"Hornets are usually friends of man because they capture harmful insects and pollinate flowers. Although these insects will attack and sting if their nest is disturbed, they are usually not a problem if left alone," according to David Robson, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, Springfield Center.
Bald-faced hornets are about one-inch long and are black, with the face and tip of the abdomen being whitish. They construct gray, football-shaped, paper nests that are usually found hanging in a tree or shrub. These nests die off during the winter. New nests are started each summer by mated females that over winter under loose tree bark.
Hornet nests close to doorways, sidewalks and other heavy use areas should be treated and removed to guard against possible stings. Spraying a recommended insecticide can kill hornets. Contact your local Extension office for current recommendations.
"Control should be done at dusk or during the night when most of the hornets will be inside of the nest and less watchful for intruders," says Robson. "Wear protective clothing to protect yourself against possible stings from any hornets that manage to get out of the nest and those colony members that spend the night on the outside of the nest and in neighboring foliage."
Although hornets will sting to defend their nest, those foraging for food rarely sting. Because these wasps feed flies and other harmful insects to their young and pollinate plants in the process of gathering nectar to feed themselves, they are considered
If one stays at least three or four feet away from the nest, the hornets will usually not attack. Lawn work and other necessary activities close to the nest should be done in late evening when the hornets are less likely to be active.
The nest of the bald-faced hornet can be brought indoors for decoration. If you are planning to bring the nest indoors, DO NOT APPLY INSECTICIDE. Let the nest die out naturally. After several hard freezes (late November-early December), remove the nest. Clip the branch that holds the nest and use it for hanging. Place the nest in an oven at 150 degrees F for 30 minutes or place it in a deep freezer for a week. Spray it with a ready-to-use acrylic spray to preserve.
Nests located in the ground are usually the result of yellow jackets. Yellow jackets become pests as they scavenge garbage cans, picnics or other areas where food is left uncovered, looking for food to feed their young.
Elimination of yellow jacket nests is best done at night when the yellow jackets are less active. Be sure to wear protective clothing so that as little skin as possible is exposed to possible stings.
Underground nests will usually have a single opening that the wasps use to enter and leave the nest. Soak the nest with an insecticide through the hole. Seal the opening with soil immediately after spraying.
