Do bald faced hornets come out at night? It’s a common question among homeowners who have spotted these intimidating insects buzzing around their property. The truth is, bald faced hornets are most active during the day when they’re out searching for food and building their nests. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t see them flying around at night. In fact, if you’ve been outside after dark, you may have noticed these hornets hovering around porch lights or other sources of light.
So why do these hornets come out at night? There are a few different reasons. One is that they may be attracted to the warmth and light of outdoor lighting fixtures. Another possibility is that they’re searching for food sources that are more active at night, like moths or other flying insects. Whatever the reason, it’s important to be cautious when you’re spending time outside after dark, especially if you live in an area where bald faced hornets are common.
If you’re worried about bald faced hornets on your property, there are a few things you can do to discourage them from hanging around. First, make sure to keep your outdoor lighting fixtures turned off when you’re not using them. This can help to reduce the number of insects that are attracted to your home at night. You can also take steps to eliminate other potential food sources, like garbage or rotting fruit. By taking these simple measures, you can help to create a safer, more comfortable outdoor environment for you and your family.
Habitat of Bald Faced Hornets
Bald faced hornets, scientifically known as Dolichovespula maculata, are a species of social wasps that reside in North America. These hornets are known for their black and white coloring and their distinct aerial nests. Unlike other wasp species, bald faced hornets do not reuse their nests each season; instead, they build a new one for each cycle.
Bald faced hornets prefer to live in wooded areas, though they are also found in other environments. Their nests are typically built high up in trees and can be found hanging from a branch or attached to a building. Bald faced hornets are also known to build their nests in shrubs, under decks, and in other protected areas.
- Bald faced hornets are found in North America.
- Their nests are aerial and are not reused each season.
- They prefer wooded areas but can also be found in other environments.
Life cycle of bald faced hornets
Bald faced hornets have a fascinating life cycle. The life cycle of bald faced hornets begins when the queen hornet emerges from hibernation in the spring. She starts building the nest by tearing off tiny pieces of wood and mixing it with saliva to make a papery pulp. She then builds a small nest and lays her eggs inside. As the eggs hatch, the larvae start consuming the pulp and grow rapidly.
Over time, the nest expands in size and more worker hornets are produced. These worker hornets take over the tasks of nesting activities like foraging for food, feeding the young ones, and defending the nest.
Life stages of bald faced hornets
- Egg stage: The queen lays fertilized eggs which hatch into larvae after a few days.
- Larvae stage: The larvae grow rapidly and undergo several molts until they pupate.
- Pupa stage: The pupa is the resting stage of the bald faced hornet’s life cycle. During this time, the larva transforms into an adult hornet.
- Adult stage: The fully grown bald faced hornet emerges from the pupal stage as an adult winged hornet.
The nest and colony
The bald faced hornet nest is a large, gray, papery structure with a distinctive teardrop shape. The nest is built using the same mixture of wood fibers and saliva that the queen used to construct the first cells of the nest. The nest can grow up to 28 inches in height and 24 inches in diameter and can hold up to 700 hornets.
The colony usually lasts for only one year. In the fall, the queen stops laying eggs, and the worker hornets stop breeding and foraging for food. The entire colony dies, except for the newly-fertilized queens who leave the nest and find a protected site to overwinter until the spring when their life cycle starts all over again.
| Life stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Egg | Laid by the queen, fertilized and hatch into larvae |
| Larvae | Grow rapidly, molt several times, and pupate |
| Pupa | Resting stage where the transformation from larva to adult occurs |
| Adult | Fully grown winged hornet which emerges from the pupal stage |
Overall, understanding the life cycle of bald-faced hornets is important in identifying and controlling their population. Knowing their growth stages can assist you in figuring out when to remove the nest and prevent the development of a new colony.
Appearance and features of bald faced hornets
Bald faced hornets, also known as white-faced hornets, are a type of aerial yellow jacket wasp that are commonly found throughout North America. They have distinct features that set them apart from other hornets and wasps.
- Bald faced hornets have a unique black and white coloration.
- They are larger in size compared to other wasps, measuring around ½ – ¾ inches long.
- They have three pairs of legs and a pair of wings.
