A New Brunswick homeowner contacted Cowleys to remove an active hornets nest that had been constructed under her balcony light. Upon arrival, I observed the stinging insects and determined that they were baldfaced hornets, which are large aerial yellow jackets that like to build their nests a few feet off the ground. I’ve seen their nests in bushes, trees, and often, especially when we are called, somewhere on the outside of homes. Often, their nests are built in protected locations, like under eaves or hidden away in some corner. In the spring, fertilized queens that have overwintered begin to build their nest using a grey papery material made from a mixture of chewed wood and saliva. As the summer progresses, the colony can grow to several hundred workers. Like, most all social stinging insects that live in colonies, they are territorial and aggressive — attacking anyone or anything that invades their space. Baldfaced hornet nest removal is challenging. Aggravating the colony can send hundreds of angry wasps right in your direction. One sting is painful; multiple stings are downright excruciating. And if you have a sensitivity to their venom, these stings are potentially life-threatening. Because of the risk of stings and injury, we do not recommend removal of active nests as a DIY project. Ladders and stinging insects are a dangerous combination. Avoiding a stinger can easily cause you to shift your weight on a ladder and make you loose your balance. Instead, use an extension pole with an adapter where you can apply an aerosol or duster. My trusty Super Bee Pole that I carry for these types of jobs extends up to 18 feet! Stinging baldfaced hornets too close for comfort in New Brunswick home
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