The bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) is a large, black-and-white wasp known for its aggressive behavior and painful sting. Despite its name, it’s not a true hornet but a type of yellowjacket. Commonly found across North America, it builds paper nests in trees, shrubs, and sometimes buildings. These insects play a role in controlling pest populations but become a threat when nesting near people. In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify them, understand their behavior, and handle nest-related issues safely.
2. Bald-Faced Hornet Identification
Physical Appearance
The bald-faced hornet stands out with its striking black body and distinct white markings, especially on its face, which gives the insect its name. These wasps are relatively large, typically measuring between 12 to 20 mm in length. Their body is smooth and shiny, and their wings are slightly tinted.
- Queen vs. Worker: The queen is slightly larger than the workers and is responsible for starting and expanding the nest. Workers are smaller but more numerous and handle foraging and defense.
- Male vs. Female: Males (drones) appear later in the season. They are similar in size to females but have longer antennae and lack a stinger.
Key Identification Points
- Black body with white facial and abdominal markings
- Large, wasp-like appearance
- Long legs that dangle during flight
- Highly aggressive when their nest is approached or disturbed
3. Nest and Habitat
Where They Build Nests
Bald-faced hornets are skilled nest builders and often choose elevated, sheltered areas to construct their homes. You’ll typically find their nests:
- Hanging from tree branches or shrubbery
- Attached to building eaves, porch ceilings, or sheds
- Hidden inside attics, wall cavities, or hollow logs
- Occasionally built close to the ground, although this is less common
They prefer areas with minimal disturbance and easy access to food sources like other insects and sugary substances.
Nest Characteristics
Bald-faced hornet nests are made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, creating a gray, papery material. These nests are:
- Football- or teardrop-shaped and enclosed
- Typically built high off the ground, suspended from branches or structures
- Initially small but can grow to the size of a basketball or larger as the colony expands
- Contain multiple layers of internal combs protected by the outer shell
Nests are active for only one season. In winter, the colony dies off, and the nest is abandoned, never reused.
Paper Wasp Nest vs Bald-Faced Hornet Nest
Here’s a comparison table showing how to distinguish between a paper wasp nest and a bald-faced hornet nest:
| Feature | Paper Wasp Nest | Bald-Faced Hornet Nest |
| Appearance | Open comb structure (like an upside-down umbrella) | Fully enclosed with a papery outer covering |
| Color | Light brown or gray | Gray, often more textured or layered |
| Location | Under eaves, window frames, porch roofs | Trees, shrubs, building exteriors, attics |
| Shape | Flat or umbrella-shaped | Football- or teardrop-shaped |
| Size | Smaller; typically up to 6 inches wide | Can exceed 14–24 inches in length as colony grows |
| Aggression | Generally less aggressive | Extremely aggressive when threatened |
| Reusability | Rarely reused | Never reused |
This table can help in safely identifying the type of wasp nest before attempting removal or calling pest control.
Bald-Faced Hornet Behavior
Aggression Level
Bald-faced hornets are highly aggressive, especially when their nest is disturbed. While they do not typically go out of their way to sting humans, they are extremely territorial and will attack in large numbers if they sense a threat near their nest. Unlike bees, they can sting multiple times, making them particularly dangerous for those who are allergic or unaware of a nest nearby.
- Are bald-faced hornets dangerous? Yes, their sting is painful and can cause serious allergic reactions. Swarms may target intruders repeatedly if provoked.
- Do they attack unprovoked? Usually not. But if you get too close to their nest—even unknowingly—they may perceive you as a threat and respond aggressively.
Do They Remember Faces?
Interestingly, research suggests that some wasps, including species closely related to the bald-faced hornet, are capable of facial recognition within their own species. While it’s unclear if bald-faced hornets specifically remember human faces, they are known for being highly alert and responsive to threats, even returning to the same target repeatedly if they perceive danger.
This means while they may not remember you like a person does, they are certainly capable of recognizing repeat disturbances and acting accordingly.
Bald-Faced Hornet Life Cycle
The life cycle of a bald-faced hornet begins in early spring when a fertilized queen emerges from hibernation:
- Queen Emergence: The overwintered queen searches for a nesting site and starts building the first part of the nest alone.
