Bald-Faced Hornets: Understanding and Managing Encounters

Bald-faced hornets become most troublesome in late summer when their colonies peak in size. These insects are social and cooperate to construct their papery grey hives, which house between 100 to 400 members. Distinctly larger than wasps, bald-faced hornets feature a primarily black body with a distinctive white face. They are more aggressive than other stinging insects and will defend their territory vigorously against any perceived threats. Their smooth stingers enable them to sting multiple times, unlike honeybees, which lose their stinger after one sting.

An active bald-faced hornet nest can be identified by its grey, paper-like structure, usually suspended at least three feet off the ground in trees or from structure overhangs. These nests can be as wide as 14 inches in diameter and more than 24 inches in length, with worker hornets often seen flying nearby.

It is crucial to steer clear of bald-faced hornets and their nests. If you encounter one, calmly leave the area and contact a professional pest control service, such as Front Range Pest, for safe removal. Do not attempt to remove the nest yourself, as this can provoke the hornets and lead to stinging. While a single sting is not typically harmful, receiving multiple stings—30 or 40—can be fatal.

Tips to Avoid Being Stung

• Dress protectively in long sleeves and pants to minimize exposure to stings.
• Regularly inspect your property for small openings or cracks that might serve as pest shelters and seal them.
• Keep food and beverages covered during outdoor activities.
• Opt for unscented hygiene products and avoid strong fragrances.
• Refrain from wearing brightly colored clothing, such as yellow, purple, blue, or red, which might attract hornets.
• Wear closed-toed shoes to safeguard your feet.
• Should you find a hive, do not disturb it. Instead, call Front Range Pest for professional assistance.

How to Act Around Stinging Insects

Stay calm! While it’s natural to swat at an insect, doing so can provoke hornets and make them more aggressive. If a hornet is hovering near you, try to remain calm and stand still. Holding your breath for 10 to 30 seconds may help, as pests will lose interest. If one or a couple are still pestering you, walk away calmly and swiftly in the opposite direction without sudden movements that might increase their sense of threat. If a swarm attacks, run! Head indoors as fast as possible in a straight line and close the door behind you. Turn on the lights to confuse any insects that might have followed. And definitely do not disturb a hive! For safe and professional removal, contact Front Range Pest.

What to Do If You Are Stung

• Find safety: Quickly move to a sting-free area to avoid further stings.
• Remove the stinger: If visible, gently extract the stinger using tweezers or your fingernails.
• Clean the area: Wash the sting site with soap and water to prevent infection. To reduce swelling and pain, apply a topical steroid or take an oral antihistamine. Elevate the affected area and use cold compresses for additional relief.
• Monitor for allergic reactions: If you experience severe swelling, especially in the face, mouth, or throat, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical help immediately by calling 911.
• Follow up: If the sting does not improve within a few days, consult your doctor or seek emergency care.

Don’t risk your safety, contact Front Range Pest today for professional removal of aggressive stinging insect hives!

Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to ensure effective pest management for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we offer peace of mind by identifying wildlife entry points, removing nuisance pests, sealing access areas, performing cleanup, and making essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com