Bald Faced Hornets
Professional Bald-Faced Hornet Exterminator in the Fraser Valley
Size: | 20mm |
Colour: | Black with White patches |
Shape: | Long, slender and aggressive body. Very similar to a Wasp, |
Bald Faced Hornet Treatment
Peak season is August-September when colonies reach 400-700 aggressive workers
The Fraser Valley’s long growing season (221 frost-free days) creates ideal conditions for bald-faced hornet colonies—some of the largest in Canada. With 600,000 Canadians at risk for potentially fatal allergic reactions and 65% of sting incidents happening during DIY removal, professional treatment isn’t just convenient—it’s the safe choice.
Don’t wait for the bald-faced hornets to invade your house. If you see them outside, give Bugman a call.
What Does Bugman Do?
Our technicians will treat the nest and the area surrounding it. We use commercial-grade insecticides and specialized protective equipment to ensure complete elimination. When possible, our technicians will also physically remove the nest and any dead Bald Faced Hornets.
If you frequently notice hornets in the area, ask about preventative spring treatments.
Why Choose Bugman?
We have 30 years of experience in dealing with Bald Faced Hornets, and we offer affordable rates with a guarantee.
All of our technicians our licensed pest management professionals certified under BC’s Integrated Pest Management Act
Will Bald Faced Hornets Cause Damage?
Hornets do not typically cause damage to buildings or structures, but their nests can become quite large and may become unsightly. Their nests are constructed of a paper-like material made from chewed wood fibers and their saliva, the nest can be found in trees, shrubs, or man-made structures such as eaves, attics or wall cavities. If the nest is located in an area where people frequent, it can be a safety hazard.
What is Bugman’s Warranty?
We include a 6-month warranty with our nest treatment, which covers any follow-ups needed to make sure your the problem is effectively eliminated.
Where Does Bugman Service?
We offer Bald Faced Hornet service across the Fraser Valley, with our main areas of service being Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley & Maple Ridge
Don’t wait for the Bald Faced Hornets to invade your house, if you see them outside, give Bugman a call and we’ll help.
More Information on Bald Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets are a type of yellow jacket native to North America. They are known for their distinctive black and white markings and their large, papery nests. These insects are aggressive and will defend their nests if they feel threatened. They are capable of delivering multiple stings and can be dangerous to people who are allergic to their venom. Bald-faced hornets are most active during the summer and fall months, and their nests can be found in a variety of locations, including trees, shrubs, and man-made structures. Control of bald faced hornet nests should be done by professional pest control services.
Life Cycle
Bald-faced hornets have a typical social insect life cycle, with distinct stages of egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
In the spring, the queen hornet emerges from hibernation and begins building a new nest. She lays eggs in the nest and tends to the developing larvae. The first generation of workers are all female, and they take over the duties of nest building and foraging for food. As the colony grows, the queen focuses on laying eggs and reproducing.
The larvae develop through several stages, and are fed by the worker hornets. Once they reach the pupal stage, they spin cocoons and undergo metamorphosis to become adult hornets.
During late summer and early fall, the colony produces reproductive males and females, these will leave the nest and mate. After mating, the males die and the fertilized females seek a suitable place to overwinter and start the cycle again in the next spring.
It’s important to note that the colony dies off in the winter except the new queens, they will hibernate and found new colonies next spring.
Roles in a Colony
Queen | The queen is the reproductive female of the colony and is responsible for laying eggs. She also releases pheromones that help to keep the colony together and maintain social order. |
Sterile Worker | Workers are female hornets that are responsible for the care and maintenance of the colony. They build and repair the nest, forage for food, and tend to the developing larvae. They also defend the nest from predators and protect the colony from threats. |
Drones | Drones are male hornets that are produced in the colony later in the season. Their sole function is to mate with the reproducing females who will become new queens. After mating, the drones die off as the colony dies off, except for the new queens. |
What is the Difference Between Bald Faced Hornets and Wasps?
Bald-faced hornets and wasps are both types of social insects that belong to the Hymenoptera order, which also includes bees. However, there are several differences between the two.
