Even though, by and large, wasps and hornets are considered to be a friend to the environment, nobody wants them on their property. However, they are a natural pest control option for your garden. They are predatory pests and will feed on unwanted insects that invade your garden areas. Bald-faced hornets specifically, can be an aggressive stinging pest and shouldn’t be ignored when you find a nest near or around your home. A-Tex Pest Management is here to share some control tips and information about bald-faced hornets.

How Do I Identify a Bald-Faced Hornet?

Sometimes bald-faced hornets are mistaken for bees, but there are some distinct differences between the two. Bald-faced hornets have a smooth body while bees are hairy and fuzzy. Bald-faced hornets are also longer and leaner than the thick, stalky bee. They are also known to have a cream colored marking across their face and the rest of their bodies. Bald-faced hornet nests are large, roughly the size of a basketball and are usually hanging from trees. They can also be found in attics, bushes, inside hollow trees and on walls.

What are the Characteristics of a Bald-Faced Hornet?

While the bald-faced hornet isn’t quite as aggressive as other wasps, their nests should never be disturbed or removed without professional experience. They will defend their nests at all costs if they feel it in jeopardy. Bald-faced hornets are pollinators as well as insect predators. They eat a variety of flies, yellow jackets and other insects. Each nest usually consists of anywhere between 100 and 400 workers and they will undoubtedly leave their nest in the autumn and the nest will die.

Should I Put Anything on a Bald-Faced Hornet Sting?

In the event that you are stung by a bald-faced hornet, the biggest concern in an allergy. Those that are allergic to their stings, should seek medical advice immediately to ensure there aren’t any life threating symptoms present. For most people, the sting is painful, but not life threatening. Here are the steps to care for a sting:
1. Remove the stinger. Do not squeeze the stinger to remove it as this will inject more venom into your skin. Use a credit card to scrape the stinger away from the skin.
2. Ice the area. When you are stung by a bald-faced hornet, you will more than likely notice a certain amount of swelling. Icing the area will help eliminate swelling.
3. Use Painkillers. The sting will be painful for some time afterward. Using acetaminophen and ibuprofen will help lessen the pain.
4. Keep it clean. Keeping the wound clean is an important part of avoiding any infection.

Stinging Insect Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas

Because bald-faced hornets pose a threat to humans, it is not wise to try and remove a nest on your own. The professional pest control experts at A-Tex Pest Management can eliminate any bald-faced hornet nests from your property before they pose a threat to you and those you love. If you notice a nest anywhere on your property, call us today to assist you in removing it.