Bald-faced hornets often cause concern due to their size and defensive nature. These insects, technically a species of aerial yellowjacket wasp, are not poisonous but are instead venomous. They are known for their distinctive black and white markings and build large, enclosed paper nests.
Venomous Not Poisonous
The terms “poisonous” and “venomous” describe different ways an organism delivers toxins. An animal is poisonous if its toxins cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin contact. Conversely, an animal is venomous if it actively injects toxins into another organism, typically through a bite or a sting. Bald-faced hornets fall into the latter category because they possess a stinger used to inject venom as a defense mechanism. Their smooth stinger allows them to sting repeatedly without losing it.
Identifying Bald-Faced Hornets and Their Nests
Bald-faced hornets are recognized by their striking black and white coloration. Adults typically measure about 12 to 19 millimeters (0.5 to 0.75 inches) in length, with queens being slightly larger. They feature a predominantly white face, which gives them their common name, along with white markings on their thorax and the tip of their abdomen. These stout-bodied wasps are distinct from other yellowjackets due to their unique black and white patterns.
Their nests are equally distinctive. Bald-faced hornets construct large, enclosed, paper-like nests that are typically gray and spherical or football-shaped. These nests are made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, forming a pulpy material that hardens into a durable paper. Nests can reach considerable sizes, up to 360 millimeters (14 inches) in diameter and 580 millimeters (23 inches) in length, sometimes even reaching three feet in height. They are often found suspended from tree branches, shrubs, utility poles, or attached to buildings, usually at least three feet or more off the ground.
The Sting and Its Impact
A sting from a bald-faced hornet typically results in immediate, sharp pain. Common localized reactions include redness, swelling, and itching around the sting site. These symptoms usually subside within 24 hours. The venom contains various components, including proteins and enzymes, which contribute to the physiological response observed after a sting.
While most reactions are localized, bald-faced hornet stings can trigger severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening systemic reaction, can manifest with symptoms such as throat or chest tightness, coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing, and widespread hives. Other signs of a severe reaction might include dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, sweats, or chills. Immediate medical attention is necessary if any of these severe symptoms appear. These wasps are also known to spray venom from their stinger into the eyes of intruders, causing temporary blindness and irritation.
Preventing Stings and Safe Interactions
Preventing stings from bald-faced hornets involves minimizing factors that attract them and avoiding sudden movements. Wearing light-colored clothing and refraining from using strong scented products outdoors can reduce attraction. Keeping food and drinks covered during outdoor activities also helps, as these wasps are scavengers attracted to sugary substances.
If a single bald-faced hornet is encountered, remain calm and slowly back away without swatting or making sudden motions. If a nest is disturbed or approached, hornets will aggressively defend it, often swarming perceived threats. Calmly and quickly retreat from the area without flailing. Bald-faced hornets are highly protective of their nests and will attack if someone comes within approximately three feet of it. If a nest is located in a high-traffic area, professional removal is the safest option. Attempting to remove a nest without proper training and equipment can result in multiple stings and serious injury.