| Scientific name | Dolichovespula maculata |
|---|---|
| Group | Bees & Wasps |
| Size | 15–20 mm (up to about 0.79 in) |
| Colors | Black and White |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Trees or shrubs and Yard or patio |
| Most active | Summer and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | Yes |
| Risk level | Health risk |
How to identify it
The bald-faced hornet is a medium-sized member of the bees & wasps group. Two pairs of wings and, in females, a stinger at the tip of the abdomen. Check for these three features:
- Black body with a white face and white tail markings
- Gray paper nest with a single entrance near the bottom
- Defends nests aggressively, even from vibration
About this bug
A black wasp with ivory-white markings on its face and the tip of its abdomen. It builds large, gray, football-shaped paper nests in trees, shrubs and under eaves.
You'll usually find bald-faced hornets on trees and shrubs and in yards and on patios. They are most active in summer and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Bald-faced hornets deliver painful stings and attack in numbers when their nest is disturbed.
Our rating: Health risk, meaning it can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease.
Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.
When you'll see bald-faced hornets
Bald-Faced Hornets are most active in summer and fall. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: trees or shrubs and yard or patio.
About bees & wasps
The bald-faced hornet is one of the bees & wasps. Bees and wasps belong to the same order as ants. Social species such as honey bees, bumble bees, yellowjackets and hornets live in colonies with a queen, while solitary species such as mud daubers and cicada killers raise their young alone. Only females can sting, because the stinger is a modified egg-laying tube.
Social wasp colonies grow all summer and are largest and most defensive in late summer and early fall. Most colonies die off in winter, leaving only new queens to start over in spring.
What to do about it
- Leave nests far from activity alone, since the colony dies in winter
- Call a professional for nests near doors or walkways
- Never knock down or spray a nest in daylight
Read the full guide: how to get rid of bald-faced hornets.
Bugs that look similar
Size: Bald-Faced Hornets are larger, reaching 20 mm, while yellowjackets top out around 16 mm.
Size: European Hornets are larger, reaching 35 mm, while bald-faced hornets top out around 20 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a bald-faced hornet look like?
Black body with a white face and white tail markings. Adults measure 15–20 mm (up to about 0.79 in).
Does the bald-faced hornet bite or sting?
It does not bite. It can sting. Bald-faced hornets deliver painful stings and attack in numbers when their nest is disturbed.
Where do bald-faced hornets live?
Bald-Faced Hornets live on trees and shrubs and in yards and on patios.
When are bald-faced hornets most active?
Mostly in summer and fall.