The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is a large social wasp species found across Europe and North America. Understanding its nest’s appearance and typical locations is important for identification. This article describes the distinct features of European hornet nests.
External Characteristics of a European Hornet Nest
A European hornet nest often presents an irregular or amorphous shape, though it can sometimes be more rounded or oval, resembling a large football. These nests can become substantial, with mature structures often reaching 2 feet in length and 20 inches in diameter. Some nests in warmer climates have been observed to be even larger, up to 3 feet long.
The nest is constructed from a paper-pulp mixture, created by worker hornets chewing wood fibers and mixing them with saliva. This results in a distinctive dull grayish-brown or tan coloration, giving the nest a papery or carton-like appearance. The outer envelope is typically thick and protective, sometimes exhibiting visible striations or bands from different wood sources. While the outer surface can appear somewhat smooth due to its layered construction, it may also be coarse or ragged, particularly if built in an exposed or less confined space.
Common Nesting Sites
European hornets prefer building their nests in sheltered, dark, and often enclosed locations. Common sites include hollow trees, a primary natural nesting habitat. They also frequently establish colonies within human-made structures, such as wall voids of houses, attics, sheds, and barns.
Nests are typically hidden from plain sight, unlike those of some other hornet species. While aerial nests are rare, portions of the papery nest material may sometimes extend outside a cavity or void, making them visible. Occasionally, European hornets may build nests underground in cavities, though this is less common.
Differentiating from Other Nests
Identifying a European hornet nest involves distinguishing it from other social wasps or hornets. Yellowjacket nests, for instance, are generally smaller and often have a more uniform, smooth outer envelope, particularly if built in exposed locations. Yellowjackets commonly build their nests underground in abandoned rodent burrows, or within wall cavities and other structural voids. Their nests typically lack the coarse, thick, tan material characteristic of European hornet nests.
In contrast, bald-faced hornet nests are distinctly different from European hornet nests. Bald-faced hornet nests are typically football or teardrop-shaped and are almost always found in exposed, aerial locations, such as hanging from tree branches, shrubs, or building eaves. These nests are characterized by a smooth, gray paper-like outer shell, which is visually distinct from the often dull grayish-brown and sometimes rougher texture of a European hornet nest. European hornet nests rarely appear freely suspended like the football-shaped nests of bald-faced hornets.