Habitat

Dolichovespula maculata spans throughout North America, found in most of the lower 48 states, throughout Canada, and even Alaska. They make their large paper nests high up in trees, thickets, or other areas above ground for protection. Their nests are comprised of chewed up fibers from plants and wood, mixed with their saliva to make an adhesive substance (Eiseman Charney and Carlson. 2010).


                                

                                              

Some of these trees and shrubs include the American Elm, Red Maple, Spicebush, and Flowering Dogwood among others (Moran. 2012). These globular paper nests can reach up to 700 hornets in a single colony. Nests can commonly be found 3-60 feet off the ground, and can attach to a variety of surfaces, including buildings (Jacobs. 2010).

                                        

Their habitat often overlaps with humans, causing problems, and the need for pest control.