Hornets, including the European and Bald-faced hornet, are social insects that construct intricate paper nests for their colonies. Understanding the specific nesting habits of these two common species helps in identification and safely managing their presence. The structure and placement of the nest often provide the clearest clue to which type of hornet is nearby.
Identifying Hornet Nests
Hornets create their nests by chewing wood fibers, mixing the pulp with saliva to form a gray or tan paper-like material. Bald-faced hornet nests are typically large, conspicuous, and aerial, often resembling an oversized, gray football or teardrop shape. These structures are fully enclosed with a single, small entrance hole usually located near the bottom.
European hornet nests, by contrast, are generally concealed within a sheltered cavity. Because they are hidden, these nests often lack the protective outer papery shell seen on exposed nests, giving them an irregular and less defined appearance. The nest material inside the cavity may look more like stacked tiers of comb rather than a smooth, fully enclosed structure. Activity near a single entry point, such as a hole in a tree or a house wall, suggests a hidden European hornet colony.
Common Nest Locations
The location a hornet queen chooses for her colony varies significantly between the two species. Bald-faced hornets prefer exposed, aerial locations for their distinctive paper nests. These nests are frequently suspended from tree branches, tall shrubs, utility poles, or high up under the eaves and overhangs of buildings. The nest is typically situated at least three feet off the ground, often reaching heights in the canopy of large trees.
European hornets demonstrate a preference for dark, protected cavities, making their nests far less visible. They commonly utilize natural voids like hollow trees, logs, and abandoned animal burrows. On human structures, chosen sites include attics, wall voids, sheds, and hollow spaces between the exterior and interior walls. These locations offer a stable microclimate and protection from heavy rain, wind, and potential predators.
This preference for shelter means European hornet nests are rarely found free-hanging, unlike their Bald-faced counterparts. The queen selects these enclosed spaces because the darkness and insulation help the colony regulate temperature and humidity. The entrance to a European hornet nest, whether in a tree or a wall, is typically situated more than six feet above the ground.
Seasonal Nest Behavior
Hornet colonies operate on an annual cycle, meaning the nests are temporary structures. A single fertilized queen emerges from hibernation in the spring to select a nesting site and begin construction. She lays the first batch of eggs and tends to the initial brood, which then mature into sterile female workers. Over the summer, the worker population rapidly increases, leading to the expansion of the nest structure.
By late summer and early fall, the colony reaches its maximum size, with some nests housing hundreds of individuals. At this time, the queen lays eggs that develop into new queens and males. These reproductive individuals leave the nest to mate, and the fertilized queens seek sheltered spots to overwinter. The original nest and the entire colony naturally die off with the arrival of the first hard frost, and the nest is never reused the following year.
Safety and Nest Removal
Locating a hornet nest requires maintaining a safe distance to prevent defensive behavior from the colony. Hornets are highly protective and will aggressively defend the structure if they perceive a threat within a close radius. It is wise to observe the nest from a distance to confirm the species and estimate the size of the colony before taking action.
If a nest is located in a remote area away from human activity, it is recommended to leave it undisturbed, as hornets prey on many other insects. Nests situated near doorways, walkways, or play areas present a clear risk and should be addressed. Attempting to remove a hornet nest by yourself is hazardous, especially with large aerial nests or those concealed within a wall. The safest course of action involves contacting a professional pest control service who can eliminate the colony safely without putting residents or pets at risk.