Knowledgebase
Type of Hornet #866863
Asked May 03, 2024, 9:56 AM EDT
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
It may be the queen (who can be larger than average) who alone starts up a new home for the season until helpers can be hatched.
(They are attracted to lights and fly both day and night so if you dislike seeing them, pull your shades and turn off outdoor lights in the height of summer).
Here is our page on social wasps, including hornets.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/social-wasps-yellowjackets-hornets-and-paper-wasps/
Christine
Enjoy your weekend.