Michigan’s Warming Winters Are Creating a Perfect Storm for Bald-Faced Hornet Colonies
As Michigan experiences its warmest winters on record, a concerning trend is emerging in backyards across the state: Michigan’s winters have warmed for decades now, and as Michigan closes out the warmest winter on record for much of the state, experts say the past few months are a prelude to the future. This climate shift is having an unexpected consequence for homeowners – it’s allowing larger colonies of aggressive bald-faced hornets to survive through the winter months, creating bigger populations and more dangerous encounters come spring.
The Bald-Faced Hornet: Michigan’s Most Feared Stinging Insect
Technically a yellowjacket, the bald-faced hornet is still widely referred to as a hornet. Their striking white markings and aggressive nature make them one of the more feared stinging insects in Michigan. Of all of the wasps in Michigan, the bald-faced hornet is the most unique. They are typically larger than other types of wasps, with distinctive black-and-white coloring.
These formidable insects construct impressive nests that can become quite large, some growing to 24 inches in length and 30 inches in diameter. Lives in colonies that may have between 100 to 400 members, though some colonies can grow even larger under favorable conditions. Towards the end of summer, nests can have anywhere from 300 to 500 workers.
How Climate Change is Disrupting Natural Cycles
Traditionally, bald-faced hornet colonies followed a predictable seasonal pattern. Colonies grow through summer and fade in fall, but new queens survive winter to restart nests next year. Once the season ends, most of the colony dies off, leaving only new fertilized queens to survive the winter and restart the cycle.
However, Michigan’s changing climate is disrupting this natural cycle. Across the Great Lakes, daily maximum temperatures this winter have averaged 5 degrees to 10 degrees above average. Winters are heating especially fast, and are expected to warm several degrees more by mid-century. By the 2050s, most of Michigan will be “muddy and sodden” in the winter, with less snow, more rain and crocuses and daffodils blooming in February.
This warming trend is having a direct impact on hornet survival rates. Due to the warming temperatures, the population of hornets has only grown as milder winters allow more to survive the season. Research on related species shows that during the colder winter months, most yellowjackets and hornets do not survive freezing temperatures, but as these extreme cold periods become less frequent and shorter in duration, more hornets are making it through to spring.
The Consequences for Michigan Homeowners
The implications of larger surviving hornet populations are serious for Michigan residents. Known to be a more aggressive stinging insect and will sting when provoked. Bald-faced hornets are relatively large flying insects and will defend their nests aggressively when they feel there is a threat. Their stinger can deliver painful stings multiple times in a row, and unlike bees, they don’t lose it after one sting. The venom causes swelling, burning, and itching. Some people may have severe allergic reactions and need urgent care.
What makes the situation even more concerning is their nesting behavior. The bald-faced hornet is more likely to build its large, paper nest around areas where humans live, work, and play. The majority of the time here in Michigan you’ll find them nesting in trees. They can also be found on building overhangs, in low shrubbery, and in attics.
Professional Intervention is Critical
As these larger colonies become more common, the importance of professional pest control becomes even more critical. Safe and complete hornet control requires professional help because DIY removal often leads to injury or reinfestation. We can’t say this enough: don’t try to remove a bald-faced hornet nest yourself. It’s risky and rarely successful.
The risks of attempting DIY removal are substantial. They will attack en masse if they feel threatened, and once inside your attic or wall void, they’re even harder to manage. And if the nest is disturbed, expect more than just one hornet to show up. A swarm can emerge in seconds, guided by pheromones and coordinated movements via their antennae.
For Michigan homeowners facing hornet problems, professional Hornet Removal services are the safest and most effective solution. Experienced pest control professionals have the proper equipment, protective gear, and knowledge of hornet behavior necessary to safely eliminate these dangerous colonies.
Preparing for the Future
As Michigan’s climate continues to change, residents should expect to see more frequent and more severe hornet problems. As those changes escalate, experts say Michigan’s average winter will look a lot like the winter of 2024 – warmer, with less sustained cold that historically kept hornet populations in check.
Promptly remove any newly established hornet nests during early spring or winter before colonies become large and aggressive. However, this should always be done by professionals, as even seemingly inactive nests can pose serious dangers.
The combination of climate change and aggressive stinging insects represents a new challenge for Michigan homeowners. By understanding the connection between warming winters and increased hornet survival rates, residents can better prepare for what experts predict will be an ongoing issue. Professional pest control services will play an increasingly important role in keeping Michigan families safe from these formidable insects as our climate continues to evolve.