The leaves have fallen off the trees exposing the handy-work of the Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata). These large nests -- made of a paper like material -- can grow to be twelve to eighteen inches across and can house hundreds of hornets and their queen.
As winter approaches, most of the hornet colony perishes. The queen overwinters and starts the colony anew.
Bald-faced Hornets and Yellowjackets are in the same subfamily of insects -- the Vespinae. The Bald-faced Hornets usually build their nest high in trees. Yellowjackets usually build their nests underground.
Both are considered beneficial insects -- eating a wide variety of pest insects. They do become a nuisance when they move too close to our houses and activities.
