Bald-faced Hornet

Woodlands, forests, parks, gardens, and suburban areas across North America

Adults feed on flower nectar, fruit juices, and tree sap, while larvae are fed chewed-up insects such as flies, caterpillars, and spiders

Social wasps that build large, grey, paper-like aerial nests in trees or under eaves; known to aggressively defend their nest if disturbed

Risks: Delivers painful, repeated stings that can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Benefits: Acts as an effective natural pest control agent by preying on agricultural pests and flies, and contributes slightly to pollination.