General Characteristics:
- Workers are 12-14mm and queens are 18-20mm in length
- Colouration is primarily black with white markings
- Very similar to yellow jacket wasps in appearance but distinguishable by a large gap between mandibles and eyes (oculo-malar space)
- Geographic range extends throughout North America excluding very dry areas
- Commonly feeds on flower nectar, fruit and other insects (which they will feed to larvae pre-chewed)
Reproduction:
- Nests are built above ground, in vegetation and other sheltered areas
- New nests are orb-like in shape with the entrance on the bottom
- Mature nests are oval in shape with the entrance on the lower portion of a given side
- Fertilized queens will over-winter, but workers live from spring to fall and new queens and males are produce near the end of the summer into the fall
Signs of Infestation:
- Presence of paper-like oval shaped nest in a given area
- Hornet activity near a structure can indicate a nearby nesting site
- Active nests will have hornets entering and exiting through a hole in the lower portion of the hive
- Can be problematic when nests occur near humans as this species can be aggressive and can sting repeatedly as their stinger does not get stuck in skin
Control Techniques:
- Reducing flowers will limit food availability and hinder nesting
- Insecticides such as dusts, wettable powders, microencapsulated products, or aerosols may be used ACCORDING TO LABEL SPECIFICATIONS AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS
- This species contributes to the pollination of many flowering plants and is considered beneficial unless the potential for human harm exists
- As this species may be quite aggressive and can sting repeatedly, a professional should be contacted to treat nesting sites
Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.
References:
Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar Communications, 1988. p. 200-201.
“Species Dolichovespula maculata - Baldfaced Hornet” (On-line). Iowa State University Entomology. Accessed Jan. 7, 2010 at http://bugguide.net/node/view/2890.
Disclaimer:
The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.
(Back to top)
|
