Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are a type of social wasp, recognized by their black and white markings. While these insects are primarily active during daylight hours, they can exhibit nocturnal activity under specific circumstances. This nighttime presence is generally not for routine foraging but rather a response to certain environmental cues or disturbances.
Understanding Nocturnal Activity
While primarily active during the day, bald-faced hornets can be observed at night under particular conditions. A primary reason for their nocturnal appearance is their strong attraction to artificial light sources. Porch lights, streetlights, or even campfires can draw them away from their nests, causing them to appear active in the dark.
Their nests also serve as a central point for defensive actions at night. If their nest is disturbed or attacked after dark, bald-faced hornets will emerge aggressively to defend it. They are known for their fierce protective nature and can sting multiple times without losing their stinger. While less common, these wasps might forage at night if daylight resources are scarce or if conditions are exceptionally favorable for specific food items.
Typical Daytime Behavior
During daylight hours, bald-faced hornets focus on colony maintenance and foraging. They are effective predators, actively hunting a variety of insects such as flies, caterpillars, and spiders, which they feed to their developing larvae. They also gather nectar and other sugary substances from flowers and plants to sustain adult wasps.
Bald-faced hornets construct distinctive paper-like nests, often in trees, shrubs, or on structures like houses. These nests, built from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, can grow quite large, sometimes reaching the size of a football or basketball. Their social structure involves a queen, sterile female workers, and male drones. Workers perform tasks like nest expansion, food collection, and brood care, while the queen focuses on egg-laying.
Safety Around Nests at Night
Exercising caution around bald-faced hornet nests at night is important due to their aggressive defensive behavior. Maintain a significant distance from nests, particularly in low-light conditions. Turning off outdoor lights near known nests can help prevent attracting these wasps.
If a bald-faced hornet nest is near human activity, contacting a professional pest control service for removal is recommended. Attempting self-removal, particularly at night, can be dangerous and increase the risk of multiple stings. In the event of a sting, the area will likely swell and itch. However, if symptoms like difficulty breathing, dizziness, or facial swelling occur, immediate medical attention is necessary due to potential allergic reactions.