- They have long antennae that are used to detect prey and navigate their surroundings.
- They have powerful jaws that are used to chew wood and gather pulp for their nests.
Despite their name, these hornets do not have a completely bald face. They have a black head with white patterns on their face and body, which is where their name comes from. Their bodies are also distinctively marked with black and white stripes.
Bald faced hornets are known for their aggressive defense of their nests. They are fiercely territorial and will readily sting to protect their home. This makes them a dangerous pest to have near inhabited areas. Their nests are large and can reach up to 24 inches in diameter, with a papery appearance.
| Bald Faced Hornet Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Coloration | Black and white |
| Size | ½ – ¾ inches long |
| Legs and wings | 3 pairs of legs, 1 pair of wings |
| Antennae | Long antennae for navigation and prey detection |
| Jaws | Powerful jaws for chewing wood and gathering pulp for their nests |
In summary, bald faced hornets are a distinct type of aerial yellow jacket wasp with a unique black and white appearance. They are larger in size compared to other wasps and have powerful jaws for gathering pulp to build their large nests. They are known for their aggressive behavior and territorial nature, making them a nuisance and danger to humans.
Nesting habits of bald faced hornets
Bald faced hornets are a type of social wasp found in North America. They are known for building large, paper-like nests, which are often hidden in trees or shrubs. These nests are constructed by the queen bald faced hornet, who collects wood fibers by chewing on bark and leaves. The nests are built using a type of paper made from the wood fibers and saliva, which gives them their characteristic gray color.
- The nests can reach up to 28 inches in length and 14 inches in diameter.
- Nests can be found in a variety of locations, including trees, shrubs, under eaves, and on the sides of buildings.
- Nests are typically only used for one season, and are abandoned in the fall.
As the colony grows, the workers will enlarge the nest, adding new layers of paper to the outside. They will also add more cells to the inside of the nest, which are used to rear the young.
The bald faced hornet colony consists of a queen, who lays the eggs, and a group of workers, who are responsible for building the nest and providing food for the young. The workers are all female, and they are the ones that leave the nest to gather food. The workers can be seen flying in and out of the nest during the day.
| Size of Colony | Number of Cells | Number of Workers | Life Span of Colony |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 700 hornets | Up to 7000 cells | Up to 400 workers | One season (April-December) |
In certain situations, bald faced hornets may become active at night. This is because they are attracted to light sources, such as outdoor lights or porch lights. If you notice bald faced hornets flying around your outdoor lights at night, it’s best to leave them alone and turn off the lights if possible. This will reduce the chance of being stung, as bald faced hornets can become aggressive when disturbed.
Difference between bald faced hornets and other hornet species
When it comes to hornets, the bald faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) is a distinct species that is often confused with other types of hornets. Here are some differences between the bald faced hornet and other hornet species:
- The size of the bald faced hornet is larger compared to other species, measuring up to 20 mm in length.
- The bald faced hornet is black and white in color, featuring a mostly black body with white markings on its face, thorax and abdomen. Other species, such as yellow jackets, have a yellow and black striped pattern.
- The nest of the bald faced hornet is a large, gray, paper-like structure that can reach up to 3 feet in length. Other species may have a smaller or more concealed nest, such as the paper wasp’s umbrella-shaped nest or the yellow jacket’s underground nest.
It’s important to note that bald faced hornets are actually a type of yellow jacket, although they do not have the typical yellow and black striped appearance. They are more closely related to yellow jackets than other species such as paper wasps or European hornets.
Understanding the differences between bald faced hornets and other hornet species can help with identifying and safely removing a nest if necessary. It’s important to exercise caution and seek professional assistance if dealing with a hornet nest.
If you’re interested in learning more about hornet species, check out this table comparing the physical characteristics and nesting habits of some common hornet species:
| Hornet Species | Size | Color | Nest Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bald faced hornet | Up to 20 mm | Black and white markings on body | Large, gray, paper-like structure |
| European hornet | Up to 35 mm | Yellow and brown striped pattern on body | Globular paper nest |
| Yellow jacket | Up to 16 mm | Yellow and black striped pattern on body | Underground or concealed nest |
| Paper wasp | Up to 20 mm | Brownish-red color with yellow markings on head and abdomen | Umbrella-shaped nest |
It’s important to note that interfering with a hornet nest without proper knowledge and equipment can be dangerous. If you suspect a hornet nest on your property, consider contacting a professional pest control service for assistance.
