Are you familiar with bald faced hornets? Do you know whether they are aggressive or not? If you answered no to either of these questions, then you are in the right place. This blog post will provide you with the answers to your questions and will also cover how to deter, treat, and prevent bald faced hornets from entering your home.
Introduction to Bald Faced Hornets
Bald faced hornets are one of the most common types of hornet found in the United States. They are large and intimidating insects that can grow up to 3/4 of an inch long. They have black and white stripes on their bodies and a bald, white face. Despite their intimidating size, bald faced hornets are quite shy and harmless creatures. In fact, they are beneficial to gardens and other outdoor areas as they prey on pests such as aphids and caterpillars.
Identification of Bald Faced Hornets
The easiest way to distinguish a bald faced hornet from other types of hornets is by its coloration. The most obvious feature is the bald, white face. The rest of the hornet’s body is black and white striped. Another distinguishing feature is the bald faced hornet’s nest. They are large, grayish paper nests that are usually found hanging from tree branches or other structures.
Are Bald Faced Hornets Dangerous?
Bald faced hornets are not considered dangerous. While they can sting if threatened, they are not aggressive and will usually only sting if they feel threatened. That being said, it is important to use caution if you come across a bald faced hornet as their sting can be quite painful.
Signs of Bald Faced Hornet Aggression
It is important to be aware of the signs of bald faced hornet aggression. If a bald faced hornet is feeling threatened, it will usually give off warning signs such as buzzing, fluttering its wings, or curling its abdomen. If the hornet continues to feel threatened, it may sting. It is important to use caution if you come across a bald faced hornet as their sting can be quite painful.
How to Deter Bald Faced Hornets
There are a few ways to deter bald faced hornets from entering your home or garden. One way is to make sure that any food sources are not left out in the open. Bald faced hornets are attracted to sweet foods and will often be found around sweet food sources such as fruits and sugary drinks. It is also important to keep trash cans sealed and away from the house.
Another way to deter bald faced hornets is to plant natural deterrents such as mint, lavender, and eucalyptus. These plants emit strong scents that will deter bald faced hornets from entering the area. Finally, it is important to keep your garden and outdoor areas free of clutter. Bald faced hornets are attracted to dark, hidden places, so it is important to keep the area clean and free of debris.
How to Treat Bald Faced Hornet Stings
If you are stung by a bald faced hornet, it is important to treat the sting as soon as possible. The first step is to remove the stinger from your skin. This can be done by gently scraping the area with a dull object such as a credit card. Once the stinger has been removed, it is important to clean the wound with soap and water.
Next, you should apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area to reduce swelling. This should be done for at least 15 minutes. Finally, you should take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help alleviate the pain. If the symptoms persist or if you experience any other symptoms such as hives or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek medical attention.
How to Prevent Bald Faced Hornets From Entering Your Home
The best way to prevent bald faced hornets from entering your home is to make sure that all potential entry points are sealed. This includes any cracks or openings in your walls, windows, and doors. It is also important to make sure that your windows and doors are properly screened. This will help prevent bald faced hornets from entering your home.
It is also important to keep your garden and outdoor areas free of debris and clutter. As mentioned earlier, bald faced hornets are attracted to dark, hidden places, so it is important to keep the area clean and free of debris. Finally, it is important to keep sweet food sources such as fruits and sugary drinks away from the house.
How to Remove an Active Bald Faced Hornet Nest
If you have an active bald faced hornet nest, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. The best way to remove a nest is to use a hornet spray. Hornet sprays are available at most hardware stores and will kill the hornets on contact. It is important to use caution when using a hornet spray as it can irritate your skin and eyes.
Once the hornets have been killed, you can remove the nest from the area. It is important to wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, and gloves when removing the nest. It is also important to use caution when removing the nest as the hornets may become agitated and could sting you.
Professional Bald Faced Hornet Control Services
If you are unable to remove a bald faced hornet nest on your own, it is important to contact a professional. Professional pest control companies will be able to safely and effectively remove the nest and eliminate any potential infestations. They will also be able to provide advice on how to prevent bald faced hornets from entering your home in the future.
Conclusion
Bald faced hornets are not aggressive and will usually only sting when they feel threatened. That being said, it is important to use caution when encountering a bald faced hornet as their sting can be quite painful. There are a few ways to deter bald faced hornets from entering your home such as keeping food sources sealed, planting natural deterrents, and keeping the area free of clutter.
If you are stung by a bald faced hornet, it is important to treat the area as soon as possible. If you have an active bald faced hornet nest, it is important to contact a professional for removal. By following these tips, you can stay safe and enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about bald faced hornets.
