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Bald-faced Hornets

Identification, Habits, and Control
Closeup photo of a bald-faced horney

About Bald-faced Hornets

Species: Dolichovespula maculata
Bald-faced hornets are large, highly visible stinging insects known for building enclosed nests in trees and on structures. They are commonly found in residential and commercial areas where suitable nesting locations are available. Because of their size and aggressive behavior, they are one of the more concerning stinging insects encountered around properties.

How to Identify Bald-faced Hornets

Size

  • About 3/4 to 1 inch long

Color

  • Black with white markings

Identifying Characteristics

  • Bold black-and-white coloring
  • Large, enclosed, paper-like nests
  • Fast, direct flight

Where You’ll Find Them

  • Trees and shrubs
  • Attached to buildings or structures
  • Near rooflines or elevated areas
  • Open outdoor spaces

Behavior and Risks

Bald-faced hornets build large, enclosed nests that can grow rapidly over the course of a season. These nests are often highly visible and may contain hundreds of hornets as the colony expands. Homeowners typically notice a large, gray, football-shaped nest along with frequent wasp activity in and out of the structure. As the colony grows, activity becomes more concentrated and noticeable. 

Bald-faced hornets are more aggressive than many other wasp species and will actively defend their nest if they perceive a threat. Getting too close can result in multiple stings, especially if the nest is disturbed. Because nests increase in size and population over time, the likelihood of encounters also increases. What begins as a small nest can quickly become a high-activity area if left untreated.