Wasps create intricate structures for their survival; whether these are called “hives” depends on the species. Most social wasps construct communal nests, often colloquially referred to as hives, central to their colonies. Solitary wasps exhibit different nesting behaviors, typically building individual nests rather than large communal structures. These diverse habits are fundamental to the wasp life cycle.
Types of Wasp Nests
Wasp nests display significant diversity, primarily categorized by whether they are built by social or solitary wasps. Social wasps, such as paper wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets, construct distinctive paper-like nests. Paper wasps often build umbrella-shaped nests with exposed hexagonal cells, typically found hanging from sheltered areas like eaves or branches.
Yellowjackets and hornets create enclosed, multi-layered nests resembling a paper-mâché ball, with a single opening for entry and exit. Yellowjacket nests are frequently found underground in abandoned rodent burrows or within wall voids, while hornets often build their larger, football-shaped nests in trees or on buildings.
Solitary wasps, the majority of wasp species, do not form colonies, and their nesting habits are more varied. Many solitary species excavate burrows in the ground, while others, like mud daubers, construct nests from mud in sheltered locations, sometimes forming tubular structures resembling organ pipes.
How Wasps Build Nests
Social wasps create their nests from a paper-like material. They achieve this by scraping wood fibers from sources like fences, trees, or even cardboard using their strong jaws. These wood fibers are then chewed and mixed with the wasp’s saliva, forming a soft, paste-like pulp.
This pulp is then applied and dries into a papery substance. Nest construction typically begins in spring when a queen wasp emerges from hibernation and selects a suitable site.
She initiates the nest by creating a small stalk, called a petiole, and then constructs the first few hexagonal cells where she lays her eggs. As the colony grows, worker wasps take over the task of collecting materials and expanding the nest by adding more layers and cells.
Why Wasps Build Nests
Wasp nests serve functions for the colony’s survival and growth. Their primary purpose is to provide shelter and protection for the queen, her eggs, larvae, and pupae from predators and harsh environmental conditions.
The nest acts as an enclosure, safeguarding the developmental stages of the wasps. Beyond protection, nests function as a central hub for colony organization, facilitating the cooperative care of the young and the efficient management of resources.
While wasps do not typically store large amounts of food within the nest like some other insects, it is the site where larvae are fed and nurtured. Nests are often located in sheltered, undisturbed places, such as under roof eaves, inside sheds, within wall voids, underground, or in trees and shrubs. These locations offer stability and concealment, contributing to the colony’s safety and development.