Bald-Faced Hornet Control

Bald-Faced Hornets In Central Texas

Despite the name, the bald-faced hornet is not a true hornet, but it is one of the most defensive stinging insects a property can have.

Because the enclosed nest can hold hundreds of wasps, a bald-faced hornet nest near living space is one of the more serious stinging problems to remove safely.

Signs You Have Bald-Faced Hornets

Bald-faced hornets are usually spotted by their distinctive nest:

• A large gray football-shaped nest in a tree, shrub, or under an eave.
• Black-and-white wasps flying steadily to one spot.
• Wasps circling near the nest and along the flight path.
• A nest that grows through summer, from golf-ball size to basketball size.
• Aggressive wasps whenever someone comes near the nest.

Are Bald-Faced Hornets Dangerous?

Bald-faced hornets are among the most dangerous stinging insects here because of how fiercely they defend the nest. The enclosed aerial nest can hold hundreds of wasps, and disturbing it makes the whole colony swarm out and sting repeatedly.

The stings are painful, and for anyone with a venom allergy a sting can be a medical emergency, as the NIH MedlinePlus guide to insect stings describes. Because the nest is large and out in the open, people often get close before realizing the danger.

How We Get Rid of Bald-Faced Hornets

Stride treats bald-faced hornets through the five-step Stride Forward process, built around safe removal of the aerial nest:

1. Inspect. We locate the nest and assess its size and how accessible it is.
2. Identify. We confirm bald-faced hornets and the risk the nest location poses.
3. Recommend. We advise keeping well clear and plan a safe removal.
4. Treat. We treat the enclosed nest and remove it safely, a job that requires proper protective equipment and technique.
5. Evaluate. We confirm the colony is inactive and remove the nest from the property.

Our GreenPro certification guides this reduced-risk approach.

How to Keep Bald-Faced Hornets Away

Keeping bald-faced hornets from establishing comes down to catching nests early:

• Check trees, shrubs, and eaves for small early-season nests.
• Have small nests removed early, before the colony grows large.
• Watch the property through summer, when nests expand quickly.
• Never approach or disturb an active nest.
• Trim dense shrubs that offer sheltered nesting sites.

Bald-Faced Hornet Control Frequently Asked Questions

Stride Forward is our Integrated Pest Management program where we partner with our clients in the long-term removal and prevention of pests. Keeping your property free of unwanted insects and rodents works best when we work together.

The program combines habitat manipulation, biological control, cultural behavior changes, and the targeted use of products designed to repel or eradicate pests. Our approach follows five steps, with non-chemical methods prioritized before any product application.

Our Certifications & Awards

Stride Pest Control holds QualityPro and GreenPro certifications through the NPMA’s Foundation for Professional Pest Management, and fewer than 3% of pest control companies nationwide hold both. QualityPro requires background checks on every service member, a drug-free workplace, and 16 standards that exceed state and federal requirements.

Our Austin and Round Rock office operates under Texas Department of Agriculture license TPCL #667951, with Burton Johnston as Responsible Certified Applicator. Our San Antonio office operates under TPCL #827449, with Alex Randall as Responsible Certified Applicator. Our office manager, Michael Honeycutt, is an Associate Certified Entomologist through the Entomological Society of America.

Founded in 2013, we have served nearly 12,000 customers across Central Texas and hold a 4.9-star rating across 2,400+ reviews with an A+ from the BBB.