Hornet nests are intricate structures built by social insects, serving as the central hub for their colonies. Understanding their visual characteristics, common locations, and distinctions from other insect nests is important for identification.
Visual Hallmarks of a Hornet Nest
Hornet nests typically exhibit a distinctive appearance, often recognized by their enclosed, papery structure. Many nests are spherical, pear-shaped, or egg-shaped, though some can be more elongated or resemble a football. These structures are constructed from wood fibers chewed and mixed with saliva, giving them a unique papery texture. The exterior often appears grayish-brown or tan, sometimes with visible swirling patterns or concentric layers of paper. This material is durable and provides insulation and protection for the colony within.
A single, often downward-facing entrance hole allows hornets to enter and exit the nest. The size of hornet nests can vary significantly, growing considerably throughout the season as the colony expands. Mature nests can reach sizes comparable to a basketball or even larger, sometimes measuring several feet in diameter or up to two feet in length. Inside, the nest contains multiple layers of hexagonal combs where eggs are laid and young are reared, all enclosed by an outer envelope.
Common Nesting Locations
Hornets select nesting sites that offer shelter and protection. Aerial nests are frequently observed suspended from high branches of trees or dense shrubs. They may also attach their nests to the eaves of houses, attics, sheds, utility poles, or other elevated structures. These visible nests are often built by species like the bald-faced hornet, which despite its name, is a type of yellowjacket.
True hornets, such as the European hornet, more commonly build their nests in concealed or semi-concealed locations. These can include hollow trees, wall voids, attics, barns, or other sheltered spaces within structures. While some hornet species, like certain Asian hornets, might nest underground, ground-nesting stinging insects are more frequently yellowjackets, which often utilize abandoned rodent burrows or other subterranean cavities.
Telling Hornet Nests Apart
Distinguishing hornet nests from those of other social insects requires attention to specific features. Hornet nests are typically large, enclosed, and possess a distinct papery outer shell with a single entrance. In contrast, paper wasp nests, while also made of paper, are generally smaller and have an open, umbrella-like comb structure where individual cells are visible. Paper wasp nests often hang from eaves or similar protected spots, but lack the enclosed envelope characteristic of hornet nests.
Yellowjacket nests can sometimes resemble hornet nests in their papery composition and color, but they are often found in different locations and may have a smoother exterior. Many yellowjacket species prefer to build their nests underground in cavities or within wall voids, making the nest itself less visible. Beehives are fundamentally different, being constructed from wax to form honeycomb structures, which are typically found in hollow trees or man-made structures, and are not made of paper pulp.