Hornets
Bald-faced hornets are aggressive and common in Maine — building large paper nests in trees, shrubs, and on structures.
About Hornets in Central Maine
Bald-faced hornets are one of the most aggressive stinging insects in Central Maine. Despite their name, they are actually a type of yellow jacket, identifiable by their black and white coloring and large size. They build large, enclosed, football-shaped paper nests that can grow to the size of a basketball by late summer, often hanging from tree branches, shrubs, eaves, or utility poles. A mature nest can contain 400–700 workers, all of which will aggressively defend the nest if they perceive a threat — and they can sting repeatedly. Their stings are particularly painful and can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Bald-faced hornets are most dangerous in late summer and early fall when colony populations peak and the hornets become more aggressive. Never attempt to remove a hornet nest yourself — professional removal is strongly recommended.
Signs of Hornets
- Large, grey, football-shaped paper nests hanging from trees, eaves, or structures
- Aggressive hornets buzzing around a specific area
- Hornets flying a direct path to and from a nest location
- Increased hornet activity near outdoor eating areas in late summer
- Finding dead hornets near windows or light fixtures indoors
Prevention Tips
- Inspect your property in early spring for small, golf-ball-sized starter nests and remove them early
- Keep garbage cans sealed and clean — hornets are attracted to protein and sugar
- Avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented products outdoors during peak season
- Be cautious when using lawn equipment near trees and shrubs where nests may be hidden
- Have nests professionally removed before they reach full size in late summer
Did You Know?
- 1.Bald-faced hornets can spray venom into the eyes of perceived threats from several feet away
- 2.They chew up wood fibers mixed with saliva to build their paper nests
- 3.A bald-faced hornet colony dies off each winter — only mated queens survive to start new colonies in spring
Need Help With Hornets?
Our general pest control service targets hornets at the source. Contact us for a free inspection and quote.
