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Baldfaced hornet

Dolichovespula maculata

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Description: 5/8 - 3/4 inch long (queens, sometimes seen from late summer to spring, are larger than 3/4 inch long). Mostly black with white or yellow on the face.

Where/When: Baldfaced hornets may nest on or around homes (they also commonly nest in trees). They are active from spring through fall, although the presence of nests may not be detected until mid to late summer. Baldfaced hornets may be found indoors when a nest is within a building.

Significance: They are a potential health problem because of their ability to sting. Occupants of nests do not survive freezing temperatures and nest are not reused.

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