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Wildlife of Tennessee · Stinging Insects

Bald-faced Hornet in Tennessee

Defend nests in force and can sting repeatedly. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Call us today615-357-7797
A bald-faced hornet nest, a large gray paper football, hanging from a tree branch in a Tennessee yard, sharp photo.

At a Glance

About the Bald-faced Hornet

Stinging insects build nests in eaves, walls and the ground. Nests grow all summer, and stings can be dangerous for anyone who is allergic.

We Remove It

Risk: Defend nests in force and can sting repeatedly.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameDolichovespula maculata
Size3/4 to 1 inch
Where it shows upTrees, shrubs, eaves and shed corners
When it is activeDaytime from summer to fall

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a bald-faced hornet.

  • Large gray football-shaped paper nests in trees and eaves
  • Black and white wasps guarding the nest
  • A loud buzzing near the nest

How We Handle It

What We Do About the Bald-faced Hornet

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work.

Prevention

Keep Them Away

Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.

  • Check eaves, sheds and decks each spring
  • Remove small nests early
  • Seal wall holes that let colonies in
  • Keep trash and sweet drinks covered outdoors

Similar Animals

More Stinging Insects

Free Tool

What Animal Is It? Identifier

Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.

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Good to Know

Questions About Bald-faced Hornet

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a bald-faced hornet?

Common signs: large gray football-shaped paper nests in trees and eaves; black and white wasps guarding the nest; a loud buzzing near the nest.

Is a bald-faced hornet dangerous?

Defend nests in force and can sting repeatedly. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a bald-faced hornet?

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Free Estimate

Tell Us What Is Going On

Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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