What is a bald face hornet?

Bald-faced hornets are social wasps often mistaken for yellow jackets. They are native to North America and commonly found in forests, fields, and urban areas. They get their name from a pale yellow or white patch on the face below the antennae. Here are some additional facts about bald-faced hornets:

1. Size: Bald-faced hornets are relatively large wasps, with queens reaching up to 20 millimeters (0.8 inches) in length, while workers are slightly smaller.

2. Nest-building Behavior: Bald-faced hornets construct unique nests made from wood fibers mixed with saliva. These nests are often found hanging from tree branches and can grow up to 1 foot in diameter.

3. Colony Structure: Bald-faced hornet colonies consist of a single queen, hundreds of workers, and a small number of males. The queen lays fertilized eggs that hatch into workers, who do most of the tasks within the colony, including foraging for food, building the nest, and taking care of young hornets.

4. Diet: Bald-faced hornets feed on a variety of insects, including flies, bees, wasps, and caterpillars. They are also known to collect sugary substances such as nectar from flowers or sap from trees.

5. Hunting Behavior: Bald-faced hornets are active hunters and commonly prey on other insects mid-air. They are known to be aggressive when disturbed, and their sting is known to be painful.

6. Nesting Habits: Bald-faced hornets typically establish nests in early spring and expand them throughout the season. The nests are constructed high off the ground, often on tree branches or other elevated structures.

7. Defense Mechanisms: Bald-faced hornets communicate and alarm neighboring hornets when threatened. They emit warning pheromones and defend their nests aggressively when disturbed.

8. Stinger: Both females and male bald-faced hornets have stingers, which they use to inject venom for defense. Their stings are painful, and multiple stings can be dangerous, especially for those with allergies.

9. Environmental Significance: Like many other wasps and insects, bald-faced hornets play a role in controlling insect populations and contribute to the delicate ecological balance of their habitats.

10. Nuisance to Humans: While bald-faced hornets can be beneficial predators, they can become a nuisance when they build nests near human activities. It's important to use caution and contact professionals for proper removal of nests if they pose a risk.

Overall, bald-faced hornets are fascinating insects that play a vital role in their ecosystems. While their aggressive nature and painful stings make them formidable, understanding their behavior and ecological significance helps appreciate their place in nature.