hornet's nest - can you tell me what this is? - Ask Extension
We just discovered this nest in our bush, and I was stung by one of the (I think) hornets. Can you tell what kind it is, and how would you suggest we...
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hornet's nest - can you tell me what this is? #841070
Asked July 17, 2023, 12:16 PM EDT
We just discovered this nest in our bush, and I was stung by one of the (I think) hornets. Can you tell what kind it is, and how would you suggest we get rid of it?
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
That looks like the nest of Bald Faced Hornets (Dolichovespula maculata). They are beneficial if you can avoid the area for the remainder of the season, they will die over the winter and they will not reuse the same nest next year. However, if it is impractical to avoid the area, the wasps will need to be killed in order to safely remove the nest. You can read in this article from MSU Extension, how to get rid of a wasp/hornet nest in your yard: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/getting_rid_of_wasps_nests
