Baldfaced Hornet
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The picture shows that they have a white face and a white striped tail. Despite the name, they are more closely related to yellowjackets than to hornets.
Most people become familiar with them when they build a large oval paper nest on a tree in their yard. They are social insects, with the annually constructed nests consisting of a queen, workers and drones.
While they are not characterized as agressive bees, they do sting when defending their nest. If a nest is in close proximity to high traffic locations around your house and yard, you might consider removing it. However, baldfaced hornets are beneficial insects that feed on flies and other insect pests in your yard. So, you might want to take that point into consideration when thinking removal options.
© 2005 Patricia A. Michaels