Hornet nests are intricate structures built by social insects, serving as the central hub for their colonies. Identifying these nests is important for understanding their presence and for safety, as hornets can become defensive when their nests are disturbed.
Distinctive Visual Features
Hornet nests typically exhibit a unique appearance, recognized by their papery outer shell. The overall shape can vary, frequently appearing spherical or pear-shaped, though some species, like bald-faced hornets, construct football-shaped nests. These structures can grow considerably throughout a season, often reaching the size of a basketball or larger by late summer.
The color of a hornet nest usually ranges from grayish to brownish, reflecting the materials used in its construction. Hornets create this paper-like material by chewing wood fibers and mixing them with their saliva. This process results in a layered, often smooth texture on the nest’s exterior, providing a protective barrier for the colony within.
A single, often small, opening typically serves as the entry and exit point for hornets, usually located near the bottom or side of the nest. This access point helps protect the colony from external threats and weather. Inside this protective envelope, the nest contains horizontal layers of hexagonal combs where eggs are laid and young hornets develop.
Common Nest Locations
Hornet nests are commonly found in sheltered areas that offer protection from the elements. Many species, particularly bald-faced hornets, construct aerial nests. These are often suspended from tree branches, utility poles, or large bushes. They may also attach their nests to structures like building eaves, roof overhangs, or sheds.
Other hornet species, such as European hornets, prefer to build their nests within enclosed spaces. These cavity nests can be found in hollow trees, wall voids, attics, or sheds. While hornets generally build their nests above ground, ground nesting can occur. The choice of location often serves as a primary clue for identifying a hornet nest.
Distinguishing Hornet Nests from Others
Differentiating hornet nests from those of other stinging insects, like yellowjackets, paper wasps, and bees, involves observing key structural and locational differences. Hornet nests are distinguished by their distinct papery envelope that fully encloses the internal comb structure. This layered design contrasts with the nests of other common wasps.
Yellowjacket nests, while also made of a paper-like pulp, often lack the prominent outer shell of a hornet nest, especially when built in cavities. Yellowjackets frequently nest underground in abandoned burrows, wall voids, or other hidden areas, rather than in exposed aerial locations like many hornets. Their above-ground nests can be more brittle in appearance.
Paper wasp nests are typically smaller and characterized by their open, exposed comb structure, often resembling an umbrella without an outer covering. These nests usually hang from a single stalk in sheltered spots like eaves or porch ceilings. Bee nests, particularly honeybees, are entirely different, consisting of wax combs with hexagonal cells and are often found within enclosed spaces like tree hollows or wall cavities. Bumblebees, in contrast, typically create fuzzy, irregular nests in underground burrows.