Hornets are social insects that construct intricate paper-like nests from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. Species like the Bald-faced hornet and the European hornet are commonly encountered, often building nests in trees, under eaves, or within protected cavities. Discovering one near your home requires determining if the nest poses an immediate threat before considering removal. Assessing the activity level is the most important step, as an active colony can deliver multiple painful stings if disturbed.
Seasonal Context for Nest Abandonment
Most hornet colonies operate on an annual cycle, meaning the nest is only active for a single season. A foundress queen begins building a small nest in the spring, which expands throughout the summer as the worker population grows. The colony reaches its peak population in late summer or fall. As temperatures drop in late autumn, the old queen and all worker hornets die off, leaving the nest abandoned. Only newly mated queens survive, departing to hibernate over winter, ensuring hornets do not reuse the old structure the following spring.
Immediate Signs of Current Occupancy
An inhabited nest displays clear signs of activity, which should be observed from at least 20 feet away. The most telling sign is a high volume of traffic, consisting of a steady stream of worker hornets entering and exiting the entrance, especially during warm midday hours. You may also notice guard hornets patrolling the perimeter or hear a distinct, low humming or buzzing sound emanating from within the paper structure. If any of these signs are apparent, the nest should be treated as dangerous, and no further investigation should be attempted.
Physical Indicators of an Empty Nest
Once late fall or winter arrives, the lack of activity is the primary indicator that a nest is empty. To confirm abandonment, observe the structure during the warmest part of the day on multiple consecutive days, as this is when hornets are most active. A truly empty nest will exhibit no visible traffic or sound whatsoever, regardless of the warm temperature. Over time, an abandoned nest will begin to show physical signs of weathering and deterioration. The paper-like shell may appear shriveled, faded, or discolored, often showing damage caused by rain, wind, or scavenging animals.
Safe Procedures for Handling the Nest
If observation confirms the nest is empty, physical removal can generally be done safely. Even when certain a nest is inactive, wearing thick gloves, long sleeves, and safety glasses is a reasonable precaution. The nest can be carefully detached, placed into a heavy-duty plastic bag, and disposed of with regular trash. If the nest is still active, or if you have any lingering uncertainty about its status, the only safe procedure is to contact a professional pest control service. Attempting to remove or treat an occupied hornet nest yourself can provoke a defensive swarm, resulting in numerous stings.