The bald-faced hornet is a common pest here in Portsmouth. They are actually not true hornets and are closely related to the yellow jacket. They are members of the wasp family, and one of the species known to be “social” insects. But that doesn’t mean they're friendly; quite the opposite. Bald-faced hornets can be extremely aggressive when it comes to defending their nest.
If you do spot a nest of bald-faced hornets in your yard, it is strongly recommended that you contact a Portsmouth pest control company. Nests can be very dangerous and should be handled by professionals. Freedom Pest Control has the experience and proper equipment required for safe wasp nest removal.
The Key To Identifying Bald-faced Hornets
It never hurts to have a little wasp identification knowledge. Because it can definitely hurt if you are unaware of the types of wasps that tend to be aggressive. Wasps are divided into two categories: social and solitary. Solitary wasps, like mud daubers and cicada killers, are loners and non-aggressive by nature. Social wasps create large nests, housing colonies that can number in the hundreds. Bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets are examples of social wasps, and they’ll protect their nests with angry swarms.
Bald-faced hornets are mostly black with a white face hence the name, “bald-faced hornet.”They also have angled white lines running from their heads to their midsections, as well as a few white markings on their legs. The worker wasps are about 1/2 to 5/8 inch long, with the queen being a little longer at 3/4 inch.
Some Helpful Ways To Deter Bald-Faced Hornets In Portsmouth
One of the best lines of defense against these stinging pests is to make your yard less attractive to them. Here are a few tips you can follow that help deter bald-faced hornets from coming around.
A little landscaping maintenance can go a long way toward wasp prevention. Trim trees and bushes on a regular basis. Plant fewer bushy-type shrubs and trees to reduce nesting spots.
Make sure garbage cans that are stored outside are tightly sealed when closed.
Thoroughly clean up after any outdoor barbecues or meals. Leave food out for a minimum period of time.
Include scented plants that repel wasps in your landscaping theme, like citronella or marigolds.
Keep in mind, these helpful tips will not completely assure you of a wasp-free yard. A treatment and prevention plan by a professional exterminator is your best bet.
How To Find The Bald-Faced Hornet Nest On My Property
If you have a bald-faced hornet nest on your property, it should be fairly apparent. The nests are made of a paper-like material and can be up to a foot in diameter and two feet tall. There will usually be quite a few worker wasps flying around the nest. Their nests are suspended three feet or more from the ground. Typical places you’ll find them are in trees, bushes, under the eaves of houses or sheds, and on utility poles. If a nest is located in your yard, keep your distance and call in the pros.
Professional Pest Control For Bald-Faced Hornet Infestations
The safest and most guaranteed form of wasp control in Portsmouth is to give us a call here at Freedom Pest Control. We are a family-owned business that has been serving the area for more than 25 years. Our technicians are highly trained in wasp removal and prevention. Why risk yourself and your family? Let us take care of your wasp issues safely and effectively.