Identification
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wasp body | Robust black wasp with ivory-white face and white markings on thorax/abdomen segments. |
| Nest | Large grey paper envelope, often football-shaped, suspended from branches or eaves with a lower entry hole. |
| Colony size | Can reach hundreds of workers by late summer. |
| Flight | Strong, fast; defensive radius large when nest disturbed. |
| Sound | Audible buzzing near nest on warm days. |
| Confusion | Sometimes called hornets colloquially; not a honey bee swarm. |
Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) build iconic grey paper nests in Greater Vancouver trees, lamp standards, and roof peaks. They hunt insects including other wasps and can harass picnics when foraging for sweets. Their defence radius is substantial—vibrations from ladders, chainsaws, or basketballs near the nest trigger mass stinging.
Behaviour & Habits
Spring starts with a queen attaching a small paper comb that expands into the enclosed envelope workers cover. Foraging peaks in late summer when larvae demand protein. Cool nights slow flight; warm afternoons are busiest. Unlike open paper wasps, the nest interior is hidden—disturbance without training risks repeated stings through the paper wall.
Health & Property Risks
⚠ Health risk — professional removal recommended. Multiple defensive stings are common; allergic reactions can be life-threatening; falls from ladders add injury risk during DIY attempts.
Nests attached to siding can leave stains; improper removal tears shingles or breaks fragile soffit panels.
Prevention
- Inspect tall trees and roof peaks in early summer while nests are small.
- Postpone pruning near visible nests until professionals clear them.
- Keep outdoor dining areas away from known flight paths when possible.
- Teach kids to report “grey football” nests rather than throw objects.
How We Treat Bald-Faced Hornets
We plan access—ladder, lift, or roof harness—then treat or remove the nest at calmer periods, often dusk. Large nests may require staged work. We post re-entry guidance for yards.
Use our wasp and hornet control service for aerial nests in Greater Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I wait until winter?
A: Workers die in cold, but fall nests are largest and most defensive—risk remains until frost.
Q: Are they pollinators?
A: Minor flower visitation; nest safety drives control, not pollination value.
Q: Bee suit enough?
A: Professional PPE and experience matter; DIY suits often fail at cuffs and zippers.
Q: Nest in wall?
A: Rare compared with aerial; void work differs—inspect before assuming aerial plan.
Q: Two nests one tree?
A: Possible in dense crowns; inspection counts all envelopes.
Q: Chemical exposure concerns?
A: Labels define re-entry; we discuss sensitive yards at booking.
Professional Wasp & Hornet Control
Bald-Faced Hornet problems in Greater Vancouver require a systematic approach — inspection of the full property, elimination of the root cause, and documented follow-up. Our wasp & hornet control service covers all of this.
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