Stinging Insects

Eastern yellowjackets are a social, stinging insects that live in nests constructed of layers of combs made of wood fibers chewed into a paper-like pulp. Preferred nesting sites include soil cavities, attics, eaves, porches, or sheds. Workers are about 1/2” long with distinct alternating black and yellow bands on their abdomen. They may initially appear…

European paper wasps are about 3/4” long and black and yellow in color which gets them commonly mistaken for yellowjackets. Despite their resemblance, the European paper wasp has a slender body, narrow waist and can be recognized by their dangling legs in flight. They prefer dark cavities for its nests and will build on a…

Bold-faced hornets are social, stinging insects related to yellowjackets and get their name from the large patch of white on their face and black body with white markings on their posterior tip. Adults vary in size ranging from 1/2” to 3/4” long. Bald-faced hornets create carton nests that are at least 3’ off the ground…

Carpenter bees are about 1” in size with shiny mostly black bodies and a small yellow band around their upper body (thorax) by the head. Carpenter bees are often confused for bumble bees, however, lack the large bands of yellow hair around their abdomen. Carpenter bees drill a perfectly round 1/2” entrance hole into wood…