Bald-faced hornet

Natural Habitat

Found in woodlands, gardens, and urban settings throughout North America. They typically build large aerial paper nests in trees, shrubs, or on building eaves.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on plant nectar and fruit juices. They are also predatory, hunting flies, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects to feed to their larvae.

Behavior Patterns

Eusocial insects that live in colonies founded by a single queen each spring. They are highly protective of their nests and can be aggressive if disturbed. Nests are abandoned after the first hard frost.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include powerful, painful stings that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Benefits include natural pest control and minor pollination services.

Identified on: 2/7/2026