Bald Faced Hornet:

The bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) is a large black-and-white social wasp native to North America. Adults measure ½–¾ inch long, with distinct white facial markings and a robust body. They build large, gray, papery nests—often football-shaped—high in trees, shrubs, or attached to buildings. Colonies are started by a single queen in spring, with workers emerging in early summer and populations peaking in late summer. These hornets feed on other insects and nectar, playing a role in pest control. However, they are highly defensive of their nests and can sting repeatedly, posing a threat to people and pets nearby. Colonies die in late fall, with only new queens overwintering to begin the cycle again in spring.