Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) on Aug 13, 2025

Originally reported as Wasp (unknown species) (suborder Apocrita)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

It is a grey sphere located on a tree limb. The size of the sphere is a bit larger than a soccer ball and about 8 feet off the ground. There is little activity in the early morning hours. It gets quite busy as the temperature rises. I do not know if these are killer hornets. I do know that fellow gardeners have commented on a drop in honeybee activity. The city of Cottage Grove has taken no action.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! This is the nest of our native Bald-faced hornet -- not a true hornet, they are more closely related to Yellowjackets. They don't attack bees, but they can be aggressive if disturbed.

Tom Valente
Aug. 14, 2025, 4:17 a.m.