Pittsburgh Bald Faced Hornet Control Exterminator
Call Budget Pest Control 24/7 After a chat with one of our friendly, informative office personnel, you will have an estimate for Bald Faced Hornet Control and, if you wish, one of our field technicians sent out in a jiffy…seven days a week!
The big, mean bullies on your block with a definite need for Rogaine. They build nests on your home, the ends of branches or deep in bushes, so unless you’re paying very close attention in mid-summer, you’re probably going to get an unpleasant surprise while trimming those shrubs, bushes or trees.
Why do I have them? You’ve got premium real estate on your property in the form of a nice tall tree, lush shrubs or hearty bushes. These insects (just like their stinging kin) build their nests annually which can allow their queen a fighting chance to make it thru the winter. Baldfaced hornets are widely considered to be somewhat beneficial for two reasons; the first being that they kill other insects (yellow jackets, ants, etc.) and eat them to sustain the colony, and the second being that they pollinate flowers when in search of nectar, which is also another food source of theirs.
What can I do to help the situation? Keeping a vigilant eye on any of your trees and bushes for any regular activity will be of great assistance, but in this case, your best option will be just to stay away. Bald-faced hornet nests can be difficult to spot, so if you think you may have a problem…CALL THE PROFESSIONALS!
Is the treatment safe? The treatment is safe for humans and pets, although with any stinging insect treatment, we recommend evacuation of the immediate area until activity subsides to avoid any possible contact with these insects.
That’s nice and all, but I don’t want them. How do I get rid of them? Because of the danger in disturbing a nest, Professional help is always the best route, so call Budget Pest Control Inc to discuss our Bald Faced Hornet Control. Our fully trained certified technicians are equipped with the latest equipment, bee suits and treatment materials needed to defuse these ticking time bombs. While some people have the misguided nerve to try to take care of these nests on their own, bald faced hornets are very difficult and extremely dangerous to eradicate without proper equipment, protection and a solid game plan.
Stats
Bald-faced hornets are usually anywhere from ½ to ¾ of an inch in size. They have a very distinct aesthetic design, sporting what looks similar to a skull-like pattern to their faces. Their bodies are very similar to yellowjackets (because, scientifically, they are yellowjackets), but with an ivory and black pattern rather than yellow and black.
Did You Know?
- Bald-faced hornets will build their nests with a design unlike most of their kin. The structure will have a small opening at the base that spirals into a large, football-shaped nest. These nests are some of the most recognizable living structures in the insect family.
- Male hornets lack the ability to sting as they are drones.
Myths & Facts
MYTH: As they are technically yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets will build their nests underground similar to the way their kin will.
FACT: Bald-faced hornets are considered “aerial” yellowjackets, and will only build their nests in trees at least 3 or more feet off of the ground.
MYTH: It is easy to destroy a bald-faced hornet nest from distance by using a pressure washer or hose to blast through the walls.
FACT: It is highly suggested that you not disturb a bald-faced hornet nest. Due to its design and the aggressive nature of the hornets, any sort of disturbance will aggravate them to the point of attacking the nearest perceived threat.
Signs of An Infestation
- Their signature nests will be the biggest indicator of a possible infestation. They will most often build their nests high in trees or shrubs, much to the chagrin of anyone trying their hand at trimming the bushes or creating topiary sculptures.
- Spring-to-early summer swarming activity is common with many flying/stinging insects, and it is recommended to have this activity brought to a halt as soon as possible to avoid the construction of a full nest.
Hornet Control FAQ
Nests
- If you find a stinging pest nest on your property, removing it safely and completely can be difficult. It’s important to contact an expert in stinging insect identification, and with proper safety equipment.
- Once Budget Pest Control locates the nest, we can provide stinging pest treatment and help resolve the situation. It can take up to 72 hours to completely kill a nest. If after 72 hours, there is still activity from the treatment area; contact our offices for reassessment. For Preventative Stinging Services, it does not eliminate bee/wasp/hornets from flying near your home, it will help prevent their making a nest on your structure.
- For your safety, avoid the treatment area (especially ground nests) as the stinging insects are in panic mode and can become dangerous. This should also be avoided by children and pets.
- Nests located at higher elevations and for treatment purposes, all nest pieces may not be taken down,
this is to attract the stinging pests back to the area for eradication.
Are stinging pests cause for concern?
Warm weather tends to bring everyone outside, including stinging pests. While the stings from wasps, bees, hornets, or yellow jackets may hurt, they can also cause more serious health issues like painful swelling, infections, nausea, and in rare cases even death..
What are the habitats, behaviors, diet, and habits of stinging pests?
In the warm months, stinging insects buzz around your home, often building nests inside attics and gutters, or under decks or eaves..
What should I do about Yellow Jackets?
Yellow jackets usually enter yards because they smell food or another attractant. Meats and sweets often attract these pests to grills and patio dining areas. Open waste cans and outdoor picnics are also an invitation to hungry yellow jackets.
How serious are yellow jackets?
- Typically, yellow jackets do not cause structural damage to homes. They might, however, build nests in attics or walls and defend them. On occasion, the pests chew through drywall to enter living spaces. NEVER SEAL A HOLE THAT A WASP/BEE/HORNET uses to enter and exit.
- If disturbed when they are out foraging or protect their hives, yellow jackets will defend themselves. Their stings can be painful. It is best to avoid a yellow jacket nest as much as possible.
What can I expect from my treatment?
- Our technicians will treat the nest directly (sometimes removal of the nest will be completed, however, sometimes leaving the nest is needed for the treatment to be effective).
- For Ground Nests, the nest is treated directly and will die effectively. We do not dig up and remove the nest.
- If it is found to be Honey Bees, you will be advised to contact a Bee Keeper Apiary for appropriate relocation.
- Your technician will call when on the way to your appointment. You will show the technician where you are seeing activity, you will settle payment and the treatment will begin. Your technician will treat the nest directly.
- If you are receiving Preventative Stinging Services, a chemical application will be provided on the exterior roofline, eaves, windows, door frames and exterior cracks/crevices. This is only for the home structure. We do not treat bushes or yards. Outbuildings may be treated, for an additional charge.
