Bald Faced Hornets: Identification Guide
Quick Facts About Bald Faced Hornets
Bald faced hornets are among the most aggressive stinging insects in Tennessee. Despite their name, they are actually a type of yellow jacket wasp rather than true hornets. They create distinctive aerial nests and will vigorously defend their colony when threatened.- Size: Workers 1/2 to 5/8 inch; queens up to 3/4 inch
- Color: Black body with distinctive ivory-white markings on face, thorax, and abdomen
- Shape: Robust wasp-like body with narrow waist
- Active Season: Spring through fall, with peak activity in late summer
- Lifespan: Workers live several months; fertilized queens overwinter
- Reproduction Rate: Colonies can contain 400-700 workers by late summer
What Do Bald Faced Hornets Look Like?
Bald faced hornets are striking in appearance with their predominantly black bodies contrasted by bold ivory-white markings, particularly on their face (giving them their name). These large, aggressive wasps build distinctive, football-shaped paper nests that hang from trees, shrubs, or building structures. Their aerial nests are constructed from a gray paper-like material made from chewed wood fibers mixed with their saliva.
Key Identifying Features
- Distinctive White Facial Markings: The most recognizable feature is the white pattern on their face, along with white markings on the thorax, legs, and abdomen.
- Aerial Paper Nests: Their football-shaped nests can grow up to 14 inches in diameter and 24 inches in length, with a characteristic gray, papery exterior.
- Aggressive Behavior: They display highly territorial behavior around their nests, attacking perceived threats with coordinated responses from multiple colony members.
- Non-Barbed Stinger: Unlike honey bees, bald faced hornets can sting repeatedly because their stinger remains intact after use.
Related Species
Bald faced hornets are often confused with European hornets, which are larger and have more brownish-yellow coloration. They are closely related to yellow jackets but differ in their aerial nesting habits and distinctive white markings. Paper wasps build similar but smaller, open-celled paper nests, while mud dauber wasps construct mud tubes rather than paper nests.
Health & Property Risks
Health Concerns
Bald faced hornets pose significant health risks due to their aggressive defense behavior.
- Multiple Stings: They can deliver multiple painful stings when defending their nest, with venom that causes intense pain and swelling.
- Allergic Reactions: For sensitive individuals, stings can trigger severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Coordinated Attacks: Colony members may attack simultaneously when the nest is threatened, increasing the risk of receiving numerous stings.
Property Damage
Their nesting habits can impact property in several ways.
- Nest Damage: The weight of large nests can damage vegetation or building structures where they’re attached.
- Area Restriction: Areas near nests become unusable due to the high risk of attacks when approaching within 3-10 feet of their colony.
- Seasonal Recurrence: While colonies die off each winter, new queens may establish nests in similar locations the following year.
Where to Look for Bald Faced Hornets Around Your Home
Bald faced hornets typically build their nests at least three feet above ground. Common nesting locations include tree branches, large shrubs, building overhangs, utility poles, sheds, and under decks or eaves. Their nests are usually visible as large, gray, football-shaped structures, often in partially sheltered locations. Activity is highest around the nest entrance and in flowering areas where workers forage for nectar.When to Call Professional Help
Professional pest control is strongly recommended for bald faced hornet issues due to the significant risks involved in nest removal. You should contact professionals immediately if you discover a nest on your property, especially if it’s near entrances, play areas, or frequently used outdoor spaces. Never attempt DIY removal, as disturbing the nest can trigger aggressive, coordinated attacks from the colony.Schedule a Free Inspection
Our expert technicians at U.S. Pest Protection specialize in safely identifying and removing bald faced hornet nests throughout Tennessee. Using advanced techniques and proper protective equipment, we can eliminate these aggressive insects without putting your family at risk. We respond quickly—within 24 hours—to help you reclaim your outdoor spaces and prevent dangerous encounters.
