Hornet nests vary widely in shape, location, and construction depending on the environment and available shelter. From hanging paper nests to hidden underground chambers, each nest type is designed to protect the colony and support its growth. Understanding the different types of hornet nests can help with identification, safety awareness, and proper response when nests are found near homes or public spaces.
1. Aerial Paper Nest
Aerial paper nests are the most recognizable hornet nests, often seen hanging from trees, roofs, or other elevated structures. These nests are built from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, forming a strong, papery shell that protects the colony from weather and predators. As the colony grows, the nest can expand significantly in size over the season.
Identification
- Large, enclosed paper-like structure
- Usually oval or teardrop-shaped
- Gray or brown layered appearance
- Suspended from branches, eaves, or beams
Structure and Design
The nest consists of multiple internal comb layers surrounded by a protective outer обол shell. A single entrance opening allows hornets to move in and out while helping regulate airflow and temperature inside the nest.
Purpose and Function
Aerial paper nests serve as the central living space for the hornet colony. They protect larvae, store food resources, and provide a safe environment for the queen and workers to develop and function.
Common Locations
These nests are commonly found hanging from tree branches, roof eaves, utility poles, barns, sheds, and other elevated outdoor structures that offer stability and shelter.
2. Ground Nest
Ground nests are hornet nests built below the surface, often hidden from view and discovered only when disturbed. These nests take advantage of natural soil insulation, helping regulate temperature and protect the colony from predators and weather extremes.
Identification
- Entrance hole in soil or turf
- Hidden underground chamber
- Increased hornet activity near ground level
- Often mistaken for rodent burrows
Structure and Design
The nest is constructed inside an underground cavity, with paper combs attached to soil walls. A narrow tunnel serves as the main entrance, allowing hornets to defend the nest easily.
Purpose and Function
Ground nests provide excellent protection and temperature stability. They are especially effective in open areas where aerial nesting sites are limited.
Common Locations
These nests are commonly found in lawns, gardens, fields, forest floors, and along embankments or slopes with loose soil.
3. Tree Hollow Nest
Tree hollow nests are built inside natural cavities within living or dead trees. These nests are well concealed, offering hornets strong protection from weather and predators while allowing easy access to nearby foraging areas.
Identification
- Nest hidden inside a tree cavity
- Small entrance hole in trunk or branch
- Frequent hornet traffic in and out of the opening
- Often not visible from the outside
Structure and Design
Hornets construct layered paper combs inside the hollow space, attaching them to the inner wood surfaces. The surrounding wood provides insulation and structural support for the colony.
Purpose and Function
Tree hollow nests offer natural shelter and stable internal conditions. The enclosed space helps protect developing larvae and allows the colony to grow with minimal disturbance.
Common Locations
These nests are typically found in old trees, rotting trunks, large branches, and wooded areas where natural cavities are available.
4. Wall Cavity Nest
Wall cavity nests are hornet nests built inside the hollow spaces of walls, making them difficult to detect until hornet activity becomes noticeable. These nests offer warmth, protection, and concealment, especially in human structures.
Identification
- Hornets entering and exiting through small wall gaps
- Buzzing sounds inside walls
- No visible external nest structure
- Increased activity around vents or cracks
Structure and Design
Inside the wall cavity, hornets construct layered paper combs attached to internal surfaces. The enclosed space provides insulation and helps regulate temperature within the nest.
Purpose and Function
Wall cavity nests protect the colony from predators and weather while offering a stable environment for raising larvae. The hidden location also reduces the chance of early detection.
Common Locations
These nests are commonly found in house walls, garages, sheds, barns, and other buildings with hollow construction spaces.
5. Roof Eave Nest
Roof eave nests are built under roof overhangs where hornets can attach their paper structures to sheltered surfaces. These locations provide protection from rain and wind while keeping the nest elevated and secure.
Identification
- Paper nest attached under roof edges
- Visible hornet traffic near eaves
- Oval or rounded nest shape
- Gray or brown layered appearance
Structure and Design
The nest is anchored to the underside of the eave and expands outward as the colony grows. Its layered paper shell helps insulate the interior and protect developing larvae.
Purpose and Function
Roof eave nests offer a safe, dry location for hornets to establish colonies close to reliable food sources. The elevated position also helps reduce ground-level threats.
Common Locations
These nests are commonly found under house eaves, porch roofs, garages, barns, and sheds with protective overhangs.
6. Attic Nest
Attic nests are hornet nests built inside enclosed roof spaces, offering warmth, darkness, and protection. These nests can grow large without being noticed, as hornets often enter through small exterior openings.
Identification
- Hornets entering through roof vents or gaps
- Buzzing or scratching sounds in the ceiling
- No visible outdoor nest
- Increased hornet presence near rooflines
Structure and Design
Inside the attic, hornets construct layered paper combs attached to beams or rafters. The enclosed space allows the nest to expand while remaining protected from weather.
Purpose and Function
Attic nests provide excellent insulation and security for hornet colonies. The warm environment supports rapid brood development throughout the active season.
Common Locations
These nests are typically found in residential attics, barns, storage lofts, and roof spaces with limited human disturbance.
