PestDex Details
Bald-faced Hornet
Dolichovespula maculata
flyer
Aggressive black and white stinging insect. Builds large gray paper nests in trees.
How to Identify
- •Black with white face markings, ¾ inch
- •White markings on thorax and abdomen tip
- •Football-sized gray paper nest in trees/shrubs
- •Extremely aggressive when defending nest
Where Found
Nests in trees, shrubs, eaves. Hunts other insects. Suburban MD/VA/DC neighborhoods with mature trees. Nests often 15+ feet high.
Seasonality
Nests start small in spring. Peak size/aggression August–September (hundreds of workers). Freeze kills colony in fall.
Health & Property Risk
Multiple painful stings. Can sting repeatedly. Anaphylaxis risk for allergic individuals. Defends nest aggressively from 10+ feet away. More aggressive than yellowjackets.
Prevention Tips
- •Inspect property for nests in spring (easier to treat when small)
- •Keep shrubs trimmed for visibility
- •Don't disturb nest
- •If nest near activity areas, treat immediately
- •Wear light colors, avoid perfumes outdoors in late summer
Treatment Notes
Aerosol spray or dust from safe distance at dusk. Full protective gear recommended. Large or high nests: call professional. Do NOT attempt if allergic. After freeze, remove nest to prevent reuse.