Wasps construct nests that serve as homes for the colony, providing a safe place for the queen to lay eggs and larvae to develop. The specific design and location of a wasp nest often depend on the species, reflecting their varied behaviors and environmental adaptations.
Nests in Natural Outdoor Environments
In natural outdoor settings, wasps build nests in various locations, often using existing features for shelter. Ground-nesting species, such as yellowjackets, frequently establish colonies underground. They repurpose abandoned rodent burrows or excavate their own cavities in the soil, creating a hidden space for their nests. These subterranean nests can grow quite large, sometimes housing thousands of individuals.
Other wasps, like paper wasps, construct exposed nests in trees and shrubs. These umbrella-shaped nests hang from branches or dense foliage, made from chewed wood fibers. Hornets, including bald-faced and European hornets, build larger, enclosed aerial nests. Bald-faced hornet nests are often football-shaped and attached to high tree branches or utility poles, while European hornets may prefer tree hollows or dense bushes. Wasps also utilize other natural cavities, such as hollow logs, rock crevices, or fallen logs, for nest establishment.
Nests Within Human-Made Structures
Wasps often adapt to human-made environments, building nests near or within buildings. Sheltered spots like eaves, roof overhangs, and porch ceilings are common choices for paper wasps and some yellowjackets, offering weather protection and easy outdoor access. Paper wasp nests are often found attached to these horizontal surfaces, appearing as an open comb of hexagonal cells.
Concealed spaces within structures are also favored nesting sites for certain species. Yellowjackets and European hornets often build nests inside wall voids, attics, or crawlspaces, gaining entry through small openings. Mud daubers construct distinctive tube-like nests from mud, attaching them to sheltered corners, walls, or porch ceilings, and can also be found in attics or garages. Sheds, garages, and other outbuildings offer suitable interior spaces, often utilizing exposed beams or rafters for support. Wasps may also nest under decks or patios, or in less obvious spots like utility boxes or outdoor furniture.
Factors Guiding Nest Placement
Several environmental factors influence a wasp’s choice of nesting site. A primary consideration is shelter from elements like rain, wind, and extreme temperatures, crucial for colony survival.
Protection from predators is another important factor, leading wasps to select secluded or elevated spots difficult for threats to access. Structural support is also necessary for the nest, whether a branch, rock, or building surface, providing a stable foundation for construction. The availability of suitable building materials, like wood fibers for paper nests or mud for mud daubers, in the immediate vicinity of the chosen site is also a consideration. Proximity to food and water sources also guides nest placement. Wasps are attracted to areas where they can easily find insects, nectar, sugary substances, or standing water to support the colony’s needs. This often explains why wasp nests are found near gardens, orchards, or human outdoor activity areas.