Hornet (Bald-Faced)
Dolichovespula maculata
About the hornet (bald-faced)
Bald-faced hornets are actually a type of large aerial yellowjacket, despite the name. They're black with distinctive ivory-white facial and abdominal markings, and they build the basketball-sized grey papery aerial nests you sometimes see hanging from tree branches or building eaves. They are extremely defensive of their nest and can sting repeatedly. Never approach a hornet nest — call a licensed pro to treat it at dusk when the colony is inside.
Quick ID
18–20 mm black body with ivory-white facial and abdominal markings.
In the Triangle
Common across the Triangle, especially in wooded properties; nests grow noticeable mid-to-late summer.
Think you have hornet (bald-faced)s?
Free inspection from a licensed Castle Exterminators technician — Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary & the Triangle. We'll confirm the species and recommend a treatment plan.
Request Free Inspection (919) 606-8686
