Pest Identification: Bald Faced Hornets in Tennessee

Some of the most aggressive insects in Tennessee, bald faced hornets—also known as “aerial yellow jackets”—live in trees, large bushes, or on the sides of homes and buildings. These hornets make their suspended, football-shaped nests out of cellulose from rotting wood, adding their saliva to the material to make a soft, gray paper pulp. Contrary to their name, these territorial stingers are not really hornets, but they are relatives of yellow jacket wasps. 

Bald faced hornets are highly protective of their nests and will attack people and animals if they feel threatened. Worse, these hornets are capable of repeatedly stinging their victims due to their non-barbed stinger and often “zero in” on a target in large numbers. While their stings can cause painful swelling, bald faced hornet venom can be fatal if you or one of your family members is allergic. 

Because a bald faced hornet infestation can be dangerous, it’s important to call the pest control professionals at U.S. Pest Protection to get rid of a nest near you. With years of experience eliminating aggressive insects like wasps and hornets, our team can help keep you, your family, and your pets safe. Reach out to us today to schedule your inspection.

How to Identify Bald Faced Hornets

Bald faced hornets can be identified by the ivory-white markings on their face, thorax, legs, and abdomen, but their overall appearance greatly resembles their yellow jacket relatives. These hornets feature two white slanted lines that run from the midsection of their thorax to their head and white stripe-like markings on the lower portion of their abdomen. Similar to yellow jackets and paper wasps, the surface of their upper-thorax appears triangular when viewing them from the side. Worker bald faced hornets range from ½” to ⅝”, while queens can grow up to ¾”. 

Still unsure if you are dealing with a bald faced hornet infestation? Contact U.S. Pest Protection today, and one of our certified technicians will visit your property within 24 hours.

Where to Find Bald Faced Hornets

Building their nests three feet or more off the ground, bald faced hornets usually live in and around trees, shrubs, building overhangs, utility poles, sheds, and other common areas. Their football-shaped nests can be as large as 14 inches in diameter and more than 24 inches in length. Typically appearing in late summer, you can spot bald faced hornets around your property by keeping your eye out for nearby nests or workers buzzing around your yard. 

Call U.S. Pest Protection to Get Rid of Bald Faced Hornets

While many pest infestations in Tennessee are a nuisance, a bald faced hornet infestation can be dangerous for you and your family. Rather than aggravating a nearby colony and putting yourself in harm’s way, contact U.S. Pest Protection for expert wasp and hornet control. Using the latest technology, our team can remove a bald faced hornet colony from your property in a safe and effective way. Contact our knowledgeable team today to reclaim your yard from bald faced hornets.