7. Shrub Nest
Shrub nests are hornet nests built within dense bushes or low vegetation, offering natural concealment and protection. These nests are often overlooked because surrounding foliage hides them from view.
Identification
- Nest hidden within thick shrubs
- Hornets flying in and out of vegetation
- Paper-like structure partially visible
- Increased activity around bushes
Structure and Design
The nest is attached to sturdy branches inside the shrub. Leaves and stems help shield it from wind, rain, and predators while supporting the paper shell.
Purpose and Function
Shrub nests provide camouflage and moderate shelter, allowing hornets to establish colonies close to ground-level food sources.
Common Locations
These nests are commonly found in hedges, ornamental shrubs, garden bushes, and dense landscaping near homes or open areas.
8. Underground Burrow Nest
Underground burrow nests are hornet nests established below the soil surface, often using abandoned animal burrows. These nests are well protected and can be dangerous if accidentally disturbed.
Identification
- Single entrance hole in soil
- Heavy hornet traffic near ground level
- No visible nest structure above ground
- Often located in open or grassy areas
Structure and Design
Hornets expand existing burrows or cavities and build paper combs inside the underground chamber. The surrounding soil provides insulation and structural protection.
Purpose and Function
These nests offer excellent temperature regulation and concealment, helping colonies survive in exposed environments.
Common Locations
Commonly found in lawns, fields, gardens, embankments, and forest floors where soft soil or old burrows are present.
9. Log Nest
Log nests are hornet nests built inside hollow or decaying logs, providing natural shelter and insulation. These nests are well hidden and often go unnoticed unless the log is moved or disturbed.
Identification
- Hornets entering cracks or holes in logs
- No visible external nest
- Increased activity around fallen or rotting wood
- Often discovered accidentally
Structure and Design
Hornets construct layered paper combs inside the hollow sections of the log. The thick wood walls help regulate temperature and protect the colony from predators and weather.
Purpose and Function
Log nests offer secure, insulated environments that support colony growth while keeping the nest concealed.
Common Locations
These nests are commonly found in fallen trees, rotting logs, stacked firewood, and wooded areas with decaying timber.
10. Rock Crevice Nest
Rock crevice nests are hornet nests built inside narrow gaps and cracks within rocky surfaces. These nests are naturally protected by stone, making them difficult to detect and well shielded from weather, predators, and human disturbance.
Identification
- Hornets entering and exiting rock cracks
- No visible hanging nest
- Increased activity around stone surfaces
- Often mistaken for natural insect movement
Structure and Design
Inside the crevice, hornets construct layered paper combs attached to the inner rock surfaces. The tight space limits nest expansion but provides excellent structural support and insulation.
Purpose and Function
Rock crevice nests offer strong natural protection and stable internal temperatures. The concealed entrance helps the colony remain hidden while allowing efficient defense against intruders.
Common Locations
These nests are commonly found in rocky hillsides, stone walls, cliffs, retaining walls, garden rock features, and natural outcrops where deep cracks or gaps are present.
11. Shed Nest
Shed nests are hornet nests built inside or attached to outdoor storage buildings where human activity is minimal. These nests benefit from shelter, stable surfaces, and limited disturbance, allowing colonies to grow undetected for long periods.
Identification
- Visible paper nest attached to beams or corners
- Increased hornet activity around the structure
- Buzzing sounds from inside the shed
Structure and Design
Hornets attach layered paper combs to wooden beams, rafters, or wall supports. The enclosed space protects the nest from rain and wind while allowing it to expand throughout the season.
Purpose and Function
Shed nests provide a safe, sheltered environment for colony development. The structure allows hornets to remain close to outdoor food sources while staying protected.
Common Locations
These nests are commonly found in garden sheds, tool sheds, barns, storage buildings, and unused outbuildings in both rural and suburban areas.
12. Abandoned Structure Nest
Abandoned structure nests are hornet nests built inside unused or neglected buildings where there is little to no human activity. These environments provide ample space, shelter, and long-term stability for large colonies to develop.
Identification
- Heavy hornet traffic around empty buildings
- Nests attached to beams, ceilings, or walls
- Paper-like layered structure
- Often multiple nests in one structure
Structure and Design
Hornets construct large paper nests attached to stable surfaces such as beams or ceiling supports. The lack of disturbance allows nests to grow larger than those in occupied buildings.
Purpose and Function
These nests offer ideal conditions for colony expansion and brood development. The quiet environment reduces stress and increases survival rates for the colony.
Common Locations
These nests are typically found in abandoned houses, barns, warehouses, old sheds, and unused industrial buildings.
FAQs
1. Are hornet nests dangerous to approach?
Yes, hornets aggressively defend their nests. Getting too close can trigger attacks, especially if the nest is disturbed.
2. How can you tell if a hornet nest is active?
Active nests have frequent hornet movement in and out of an entrance, along with audible buzzing near the nest area.
3. Do hornets reuse old nests?
No, hornets typically abandon nests at the end of the season. New nests are built each year by a queen.
4. Can hornet nests be safely removed without professional help?
Removing a hornet nest yourself is risky. Professional pest control is recommended, especially for large or hidden nests.
5. When is the best time to remove a hornet nest?
Late fall or winter is safest, as colonies are inactive or abandoned during colder months.