1. Appearance: Bald-faced hornets are black and white in color, with a distinctive black-and-white pattern on their faces. Wasps can come in a variety of colors and patterns, but they are generally slimmer and more elongated in shape than hornets.
2. Nesting: Bald-faced hornets build large, papery nests that are often found in trees, shrubs, or man-made structures. Wasps, on the other hand, build smaller nests that are usually made of a paper-like material and are found in sheltered areas such as eaves, attics, or wall cavities.
3. Aggression: They are known to be aggressive and will defend their nest if they feel threatened. Wasps are also known to be aggressive but are less so than hornets.
4. Diet: Bald-faced hornets feed on insects, fruit, and nectar, while wasps feed on a variety of insects, including caterpillars, and spiders, as well as nectar.
5. Life Cycle: Both hornets and wasps have a typical social insect life cycle, but the way they reproduce is different. Bald-faced hornets produce new reproducing queens in the late summer and early fall, these new queens will hibernate and found new colonies the next spring. Wasps, on the other hand, colony dies off in the winter and new queens will start a new colony on their own.
Do Bald Faced Hornets Bite?
Bald-faced hornets do not bite, but they can sting. They are capable of delivering multiple stings, and their venom can be painful and cause swelling, redness, and itching. In some cases, a person may have an allergic reaction to the venom, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening. It’s important to note that the workers will aggressively defend their nest if they feel threatened, so it’s best to avoid disturbing a nest if you come across one. If you are stung multiple times, or if you experience an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
How Did I Get Bald Faced Hornets
There are several ways that bald-faced hornets may find their way into your home or yard:
Nesting: Bald faced hornets build large, papery nests that can be found in trees, shrubs, or man-made structures. If a nest is located near your home or in your yard, the hornets may decide to build a new nest on or near your property.
Foraging: They are attracted to sweet and sugary food, such as fruit and nectar. If you have fruit trees or flowers in your yard, hornets may be attracted to them and may start to forage in the area.
Open garbage: If you have an open garbage can or compost pile in your yard, hornets may be attracted to the smell of food waste and may start to forage in the area.
Lights: Hornets are attracted to light, if you have outdoor lights on at night, this can attract them to your property.
Weather: during hot and dry weather, hornets might look for water, and they can find it in swimming pools, bird baths, and other water sources.
It’s important to note that bald-faced hornets are attracted to sweet and sugary food, so keep outdoor eating areas clean and free of food scraps. Also, keep garbage cans sealed and dispose of them regularly. If you find a nest on your property, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service to remove it safely.
Why Bald-Faced Hornets Are Dangerous
Aggressive Colony Defense
Unlike honeybees that die after one sting, bald-faced hornets have smooth stingers that allow repeated stinging. When threatened, they release alarm pheromones that mobilize the entire colony—up to 400-700 workers during peak season. They’ll pursue threats for up to 100 yards.
Uniquely among North American wasps, bald-faced hornets can spray venom toward the eyes of perceived threats, causing temporary blindness.
Medical Risks
Hornet venom contains phospholipase, hyaluronidase, and histamine that cause immediate pain, swelling, and tissue damage. While most stings cause only local reactions, 2-3% of the population may experience life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Between 1999-2011, 40 Canadians died from bee, wasp, or hornet stings. Concerning fact: only 37% of those who died had known allergies—meaning most people don’t know they’re at risk until it’s too late.
When to Call 911 Immediately
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest tightness
- Swelling of tongue, lips, face, or throat
- Dizziness, fainting, or rapid/weak pulse
- Hives spreading beyond the sting site
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps
For non-emergency health questions, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 (24/7).
Fraser Valley: The Perfect Hornet Habitat
Why the Fraser Valley has larger, more aggressive colonies:
The Fraser Valley’s temperate climate creates near-perfect conditions for bald-faced hornets. Our region has one of Canada’s longest frost-free periods at 221 days (late March through early November), allowing colonies 4-5 months to grow significantly larger than those in other regions.
