Several years there was a Bald Faced Hornet grey paper "death star" nest each year in the Magnolia at the back of my garden. I was never stung, however I was given a warning shot twice, probably by a rookie (hit on the head by the insect itself, which warns and "marks" you so the others know who to attack if necessary) They are not aggressive (if you don't bother them) and are ferocious efficient predators. One year the nest was only 8 ft up, 10 ft back from the garden. They patrol & monitor your activity (even remind me of cops-their eyes look like aviator shades!) seemed to recognize me after a while. I just moved slow, close to the ground and quietly said "Long live the queen" when I saw them. As long as their queen wasn't threatened, they let me work. I read if they are attacked the entire regiment will give chase up to 1/4 mile.
Several years there was a Bald Faced Hornet grey paper "death star" nest each year in the Magnolia at the back of my garden. I was never stung, however I was given a warning shot twice, probably by a rookie (hit on the head by the insect itself, which warns and "marks" you so the others know who to attack if necessary) They are not aggressive (if you don't bother them) and are ferocious efficient predators. One year the nest was only 8 ft up, 10 ft back from the garden. They patrol & monitor your activity (even remind me of cops-their eyes look like aviator shades!) seemed to recognize me after a while. I just moved slow, close to the ground and quietly said "Long live the queen" when I saw them. As long as their queen wasn't threatened, they let me work. I read if they are attacked the entire regiment will give chase up to 1/4 mile.