We have an aerial nest, attached to a metal snow rake hanging next to the garage (faces east) that is shaped like a tornado with a long, skinny spout entry area at the bottom. It looks like typical wasp nest material, now with an added umbrella shape they are building at the top. I've seen about 6 insects flying/entering/exiting. So far with the naked eye from a distance they look black, like a large fly. Could it be the aerial nesting yellow jackets (also called baldfaced or black hornets)? Is there a web site where I can view various nest pics to help identify? Thanx

I am not an expert in insect identification, so I asked Phil Nixon, Extension Specialist, PAT/Ornamental Household Insects, for his opinion. He thinks that this sounds like a young baldfaced hornet nest. They eventually get to be football-sized and shaped. I will e-mail you a photo of a young nest and an adult wasp to see if this is the species you are dealing with near your garage.