Seasonal Activity Pattern:
- April-May: Queens emerge and found new colonies
- June-July: Worker populations build rapidly
- August-September: PEAK DANGER – Colonies reach maximum size (400-700 workers) and are most aggressive
- October-November: First hard frost kills the colony; only new queens survive to overwinter
Climate change is making it worse. Projections show 43-72 additional frost-free days by the 2050s, meaning even larger colonies and longer danger periods.
If you spot a nest in spring (baseball-sized or smaller), call immediately—early removal is easier, safer, and less expensive.
How to Reduce Hornet Nesting on Your Property
Note: Insect repellents containing DEET do not work against hornets—they only deter biting insects like mosquitoes.
Spring & Early Summer Inspections (April-June)
Walk your property monthly, checking:
- Eaves, soffits, and overhangs
- Tree branches and shrubs
- Outbuildings, sheds, and equipment
- Small early-season nests (baseball-sized) can sometimes be knocked down before colonies establish—but call us first for assessment
Property Maintenance
- Seal cracks in foundations, walls, soffits, and vents
- Replace damaged window and door screens
- Trim vegetation away from structures
- Clear yard debris (fallen logs, woodpiles where queens overwinter)
Food Source Management
- Secure garbage bins tightly
- Clean outdoor eating areas promptly
- Rinse recyclables to remove sweet residue
- Pick up fallen fruit from trees
How Did I Get Them?
The Fraser Valley is prime hornet territory. Our region’s 221 frost-free days, abundant vegetation, fruit trees, and mix of agricultural and residential landscapes create ideal conditions for nesting.
Common attractants:
- Sweet food sources: Fruit trees, flowers, outdoor eating areas, open garbage
- Water sources: Swimming pools, bird baths, pet bowls (especially during hot, dry weather)
- Nesting sites: Eaves, soffits, trees, shrubs, outbuildings
- Outdoor lighting: Hornets are attracted to lights at night
Why your property? Queens emerge in April-May looking for protected nesting sites near food and water. If your property offers these resources, they’ll establish colonies that grow throughout summer.
Regardless of how or why they showed up, give Bugman a call and we’ll get them out safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bald-Faced Hornets
How dangerous are bald-faced hornet stings?
Most stings cause painful local reactions—redness, swelling, and burning that resolves in 1-2 days. However, 2-3% of the population may experience life-threatening anaphylaxis. Between 1999-2011, 40 Canadians died from bee, wasp, or hornet stings. Concerning fact: only 37% of those who died had known allergies, meaning most people don't realize they're at risk. Bald-faced hornets are particularly dangerous because their smooth stingers allow repeated stinging, and they can mobilize 400-700 workers within seconds when threatened.
Can bald-faced hornets spray venom?
Yes—uniquely among North American wasps, bald-faced hornets can spray venom toward the eyes of perceived threats, causing temporary blindness. This defensive behavior, combined with their ability to pursue threats for up to 100 yards, makes them especially dangerous.
What should I do if I'm stung?
Always consult a medical professional first, as we cannot provide medical advice.
For normal reactions: Wash with soap and water, apply cold compresses for 10-20 minutes, and use anti-itch cream or oral antihistamines for discomfort.
Call 911 immediately if you experience:
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Swelling of tongue, lips, or throat
Dizziness or fainting
Hives spreading beyond the sting site
Nausea or vomiting
If you carry an EpiPen, use it immediately and still call 911—hospital observation is required.
For non-emergency health questions, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 (24/7).
I've never been stung before. Am I safe?
Not necessarily. Research shows that only 37% of people who died from insect stings had known allergies. First-time severe reactions can occur, and there’s no way to predict who will have them. This is why professional removal is recommended—it eliminates exposure risk entirely.
How many times can a bald-faced hornet sting?
Unlike honeybees that die after one sting, bald-faced hornets have smooth stingers that allow unlimited stings. A single hornet can sting you multiple times, and when they release alarm pheromones, hundreds of colony members can join the attack.
When are bald-faced hornets most dangerous?
