Many people wonder if hornets burrow in the ground, a common question often stemming from encounters with stinging insects emerging from the soil. While some stinging insects do reside underground, true hornets (Vespa) generally do not construct their nests beneath the earth’s surface. This inquiry highlights a widespread misunderstanding, as understanding the distinct habits of different social wasps clarifies this point of confusion.
Hornets and Ground Nests
True hornets typically do not build their nests in the ground. The common belief that they do often arises from confusing hornets with other social wasps, particularly yellowjackets. Yellowjackets (Vespula and Dolichovespula) are well-known for establishing their colonies in subterranean locations. Some hornet species, such as the Asian giant hornet, can occasionally utilize abandoned rodent burrows or other underground cavities for nesting. However, this behavior is not characteristic of most true hornets, which prefer different environments. Therefore, if you observe stinging insects frequently entering and exiting a hole in the ground, it is more probable that you are encountering a yellowjacket nest.
Hornet Nesting Habits
Hornets, including species like the European hornet and bald-faced hornet, typically construct their nests above ground. They favor sheltered, protected areas such as hollow trees, attics, sheds, wall voids, or under eaves of buildings. Some species, like the bald-faced hornet, may also suspend their nests from tree branches or large bushes.
These nests are fabricated from wood fibers mixed with saliva, resulting in a distinct papery material. Hornet nests are generally enclosed, often pear-shaped or football-shaped, and feature a single entrance hole. Their size can vary, with mature nests sometimes reaching the size of a basketball. Inside, the nest contains hexagonal combs where the queen lays eggs and the colony develops. These structures are typically used for only one season, as colonies die off with winter, and new queens establish fresh nests in spring.
Ground-Nesting Wasps
The insects most frequently associated with ground nests are yellowjackets. These social wasps often build their colonies in abandoned rodent burrows, tree root cavities, or other natural underground voids. The subterranean environment provides security and stable temperatures.
Their nests, constructed from a paper-like material within these cavities, are usually not visible from the surface. The only outward sign of a ground nest is typically a small entrance hole from which the wasps fly in and out. Sometimes, small piles of excavated dirt or horseshoe-shaped mounds can be observed around the entrance of an active ground nest. Yellowjackets are known for their aggressive defense of their nests, especially in late summer and fall when their colonies reach peak populations. Disturbing a ground nest can provoke a rapid and aggressive swarm, as vibrations quickly alert the colony.
Identifying Nests and Safety
Distinguishing hornet and ground-nesting wasp nests involves observing their location and structure. Hornet nests are typically large, visible, and suspended above ground in trees, shrubs, or on structures, with a distinctive papery, enclosed appearance. In contrast, ground-nesting wasp nests are indicated by a small, often inconspicuous, entrance hole directly in the ground, from which wasps emerge and enter.
When encountering any social wasp or hornet nest, maintaining a safe distance is important. Avoid sudden movements, which can be perceived as a threat and trigger defensive behavior. If a nest is located near high-traffic areas or poses a risk, seek assistance from a professional pest control service. Attempting to remove a nest without proper equipment or expertise can be dangerous.