Honeybees, Bald-faced Hornets, and Yellow Jackets can be very dangerous especially to those who have allergies. Anaphylactic Shock can be onset by stinging insects. Never intentionally disturb these nests! These insects often attack in swarms to protect their homes.


Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Description Male drone 5/8" (15-17 mm); queen 3/4" (18-20 mm); sterile female worker 3/8-5/8" (10-15 mm). Drone more robust with largest compound eyes; queen elongate with smallest compound eyes and larger abdomen; worker smallest. All mostly reddish brown and black with paler, usually orange-yellow rings on abdomen. Head, antennae, legs almost black with short, pale erect hair densest on thorax, least on abdomen. Wings translucent. Pollen basket on hind tibia.

Warning This bee stings but is not aggressive; if stung, remove stinger immediately. Aggressive Africanized Honey Bees ("killer bees") have been moving northward in North America and are much more dangerous than the domestic variety.


Bald-faced Hornet

Dolichovespula maculata

Description 5/8-3/4" (16-20 mm). Head much shorter than wide; neck and "waist" (pedicel) about equally constricted. Black and white patterns on face, thorax, abdomen, and 1st antennal segment. Wings smoky.

Warning Adults are extremely protective of the nest and will sting repeatedly - and painfully - if disturbed.


Eastern Yellow Jacket

Vespula maculifrons

Description 1/2-5/8" (12-16 mm). Body stout, slightly wider than head. Abdomen narrow where attached to thorax with short "waist" (pedicel). 1st antennal segment yellow, 2nd and subsequent segments black. Head, thorax, and abdomen black and yellow or white. Wings smoky.

Warning Workers will sting repeatedly if they perceive you as a threat to their nest, otherwise, they are less aggressive.