August and September are peak danger months. Colonies reach maximum size (400-700 workers) during this period, and hornets become increasingly aggressive as they protect their nests. This is when most sting incidents occur.
Why does the Fraser Valley have such a problem with hornets?
The Fraser Valley has one of Canada’s longest frost-free periods at 221 days (late March through early November). This extended season allows colonies to grow much larger than in other regions—some of the biggest in Canada. Our temperate climate, abundant vegetation, fruit trees, and mix of agricultural and residential landscapes create perfect hornet habitat.
When should I call about a nest?
Immediately—especially in spring or early summer. A baseball-sized nest in May is a single queen starting her colony. By September, that same nest can be football-sized with 400-700 aggressive workers. Early removal is safer, easier, and less expensive. Don’t wait.
What time of day are hornets most active?
Hornets are most active during daylight hours, especially late morning through afternoon when temperatures are warmest. If your going to try DIY treatment, we recommend it is performed at dusk or nighttime when hornets are sluggish, less aggressive, and maximum workers have returned to the nest.
Will the nest die on its own in winter?
Yes—the first hard frost (typically October-November) kills all workers, males, and the old queen. Only newly fertilized queens survive to overwinter in protected locations. However, waiting until winter means living with an aggressive colony for months during peak danger season. The nest will never be reused, so removal protects you now and prevents the queens from emerging nearby next spring.
How much does bald-faced hornet removal cost?
Professional removal in the Fraser Valley typically costs $180-$450, with bald-faced hornet nests at the higher end due to their aggression and size. Factors affecting cost include nest size, location/accessibility, and height.
What's included in your service?
Our service includes:
Free on-site estimate
Treatment
Commercial-grade insecticides not available to consumers
Physical nest removal when safe and possible
Does The Bugman offer same-day service?
We strive to respond quickly, especially for nests near doorways, play areas, or where someone has been stung. Call 604-854-2847 and we’ll schedule the earliest available appointment. Under BC’s Integrated Pest Management Act, wasp nest treatment is exempt from notice requirements, allowing rapid response.
Do I need to be home during treatment?
Not necessarily. We can often treat exterior nests while you’re away. We’ll discuss logistics during your estimate. We do ask that children and pets remain indoors for several hours after treatment.
How do I know if I have bald-faced hornets or regular wasps?
Bald-faced hornets are distinctive:
Black bodies with bright white facial markings (not yellow)
20mm in length (about 3/4 inch)
Build large, grey, football-shaped paper nests (up to 60 cm tall)
Nests are aerial—typically 1-18 metres above ground in trees, shrubs, eaves, or soffits
Wasps (yellowjackets) are smaller, yellow and black, and often nest in ground cavities or wall voids.
If you’re unsure, text us a photo at 604-854-2847 and we’ll identify them.
Are bald-faced hornets native or invasive?
They are native to British Columbia and should not be confused with invasive species like Asian giant hornets. The BC Ministry of Agriculture confirms these native insects do not require reporting. While they’re aggressive, they play beneficial ecological roles by preying on flies, caterpillars, aphids, and other pest insects.
What do bald-faced hornet nests look like?
Nests are grey, football or teardrop-shaped structures made of paper-like material (chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva). They’re enclosed with a single entrance hole at the bottom. Mature nests can reach 60 cm tall and 45 cm wide—about the size of a basketball or larger.
Early-season nests (May-June) may be only baseball-sized, but they grow rapidly throughout summer.
Where are nests usually located?
Common nesting sites include:
Tree branches and dense shrubs
Building eaves and soffits
Overhangs and roof edges
Sheds and outbuildings
Equipment storage areas
Orchards and farm buildings
Nests are typically 1-18 metres (3-60 feet) above ground. The Fraser Valley’s abundant vegetation and mix of rural and suburban properties provide ideal habitat.
Will they come back next year?
The specific nest will never be reused—it dies with the colony after first frost. However, newly fertilized queens from that nest will hibernate nearby and may establish new colonies on or near your property the following spring. This is why sealing entry points and removing attractants is important for long-term prevention.