Can you hide from a banshee?

[Battle Beaver]

Or do they know where you are when they spawn?

[Null Winter]

They don't know that you're ready to drop a Molotov on them to get the babies as they spawn.

[MazyRun]

Sometimes you can hide from them but other times they seem to be able to home in on you. Looking directly at them is the trigger, so the key is to not look at them and they become almost harmless.. think of them as non-hostile NPC's that only become a threat if you provoke them (in some circumstances they can even become a helpful NPC).

Also remember they are a spiritual entity rather than a physical creature, they can teleport through windows and bypass barricades easily. You just have to dodge them when they get in so make sure you have open areas to move between (or an exit).

Try not to look at them and move away from their proximity (or just run away). Judge where they are by sound (there are some audio tells which let you know how close they are to you). Plus you start seeing nightmare visions when one is very near.

I once had a banshee chilling in the same room as me, it seemed half aware of my presence (remember they aren't really looking for a fight), it was just wandering around the room.. every time the lightning cracked, from the thunder storm outside, it illuminated the room and I could see it practically standing right behind me, I dared not turn around or make any sudden movements.

If you do manage to antagonize one accidentally (or intentionally) get out in the open, do not get cornered or you will get pinned down (if you do get surrounded/pinned down hit them with the 'scream' ability). Try to kill the offspring before they destroy the interior of your hideout. If you have a gas bottle you can throw it and sufficate them all without causing any fire damage..

..Pitchfork is also pretty decent for this (this is why space is important, you need to be able to kite enemies), or just shoot them (ammo is plentiful, no point in hoarding pistol clips).

Sickles were added to the game as a way of cutting through banshee babies when they have you cornered.. I'm just not sure about their overal effectivness (even when cornered), I always default to axe for any/all melee combat. Always wear light armor as a precaution to any situation, this way if you have the 'acid blood' ability it will kill half the babies that come at you whilst tanking hits.