Wasp nests vary in appearance and size. Understanding their typical dimensions provides insight into the different species that construct them.
The Building Blocks of a Wasp Nest
Wasps construct their nests primarily from a paper-like material they create themselves. They gather wood fibers from sources like dead wood or plant stems, chew them, and mix them with saliva to form a pulp. As this pulp dries, it hardens into the papery substance that gives the nests their distinctive appearance and structure.
Construction begins in spring with a single queen. She selects a suitable site, builds a small stalk (petiole) to anchor the nest, and adds hexagonal cells. Once her first offspring mature into worker wasps, they take over foraging for materials and expanding the nest.
Typical Sizes Across Different Wasp Species
Wasp nest sizes vary significantly by species. Paper wasp nests are often characterized by their open, umbrella-like appearance with visible hexagonal cells. They typically measure between 6 to 8 inches in diameter and can contain up to 200 cells.
Yellowjacket nests tend to be more enclosed and are often built underground or within cavities. By the end of a typical season, these nests can grow to the size of a basketball. While many are round, measuring 6 to 8 inches, some can become comparable to a volleyball.
Hornet nests are generally large, enclosed structures, often spherical or teardrop-shaped, with a protective outer paper layer. A bald-faced hornet nest can reach up to two feet in length and over one foot in diameter. These structures can house hundreds of workers, with some colonies reaching up to 700 individuals. European hornet nests, while often hidden in cavities, can also become quite substantial.
Factors Driving Nest Growth and Size
Several biological and environmental factors influence the ultimate size a wasp nest can achieve. The age of the colony is a primary determinant, as nests begin small in spring with a single queen and expand rapidly as worker wasps emerge and contribute to construction throughout the summer. Colony populations typically reach their peak in late summer or early fall.
The availability of food resources plays a significant role in supporting nest growth. Ample food allows the colony to sustain a larger population of workers, leading to faster nest expansion and more cells constructed to house new offspring.
Environmental conditions also impact nest development. Wasps thrive in warm and dry conditions, which are optimal for the overall activity of the colony. Favorable weather can lead to accelerated nest growth, while colder or wetter conditions can limit expansion. In some warmer climates, mild winters allow colonies to survive and grow into exceptionally large, multi-year nests, exceeding typical seasonal sizes.
Where Wasp Nests are Constructed
The location where a wasp nest is built is often specific to the species and can influence its potential maximum size. Paper wasps typically favor sheltered, exposed locations such as under eaves, porch ceilings, or in tree branches. Their open, umbrella-shaped nests are commonly found hanging from these surfaces.
Yellowjackets, in contrast, frequently construct their nests underground, often utilizing abandoned rodent burrows or other existing soil cavities. They can also build nests in concealed spaces above ground, including wall voids, attics, or hollow trees.
Hornets display varied nesting preferences. Bald-faced hornets commonly build their distinctive spherical nests in exposed locations like high tree branches or under building eaves. European hornets typically seek out more secluded, dark, and hollow spaces such as tree cavities, wall voids, or attics. The confined nature of these concealed locations can sometimes limit the physical expansion of the nest, even as the colony population grows.