Bald-faced hornets are a type of wasp known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. While they play an essential role in the ecosystem as predators of other insects (including yellow jackets!), they can certainly pose a threat to humans and animals. Here are some reasons why a healthy fear of bald-faced hornets is probably warranted….

1. Their nests are large. Simply put, the nest of the bald-faced hornet is an engineering masterpiece. Starting out very small, about the size of a tennis ball, and growing to the size of a basketball (or larger), these nests, which can contain upwards of 700 hornets, are constructed of multiple layers of combs encased in a few inches of paper-like material created when chewed wood fibers are mixed with saliva.
2. Their nests are often well hidden. While their nests are occasionally on the side of a house, garage, or shed, they’re most commonly attached to a tree limb of shrub and often well disguised so as to be protected from predators.
3. They are very aggressive. They will attack anyone that invades their space. Unlike yellow jackets and other bees that typically only attack when provoked or as a method of defense, bald-faced hornets are agitated by noises and vibrations, and will often attack, going on the offensive instead of waiting to defend the nest.
4. Unlike other bees, which typically sting defensively and leave, they are known to keep stinging over and over and, since their stingers are smooth instead of barbed like most other stinging insects, they’re readily equipped to do so.
5. The sting is wicked. I’ve been stung by several different types of bees and wasps, and the bald-faced hornet stands out as the worst I’ve ever experienced. As if the multiple stings and aggression aren’t enough, the venom injected by the stinger can make the stings hurt, itch, and swell for about 24 hours and in some cases, can cause an allergic reaction that can be deadly. According to the Schmidt Sting Pain Index (yes, that’s a real thing), Dr. Schmidt describes the bald-faced hornet sting, which can throb for almost five minutes before subsiding, as “rich, hearty, slightly crunchy, similar to getting your hand smashed in a revolving door.” Ouch.
6. They have somewhat of a photographic memory. They can remember faces and have been known to fly by other people in order to attack the individual who they’ve targeted as described above.

As you can see, there are several reasons to fear these hornets. If you’ve noticed one of these on your property, it’s probably best to call us at (864)638-1044 and leave the treatment and removal to a professional.