- Colony Building: She lays eggs and cares for the first brood of workers, which eventually take over foraging and nest expansion.
- Expansion Phase: The colony rapidly grows through summer. The nest becomes larger, with hundreds of workers.
- Reproduction: In late summer or early fall, the colony begins producing new queens and male drones for reproduction.
- Colony Decline: As cold weather approaches, the original queen and workers die. Only newly mated queens survive by going into hibernation to start the cycle again next year.
Sting and Bite
The sting of a bald-faced hornet is known to be intensely painful and ranks high on the sting pain scale. It delivers venom that can cause immediate burning, swelling, and redness around the affected area. For most people, the symptoms are localized and last a few hours to a couple of days. However, in individuals with allergies, stings can trigger severe reactions, including difficulty breathing, dizziness, or even anaphylactic shock.
- Pain is sharp and immediate
- Swelling and redness develop quickly
- Itching and discomfort may persist for days
- Multiple stings can intensify the reaction and may require medical attention
Bald-Faced Hornet Bite?
Although often confused with bites, bald-faced hornets do not bite humans. Their primary defense mechanism is their stinger, which is smooth and allows them to sting multiple times. However, they may use their mandibles to chew wood or prey, not to bite humans.
Sting Pictures and Identification
A bald-faced hornet sting usually results in a raised, red welt with a small puncture mark at the center. The area may become swollen and tender, with some people experiencing extended inflammation depending on their sensitivity. Images often show:
- Central red dot where stinger entered
- Swollen surrounding area
- In some cases, bruising or mild rash around the sting site
Sting Treatment
If stung by a bald-faced hornet, follow these steps to reduce pain and avoid complications:
- Wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Use antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream for itching and inflammation.
- Take pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed.
- Monitor for allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling beyond the sting site.
Nest Removal and Control
Bald-faced hornet nests should be removed when they pose a risk to people or pets, especially if located near homes, walkways, or areas with frequent activity. Their aggressive defense behavior means even accidental proximity can result in painful multiple stings. Early removal—before the colony reaches full size—is generally safer.
Removal is recommended if the nest is:
- Near entryways, patios, or children’s play areas
- Inside attics, wall voids, or sheds
- Actively defended by swarming hornets
- Built in areas with limited escape routes
How to Remove Bald-Faced Hornet Nest
Removing a hornet nest can be dangerous and should only be attempted if you’re prepared with the proper gear and knowledge.
DIY Removal Tips (Not Recommended for Large Nests):
- Wear thick, protective clothing that covers all skin
- Use a commercial wasp and hornet spray—apply it at night when hornets are least active
- Spray directly into the nest’s entrance, usually at the bottom
- Leave the area immediately after spraying
- Wait 24–48 hours before checking for activity or taking down the nest
Bald-Faced Hornet Nest Removal Cost
Hiring a professional for nest removal is often the safest option. Costs vary depending on location, nest size, and accessibility, but here’s a general guide:
| Type of Nest | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Small, accessible nest | $100–$150 |
| Medium-sized, hard-to-reach | $150–$250 |
| Large or inside structures | $250–$500+ |
| Emergency same-day removal | Additional $50–$100 |
Some pest control companies include inspection and follow-up in the pricing.
Professional Removal Services
Professional exterminators use specialized equipment and insecticides to eliminate hornets quickly and safely. They also ensure that:
- The queen is neutralized
- The nest is removed completely
- The area is treated to prevent future nests
Professionals also handle winter nest removals, which are safer since colonies die off after the first frost.
