I suppose in the big picture they do have a purpose, but if you have ever been wacked by a bald face hornet.you would have a serious hate on , they pack a supreme punch. it will knock you back. When I got stung I actually heard, a loud smack, or at least I thought I did, and that was on the arm. EWW man!!! , I kill them and run for higher ground. It really really hurts. !!! It's way worse than a black wasp bite. I would venture to say near 20 times that of a bee. bees are nothing compared to a bald face.