Hornets, often encountered in residential areas, build intricate structures to house their colonies. Hornets, a type of social wasp, construct nests, unlike honeybees which build wax hives for honey production. Hornet nests are made from a distinct paper-like material, serving as a protective dwelling for their growing colony.
Hornet Nest Structure and Composition
Hornet nests are meticulously constructed by worker hornets. They chew wood fibers and mix them with saliva, forming a pulpy material that hardens into a papery substance. This material gives the nest a grayish-brown, papery texture. The exterior often appears smooth and layered, resembling papier-mâché, and is typically spherical or pear-shaped.
Inside the protective outer shell, hornet nests contain multiple layers of hexagonal combs. These combs, similar to those found in beehives, are where the queen lays eggs and the larvae develop. The entire structure is enclosed, with a single opening, usually located at the bottom. As the colony grows, workers continuously expand the nest, adding more layers and cells, which can lead to impressive sizes, sometimes reaching up to two feet in length.
Common Hornet Nesting Locations
Hornets select diverse locations for their nests, often seeking sheltered areas. Aerial nests are commonly found hanging from tree branches or large bushes, typically at least three feet above the ground. They frequently attach nests to human-made structures, such as under eaves, porch ceilings, roof overhangs, or inside sheds and garages. These spots offer protection and stability for the growing colony.
Some hornet species, like the European hornet, prefer concealed spaces, building nests within wall voids, attics, hollow trees, or other cavities. While hornets usually construct their homes above ground, relatives like yellow jackets might build subterranean nests in old rodent burrows or ground cavities. Therefore, a ground nest more likely indicates yellow jackets or other ground-nesting wasps.
Distinguishing Hornet Nests from Other Insects
Identifying a hornet nest involves observing its appearance, material, and typical location. Hornet nests are large, enclosed, spherical or football-shaped structures made from papery pulp. They feature a smooth, layered outer shell with a single entrance and are often suspended from trees, shrubs, or under building overhangs.
In contrast, paper wasp nests typically have an open, umbrella-shaped design with visible hexagonal cells and lack an outer envelope. They are often smaller than hornet nests and are usually attached to eaves, porch ceilings, or thin branches. Yellow jacket nests, while also papery, are frequently concealed underground in abandoned rodent burrows or within wall cavities, often having only a small, difficult-to-spot entrance. Honeybee hives, distinct from wasp and hornet nests, are constructed from wax, not paper, and consist of intricate hexagonal combs typically hidden within enclosed spaces like tree hollows or wall voids.
Safety and Management of Hornet Nests
Encountering a hornet nest requires caution, as hornets can become aggressive when disturbed. Maintaining a safe distance is important to avoid stings. Hornets can sting multiple times, and their stings can be particularly painful, posing a risk, especially to individuals with allergies.
Attempting to remove a hornet nest without professional assistance is generally not recommended due to the potential for aggressive attacks and multiple stings. DIY removal can lead to severe allergic reactions or physical injuries, such as falls from ladders. Pest control professionals possess the necessary expertise, equipment, and protective gear to safely and effectively remove hornet nests. They assess the nest’s location and size, then implement a safe removal strategy. To prevent hornets from building nests, sealing cracks and openings around homes, removing accessible food sources, and trimming overgrown vegetation can be helpful.