Identifying Hornets, Wasps and Yellow Jackets

Anytime someone is stung, they will typically say they were "stung by a bee" although often it was by another sting insect.

Bald-Faced Hornet (Vespula maculata)

Bald-Faced hornets build hanging nests out of chewed wood. The nests are small and grey. They are very defensive and sting repeatedly.

Yellow Jackets (Vespula species)

Yellow jackets build their nests underground or at ground level in old tree stumps. A non-chemical method of killing yellow jackets recommended by the Audubon Society calls for putting a transparent bowl over the hive entrance at night. In the morning, the adults try to get out, become confused and will starve to death - provided they haven't previously constructed an alternate exit (they won't build a new one).

Paper Wasp (Polistes species) and Digger Wasps

Paper wasps construct nests in houses and outbuildings. The make their nests from chewed wood mixed with saliva. Mud dabber digger wasps that build the mud tubes you see on walls.

Note: By controlling other insect pests wasps are generally beneficial. A nest in an out of the way location where it is not likely to be disturbed should be left alone.