving the nest to be inactive and never reused. When hornet season starts back up again, a new nest will be built and the process will start over again.
Bald faced hornets live comfortably in the Dallas area with easy access to food. Just like yellow jackets, bald faced hornets are attracted to sugar in the foods and drinks that humans enjoy consuming outdoors. Next time you have an outdoor gathering, refrain from using open cups for soda and lemonade. Use sealed beverage containers and cover food such as fruits to avoid hornet snacking.
Why do I have hornets at my house?
Hornets create their nests where conditions are conducive to their survival and they can live out of harm’s way. Most hornet nests are constructed high above the ground to avoid being disturbed. Typically, you’ll find hornet nests out of reach or in areas where there they are the least likely to be disturbed. There is nothing that inherently attracts hornets to your house versus your neighbor’s house.
Do hornets sting?
Yes, hornets can sting. They can sting multiple times. Like most pests, they usually won’t attack unless they feel that their nest or queen is in danger. If they decide that you’re a threat, multiple bald faced hornets will quickly chase you. Hornet stings are very painful and accompanied by swelling and itching for about 24 hours. Bald faced hornets cannot kill humans from their sting alone. However, for those who are allergic to bee stings, being stung by a hornet could mean a trip to the emergency room.
This is why it’s especially important that you don’t try to get rid of a hornet nest on your own. The professionals here at Certified Termite and Pest Control are trained and properly equipped to get rid of the bald faced hornet nest on your property.
How can I get rid of a hornet nest on my own?
Certified does not advise that you attempt to remove a hornet nest on your own. Several DIY methods you may find across the internet are not guaranteed and can put you in compromising situations, open to stinging activity. Several hundred hornets, sometimes thousands, make up the colonies within a single nest. If you destroy their nest, you are exposing literally hundreds of stinging insects at once. Certified Termite and Pest Control can carefully remove hornet nests and provide treatment based on hornet biology and proven methodology.
