Stinging insects are abundant in Riverton. Unfortunately, some of these insects come with severe consequences. Like other hornets and wasps, bald-faced hornets can trigger fatal allergic reactions. It’s important to know what it takes to keep these pests away from your backyard.
What Are Bald-Faced Hornets
Although people in Riverton often confuse bald-faced hornets with yellow jackets, there are a few key differences. This wasp has a mostly white face and black coloration and is larger than most yellow jackets. If you look at the midsection of this wasp, you may notice two slanted lines.
The queens of this species are particularly large. Typically, their nests are gray and paperlike but are fully enclosed. While some yellow jackets nest in the ground, bald-faced hornets only nest above the ground. If there’s an infestation, you will see worker hornets flying around the nest site.
One of the most significant issues with this wasp is the fact that it has a nasty sting. Although wasps are beneficial to the environment, they are also harmful to humans. One wasp can sting you several times, and any one of the stings could trigger an allergic reaction. In extreme cases, someone stung by a bald-faced hornet could have fatal consequences.
Tips For Preventing Stings
Like all wasps, bald-faced hornets are protective of their nests. They will sting if they perceive you as any threat. Sadly, most young children and even adults don’t even realize when there’s a nest nearby. The result can be multiple painful stings. Whether or not there’s an allergic reaction, the experience is far from pleasant.
Because of this, you should take measures to avoid stings at all costs. The only way to do this is to keep these Riverton pests as far from your yard as possible. And that means taking these measures:
- Seal Up Openings: If your home has cracks or eaves, bald-faced hornets could build nests. You should seal up cracks and make sure there’s no way for these wasps to nest indoors. They’re big enough of a threat outside and certainly don’t belong in your home.
- Cover All Food: When you eat outside, avoid leaving your food in the open. Cover it until you’re ready to eat, and then cover it when you’re finished. Bald-faced hornets may find your picnic just as appealing as you do.
- Don’t Wear Perfume: If you plan on being outside in your yard, avoid wearing perfume or other fragrances. Bald-faced hornets could mistake your scent for flowers and harass you. If you wear lotion, make sure it doesn’t have a scent.
- Cover Your Feet: Although bald-faced hornets like to fly, they could be resting on your grass. Always wear footwear when you’re outside.
- Store Trash Properly: Your garbage cans could be attracting bald-faced hornets. Rather than make your home a target, you should practice proper trash storage. Keep your garbage bags in cans with lids.
- Avoid Flowering Plants: Keep your backyard as basic as possible, limiting flowering plants. You might like how they look, but you probably don’t like the wasps attracted to your flowers.
The Most Effective Form Of Bald-Faced Hornet Prevention
There’s one way you can make sure bald-faced hornets stay away from your property - working with a professional. If you have these pests near your home, you could be in danger. You need a team of professionals to help, and Tanner Pest Control is here for you. We offer everything you need to get rid of bald-faced hornets, and we care about you. If you find signs of hornets, call us today, and we will come out to your property.