Bald Faced Hornet Stings and Treatment
Bald faced hornets, like all hornets, can sting. These stings are painful and can be dangerous for individuals with allergies. If a bald faced hornet feels threatened or their nest is being disturbed, they will sting in defense.
If you find yourself in close proximity to a bald faced hornet and are stung, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the pain and damage:
- Remove the stinger as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of venom that enters the body.
- Wash the affected area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply a cold compress to the stung area to reduce swelling and pain.
For individuals who are experiencing an allergic reaction to a bald faced hornet sting, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, swelling, and a drop in blood pressure.
It is also important to note that attempting to remove a bald faced hornet nest yourself can be dangerous. Hiring a professional pest control service is the safest way to remove a bald faced hornet nest.
In the event of a bald faced hornet sting, prompt and appropriate treatment can help to minimize the pain and prevent further complications. Remember to stay calm, remove the stinger, wash the affected area, and seek medical attention if necessary.
If you want to learn more about bald faced hornets and how to stay safe around them, check out our other articles on the topic.
Natural predators of bald faced hornets
Bald faced hornets are known to be aggressive towards other insects, even those much larger than themselves. However, they too have natural predators in the wild. Here are some common predators of bald faced hornets.
- Birds: Birds such as woodpeckers, blue jays, and wrens are known to attack and eat bald faced hornets. These birds typically raid the hornet nests to feed on the larvae and pupae.
- Mammals: Skunks, raccoons, and bears are also predators of bald faced hornets. These animals usually attack the nests in search of food.
- Praying mantises: Praying mantises are known to prey on bald faced hornets and other related species. They are capable of capturing and killing the hornets with their sharp front legs.
Aside from these natural predators, the bald faced hornet is also susceptible to diseases and parasites that can affect their population and overall health.
It’s interesting to note that some animals have learned to coexist with bald faced hornets by feeding on their discarded workers and larvae. These animals include beetles, spiders, and some species of wasps.
If you ever encounter a bald faced hornet nest, it’s recommended to stay away and not disturb it. These hornets can be dangerous when provoked and can inflict painful stings. Instead, call a professional pest control service to safely remove the nest.
References:
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| National Wildlife Federation | https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Bald-faced-Hornet |
| The Spruce | https://www.thespruce.com/facts-about-bald-faced-hornets-4164045 |
Do Bald Faced Hornets Come Out at Night? FAQs
1. Are bald faced hornets nocturnal?
No, bald faced hornets are not considered nocturnal. They are active during the day and tend to become more inactive at night.
2. Can I still see bald faced hornets at night?
It is possible to see bald faced hornets at night if there is a source of light that attracts them. However, they are less likely to be active during that time.
3. Are bald faced hornets more aggressive at night?
There is no evidence to suggest that bald faced hornets are more aggressive at night. However, it is important to avoid disturbing their nest at all times.
4. Why are bald faced hornets less active at night?
Bald faced hornets are less active at night because they rely on sunlight to navigate. They also use the warmth of the sun to regulate their body temperature.
5. Should I still be cautious around bald faced hornet nests at night?
Yes, it is important to always exercise caution around bald faced hornet nests, whether it is day or night. Their stings can be very painful and even life-threatening for those who are allergic.
6. What should I do if I see bald faced hornets at night?
If you see bald faced hornets at night, it is best to avoid disturbing them or their nest. If they become agitated, slowly and calmly move away from the area.
7. Can bald faced hornets see well at night?
No, bald faced hornets have poor eyesight at night and rely heavily on their other senses. They use their antennas to feel their way around in the dark.
Closing Thoughts – Thanks for Reading!
While bald faced hornets are not considered nocturnal, it is important to exercise caution around their nests at all times. Remember to avoid disturbing them and slowly move away if they become agitated. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and please visit again later for more. Stay safe and be aware of your surroundings!