As late summer rolls into Michigan, it’s not just school prep and football talk filling the air. Stinging insects like hornets and yellowjackets become more active, especially around homes. Their increased presence can raise concerns for families, particularly when they build nests in attics, under eaves, or near play areas.
In this guide, we’ll cover the only type of hornet and commonly mistaken wasp species you might encounter in Michigan, how to identify them, and what to do if you find a nest near your home.
Key Takeaways
- European hornets are the only true hornets in Michigan and often nest in attics, trees, and walls.
- Many wasps in Michigan, including bald-faced hornets and yellowjackets, are commonly mistaken for true hornets by homeowners.
- Nest activity near homes should be watched closely since disturbing social wasps can lead to stings or allergic reactions.
- Professional removal from Pest Pros of Michigan is the safest choice for dealing with hornets and wasps around property.
The Only True Hornet Found in Michigan
When Michigan homeowners talk about hornets, they’re usually referring to one species in particular, the European hornet.
European Hornet
The European hornet, native to North America only through introduction, is the only true hornet species in Michigan.
It’s larger than most native wasps, measuring up to 1.5 inches. You’ll recognize it by its yellow-striped abdomen, long antennae, and reddish thorax (the section behind the head that’s essentially its back).
They’re most active at dusk and are known to scavenge for food, especially near lights. They prefer nesting inside tree hollows, wall voids, or quiet attics, and their larvae are fed a diet of chewed insects.
Unlike other social wasps, they are known to overwinter in protected areas, allowing queens to start colonies the following spring.
Wasps Commonly Mistaken for Hornets in Michigan
In Michigan, several types of wasps get mistaken for hornets, especially when they’re aggressive, nesting close to homes, or sporting black and yellow stripes.
Here’s how to tell which is which.
Bald-Faced Hornet
Technically a yellowjacket, the bald-faced hornet is still widely referred to as a hornet.
These insects are known for their football-shaped bald-faced hornet nests, often found hanging from trees, overhangs, or rooflines. Their striking white markings and aggressive nature make them one of the more feared stinging insects in Michigan.
They chew wood fibers to construct their paper-like wasp nests, which they defend fiercely.
If you spot one hovering around your porch, it’s best to keep your distance, especially if you or someone in your household has allergic reactions to stings.
Eastern Yellowjacket
The eastern yellowjacket builds underground nests and becomes a serious nuisance during Michigan’s fall months. This social wasp is compact and black with bold yellow stripes.
Unlike honeybees and bumblebees, they are not pollinators. Instead, they’re predatory and help manage pest populations by feeding their young other insects, including caterpillars.
Because they scavenge aggressively, especially around garbage, these wasps are responsible for many backyard stings.
German Yellowjacket
Another invasive species in Michigan is the German yellowjacket. This species often nests inside buildings, attics, walls, and even inside outdoor grills.
These wasps are often found in suburban areas and are easily provoked. Their nests are made from chewed wood fibers, similar to hornet nests, and contain thousands of larvae at peak season.
If they’ve taken up residence in your home, you might not know until there’s an infestation, or until someone gets stung indoors.
European Paper Wasp
Often confused with yellowjackets, the European paper wasp is slender, with long legs and a more distinct back.
These wasps are a growing presence across North America, especially in Michigan, where they build nests under eaves, inside light fixtures, and even in outdoor furniture. They are less aggressive than hornets but still capable of stinging if disturbed.
Northern Paper Wasp
The northern paper wasp is a native species with brown coloring and yellow highlights.
They help control garden pests like caterpillars and are beneficial to the ecosystem. Still, their habit of building umbrella-shaped nests in visible spots, like under porch ceilings, can create conflicts with homeowners.
Cicada Killer
If you see a giant hornet-sized insect hovering over your lawn, it might be a cicada killer.
These solitary wasps are actually quite docile, especially the males, which lack a stinger. The females dig burrows in sandy soil and paralyze cicadas for their larvae to feed on.
While their behavior can seem aggressive, especially when guarding their territory, they rarely sting unless handled.
What to Do When You Spot a Stinging Insect
When you see increased wasp or hornet activity near your home, avoid approaching immediately. How you respond can make a big difference, especially if there’s a nest nearby.
Here’s how to handle the situation safely and effectively.
Assess Nest Location and Activity
The first step is figuring out where the wasp nests are and whether they pose a threat.
- Is the nest tucked in a tree?
- Or did a colony set up shop inside your attic?
Nests closer to human activity, especially those near eaves, overhangs, or walkways, are more likely to lead to stings and should be addressed quickly.
Avoid Swatting or Disturbing
Even species that don’t attack unprovoked can become aggressive if their nest is threatened. Hornets and social wasps can sting repeatedly, and those with allergic reactions may require emergency care after just one encounter.
Don’t Attempt DIY Removal
Trying to knock down a nest or spray it with a store-bought product can escalate quickly, especially with species like the bald-faced hornet, which respond with swarming behavior.
Professional help is the safest route, especially for nests located high up or inside wall voids.
Call a Pest Control Service
At Pest Pros of Michigan, we understand the behavior of hornets, wasps, and all the regional types of wasps you might encounter. We’re equipped to treat nests up to 25 feet high, whether it’s a mud dauber nest in the garage or a full-scale southern yellowjacket colony in the wall.
With our stinging insect control, we target the problem at its source and offer a warranty so you don’t have to worry about a return visit from your stinging neighbors.
Give us a call to set up a free site evaluation.
