Bald-faced hornets, scientifically known as Dolichovespula maculata, are commonly found throughout North America, particularly prevalent in the southeastern United States. Despite their name, these insects are not true hornets but rather a species of yellowjacket, distinguished by their striking black bodies with prominent white markings on their face and abdomen. These social insects construct large, aerial paper nests, often spherical or football-shaped, from chewed wood fibers mixed with their saliva. Colonies grow considerably throughout the summer, housing hundreds of workers.
How Far Bald-Faced Hornets Forage
Bald-faced hornets typically forage within a range of about 100 yards (approximately 90 meters) from their nest. This distance allows them to efficiently gather necessary resources such as nectar, fruit juices, soft-bodied insects, and even meat, which they feed to their developing larvae. Worker hornets are the primary individuals responsible for these foraging expeditions. While this 100-yard radius represents their common activity, they can travel up to five miles if local food sources become scarce.
What Impacts Their Travel Range
Several environmental and situational factors influence how far bald-faced hornets will travel from their nests. The immediate availability of food sources, such as nectar from flowers or other insects, plays a significant role. If resources are abundant nearby, their foraging radius remains smaller; conversely, a scarcity of food will compel them to venture greater distances to meet the colony’s needs. The presence of water sources and suitable nesting materials, like wood fibers, also dictates their movements.
The size and population of the colony directly impact resource demand. As colonies grow throughout summer, reaching 400 to 700 workers, increased resource demand expands their foraging range. Nest location, whether in a tree or on a structure, also affects travel patterns. Warmer spring and summer temperatures increase activity and foraging, while cooler autumn temperatures limit excursions.
Implications for Human Interaction
Understanding their travel distance helps assess potential human interactions. A hornet far from your property doesn’t mean a nest is nearby. Consistent sightings in an area, however, may indicate a nest within their typical foraging range. They are highly protective of their nests, aggressively defending them within a few feet if threatened.
Foraging for food and nesting materials can lead to encounters in residential areas. They are also drawn to outdoor food and beverages. An unprovoked attack often signals a nearby nest, as they are not typically aggressive when foraging away from it. They can remember faces, contributing to defensive behavior near their colony.
Handling Nests and Encounters Safely
Nests in low-traffic areas are best left undisturbed. These insects contribute positively to the ecosystem by preying on other pests and acting as minor pollinators. Nests in high-traffic zones pose a greater risk and may require action. Maintain at least three feet distance from an active nest.
Do not attempt nest removal without proper experience or equipment, especially if allergic to stings, or if the nest is large or hard to reach. Contacting a pest control professional is the safest approach for removal.
If removal is necessary, perform it at night when hornets are less active and inside the nest. Wear protective clothing. Avoid shining direct light on the nest at night, as hornets may fly towards it. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises near a nest to prevent provoking a defensive response.