Bald-Faced Hornet Repellent and Spray
To prevent nesting:
- Use hornet and wasp sprays with residual protection around eaves, attic vents, and known nesting sites
- Hang decoy nests to deter new colonies from forming nearby
- Keep trash cans sealed and food sources cleaned up outdoors
Comparisons with Other Insects
Bald-Faced Hornet vs Yellow Jacket
| Feature | Bald-Faced Hornet | Yellow Jacket |
| Coloration | Black body with white face and markings | Black and yellow striped body |
| Size | Larger (12–20 mm) | Smaller (10–16 mm) |
| Nest Type | Fully enclosed paper nest, often high up | Exposed or underground paper nests |
| Aggression Level | Very aggressive near nest | Aggressive, especially around food |
| Sting | Painful, can sting multiple times | Also painful, multiple stings possible |
Bald-Faced Hornet vs Murder Hornet (Asian Giant Hornet)
| Feature | Bald-Faced Hornet | Murder Hornet (Vespa mandarinia) |
| Size | Medium (up to ¾ inch) | Very large (up to 2 inches) |
| Coloration | Black and white | Orange head, black and yellow body |
| Region | North America | Native to Asia; rare sightings in NA |
| Aggression Level | Highly aggressive near nests | Aggressive, especially toward bee hives |
| Sting Danger | Painful, moderate risk | Extremely painful, medically significant |
Bald-Faced Hornet vs Paper Wasp
| Feature | Bald-Faced Hornet | Paper Wasp |
| Nest Type | Enclosed, large paper nest | Open comb, umbrella-like nest |
| Aggression | Highly defensive of nest | Less aggressive unless provoked |
| Appearance | Robust body, black and white | Slender body, brownish with yellow marks |
| Behavior | Defend in swarms | Usually solitary defenders |
Bald-Faced Hornet vs European Hornet
| Feature | Bald-Faced Hornet | European Hornet (Vespa crabro) |
| Size | Up to ¾ inch | Larger, up to 1.5 inches |
| Coloration | Black and white | Reddish-brown head, yellow-striped body |
| Activity | Active during the day | Often active at night too |
| Sting Risk | Painful and aggressive | Can sting multiple times, but less hostile |
10 Facts Of Bald-Faced Hornets
Here are some interesting and lesser-known facts about bald-faced hornets that highlight their behavior, biology, and role in nature:
- They don’t reuse old nests.
Each year, a new queen starts a fresh nest; old nests are abandoned permanently after winter. - They can sting multiple times.
Unlike honeybees, bald-faced hornets have a smooth stinger that doesn’t detach, allowing repeated stings. - Their nests can reach the size of a basketball.
A mature colony can grow to house hundreds of workers inside a massive, enclosed paper structure. - Only the queen survives winter.
The entire colony dies off after the first frost, leaving only fertilized queens to start new colonies. - They are important insect predators.
Bald-faced hornets feed on flies, caterpillars, and other insects, helping to naturally control pest populations. - They chew wood to build nests.
The papery material comes from mixing chewed wood fibers with saliva to create durable nest walls. - They have excellent vision and quick reflexes.
These wasps are extremely responsive to movement and can aggressively pursue threats in seconds. - Facial recognition may exist in their species group.
Some wasps in the same genus are known to recognize individual faces of their nest mates. - They’re part of the yellowjacket family.
Though called “hornets,” they are technically aerial yellowjackets, not true hornets. - They rarely build nests in the same place twice.
Queens often seek out entirely new nesting sites each year to avoid predators and environmental risks.
FAQs
What is a bald-faced hornet?
A bald-faced hornet is a large black-and-white wasp, not a true hornet but a species of aerial yellowjacket. Its scientific name is Dolichovespula maculata. Known for aggressive nest defense and a painful sting, it’s common in North America.
Are bald-faced hornets bees or wasps?
They are wasps, specifically a type of yellowjacket. Despite the name “hornet,” they belong to the wasp family and are closely related to other predatory wasps.
How painful is a bald-faced hornet sting?
Their sting is extremely painful and can result in swelling, redness, and a burning sensation. Because they can sting multiple times, an encounter with several hornets can be quite severe, especially for those with allergies.
How can I identify a queen bald-faced hornet?
The queen is slightly larger than the workers and is usually only seen at the start or end of the colony’s season. She has the same color pattern—black with white markings—but her size and reproductive role distinguish her.
Do bald-faced hornets serve any benefits?
Yes. They help control populations of flies, caterpillars, and other insects. Despite their aggressive nature, they play a role in balancing the ecosystem.
Summary
The bald-faced hornet is a striking and powerful insect known for its black-and-white coloration, aggressive nest defense, and painful sting. Though often feared, it plays an important role in nature by controlling insect populations. Its large, enclosed nests are commonly found in trees, shrubs, and buildings across North America. While their presence can be alarming, especially near homes, understanding their behavior and life cycle helps reduce risks. Safe nest removal and proper precautions are essential when dealing with these territorial wasps.
