Bald-Faced Hornets in Phoenix, AZ
Dolichovespula maculata
Bald-faced hornets build large aerial nests and defend them aggressively. Learn what to know and how we handle safe removal.
Notes: From a Phoenix, AZ Exterminator
Appearance
Despite the name, bald-faced hornets are actually a type of yellow jacket — black with distinctive white/ivory markings on the face and end of the abdomen, and larger than typical yellow jackets at about 5/8 to 3/4 inch.
Harborage
They build large, enclosed, gray papery nests — often football-sized or bigger — high in trees, on eaves, or against structures.
Are They Dangerous?
Yes, notably so. They are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nest with repeated stings if approached, even from a distance in some cases.
Treatment
Given how defensive this species is, nest removal is not a DIY-safe project. Antidote Pest Solutions has the protective equipment and experience to remove nests without incident. Talk to one of Antidote Pest's Service Pro's for safe removal.
Prevention Tips
Inspect eaves, trees, and shrubs in early spring for new, golf-ball-sized nests before they grow
Keep outdoor trash cans tightly sealed and away from patios
Trim tree branches that overhang the roof or patio areas
Avoid leaving sugary drinks or ripe fruit out during outdoor gatherings
Repair or screen off eaves, attic vents, and soffit gaps where queens can start a nest
Behavioral Notes
Despite the name, bald-faced hornets aren't true hornets — they're actually a type of yellowjacket related wasp.
A single colony can grow to several hundred workers by late summer, all built from a paper-like material the queen chews from wood fiber and her own saliva.
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Frequently asked questions
