Diet
While unquestionably aggressive, bald-faced hornets (and hornets in general) are considered by some to be beneficial insects, not just a pest:
- Bald-faced hornets prey on many common pest insects like flies and wasps.
- Because of their large size and the potency of their venom, hornets can also kill larger pest insects such as grasshoppers, locusts and mantises. The adult bald-faced hornet will chew the victim/insect into a pulp and feed them to larvae developing in the nest.
- Bald-faced hornets also eat nectar and sugar-rich plants. In the process of doing so, they help pollinate many kinds of plants. Bald-faced hornets can be seen eating sap from oak trees, rotted fruit, and other sugar-laced sources. Hornets are known to immerse their entire bodies into fruit. Unwary fruit-pickers have to be careful not to disturb a feeding hornet!
Habitat
It is common to see the large, inverted teardrop-shaped nests of bald-faced
hornets perched in trees in residential neighborhoods. Some say these
grey, papery nests resemble a football.
While they are more likely to be found in trees, bald-faced hornet nests can also be found on the sides of structures and in shrubs as well.
In general, active bald-faced hornet nests contain between 100-400 hornets.
What proof. Professionals Do To Get Rid Of Hornets
Our popular Pest Free Guarantee™ seasonal service covers hornets and all other stinging insects. This plan includes seasonal visits for total year round protection. If you see a wasp or hornet nest on your property at any time throughout the year, just give us a call and we’ll come take care of it for free!
Give us a call at (888) 658-5191 and we can answer any questions you have and give you a free, custom quote for your home!