Hornets & Wasps – Stingers with Attitude

When it comes to stinging insects, bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets are among the most aggressive and commonly encountered. While they have a place and purpose in this world, such as that of minor pollinators and they do prey upon other pest species, they can be quite an issue depending where they place their hive and possibly deadly for someone with allergies.

Bald-Faced Hornets

Habitat:
Bald-faced hornets are not true hornets but are actually a type of yellow jacket. They build large, football-shaped paper nests, often found suspended in trees, bushes, or on the sides of buildings. These nests can be as high as 60 feet off the ground or as low as three feet, depending on the location. They prefer areas with ample foliage, which provides both shelter and a strategic vantage point for defense. Bald-faced hornets choose somewhat secluded nesting sites but still prefer areas that allow a clear view of their surroundings.

Necessities:

• Food: Bald-faced hornets are primarily carnivorous, feeding on other insects such as flies, caterpillars, and other yellow jackets. They also seek out sugary substances like nectar and fruit juices.
• Water: Like most insects, bald-faced hornets require a water source, which they typically gather from dew, rainwater, or nearby bodies of water like ponds and streams.

Busy Season:
Bald-faced hornets are most active during the late summer and early fall. This is when their colonies are at their largest, and they become more aggressive in defending their nests. The queen begins laying eggs in the spring, and by mid-summer, the colony can reach up to 700 members.

Yellow Jackets

Habitat:
Yellow jackets are often found nesting in the ground, such as in abandoned rodent burrows, or in man-made structures like walls, eaves, or attics. They thrive in areas where food and water are easily accessible, making gardens, parks, and even garbage dumps common habitats. Yellow jackets prefer well-protected areas that offer shelter from the elements, and their nesting sites are chosen to provide easy access to food and water.

Necessities:

• Food: Yellow jackets are omnivorous, consuming both proteins and sweets. They feed on insects, meat, and sugary foods like fruits and sodas, which makes them frequent uninvited guests at picnics and outdoor gatherings.
• Water: Yellow jackets need a reliable water source, which they typically find in puddles, bird baths, or garden hoses.

Busy Season:
Yellow jackets become particularly aggressive in late summer and early fall, similar to bald-faced hornets. During this time, the colony is at its peak, and the workers are more protective of the nest. The queen starts the colony in the spring, and by late summer, the nest can house thousands of yellow jackets. In some cases, yellow jacket colonies can grow to contain over 4,000 workers, making them a formidable presence.