Everything You Need To Know About Wasp Nests

When I became a beekeeper, little did I know that so much of my time would be taken up by insects that are NOT honeybees. Like bumblebees, solitary bees, varroa mites, woodlice and wasps. I even encountered a very rare Death’s Head Hawk Moth at one stage! As beekeeper, I am often asked to remove or rehome all kinds on critters. Mostly swarms of honeybees or honeybee colonies, bumblebee nests and wasp nests. But do wasp nests always have to be removed? In what situations can they be left alone, and how should you go about removing a wasp nest safely? Read on for all you need to know about wasps, how they live, how to determine if a nest should be removed or not, and how best to do it.

When I get called out to remove a nest, many times the homeowners do not know exactly what type of insect it is. So, unless I get a picture of the nest or insect, I don’t know either until I get there. The owner of the home where this wasp-nest was removed from thought that they had a colony of honeybees in the attic, but it turned out to be a gigantic wasp nest! I just had to strap it onto the child seat on my bike and bring it home to show my little boy!

Types of wasps nests and how they’re constructed

Considering the fact that there are an estimated 30,000 identified species of wasps according to National Geographic, there is no question that the types of nesting for this specific pollinator can vary, depending on the location, climate, and species of wasp.

Paper wasps are social wasps that commonly feed on insect pests in gardens, making them a beneficial pollinator to have nearby. Their name is closely related to their nest, as paper wasps actually make their nests out of paper!

According to Wilson-Rich, paper wasps will make their nests by a process called maceration, or by chewing the fibers of wood, bark, and cloth. By doing so, the raw material breaks down and forms a paper-like product that they use for their umbrella-shaped nests in protected locations like on tree branches, in attics, on door frames, or even in shrubs.

Hornets, the largest of the social wasps, make their nests similarly to the paper wasps. They also create nests out of the paper-like product of maceration. However, hornet nests are, fittingly, larger than those of paper wasps.

Additionally, another key difference between paper wasp nests and hornet nests is the structure of the hive’s entrance. Hornet nests are structured in what is known as closed architecture. The hornet nest is surrounded by an envelope, an outer layer, that only has one small opening at the bottom of the nest.

Also referred to as a “mud dauber”, a mud wasp constructs its nest out of mud and can often be found on sides of buildings or bridges. A mud wasp is also a solitary wasp, which means that there is one wasp building a single nest and calling it home. These nests are constructed with mud or clay, in addition to the saliva of the insect and these materials are formed into a tube-like structure. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, a female mud dauber will carry “mud balls from a puddle to the nest site, and a cell takes about an hour to construct.”

Various solitary insects like digger wasps will dig a tunnel in the ground to make their home and to lay eggs. According to Wilson-Rich, these wasps will dig a hole into the ground individually, and it is the female that creates this nest. These wasps are not easily found since only the opening is visible and not the nest itself.

Social wasps vs solitary wasps nests

Scientifically, social insects are defined as having an overlap of generations, cooperative care of the brood (babies), and reproductive division of labor (typically called queens and workers). A solitary insect is the exact opposite, in which the insects live by themselves and don’t interact with or rely on others to survive.

According to Dr. Noah Wilson-Rich, Co-Founder of The Best Bees Company, many solitary wasps and bees make their nests underground, excavating a hole within which they will raise their young. There are similarities in the nesting and foraging habits of solitary wasps and bees, but the differences truly lie in their behavior and biochemistry. However, the same cannot be said for solitary and social wasps, as their nesting behavior differs depending on its sociality.

What’s Inside A Wasp’s Nest | What’s Inside?

FAQ

How do you get rid of a wasp nest?

1. Approach the nest slowly and quietly at night time;
2. Take a garbage bag and slowly cover the wasp nest;
3. Detach the wasp nest from the tree or wall it is attached to and seal the bag;
4. Place the garbage bag in an outside garbage can that has a tightly fitted lid, preferable away from the house.

What happens if you ignore a wasp’s nest?

It’s affecting your property

Luckily, wasp nests don’t usually cause too much, if any, damage to buildings. However, the risk is not completely zero and so if your domestic or commercial property is beginning to show signs of damage as a result of a wasps nest, it’s time to call the professionals.

How long does a wasp nest last?

Wasp nests typically last anywhere between three to four months. Even if a wasp nest dies off by winter, it can come back after winter when conditions are once again ideal. These insects typically start building their nests in the spring when the weather warms up.

Should I leave a wasp nest alone?

Yes, it is generally recommended to remove an abandoned wasp or hornet’s nest from your home. Even though the nest may be empty, it can still attract new colonies or become a home for other pests. Additionally, the nest could deteriorate over time and pose a risk of falling and causing damage or injury.

What is a wasp nest made of?

Wasp nests are made from saliva and chewed wood pulp, giving them their distinctive papery walls. Foraging wasps create this material by chewing on things like plant particles and wood. The appearance of wasp nests can vary based on the species that built them.

What does a wasp nest look like?

Wasps nests can look quite different depending on the species. Some wasp nests look like a large ball of paper about the size of a basketball, while others made from mud have a vase-like shape and are typically stuck in a niche, such as the corner of the ceiling on a covered porch.

How does a wasp nest work?

Each wasp nest is created out of wood fiber which is shaped in hexagonal tubular cells that are placed next to each other. The material of this nest is wood. A queen wasp starts collecting wood. Using strong jaws, small pieces of wood are mixed with water and saliva until they are broken down into a soft paper-like material.

What is a social wasp nest?

A social wasp nest is a fantastic and sophisticated structure that can be quite architectural, rivaling the honeycombs made by honey bees. Depending on the species and number of wasps, these nests can be truly impressive.

Where do wasps build their nests?

Wasps make their nests from saliva and chewed wood pulp, giving them particular papery walls. They are usually built in sheltered areas with easy access outdoors, like roof spaces, wall cavities, bird boxes, hollow trees, under eaves, garages, or sheds. Ground nests are usually built in hidden locations like dense trees or bushes.

How do I find a wasp nest?

When trying to find a wasp nest, pay attention to the signs of activity and behavior that may lead you to their hidden nests. Here are three key points to help you locate a wasp nest: Look for wasps flying in a specific pattern to pinpoint the location of a nest. Keep an eye out for nests hidden in trees, underground, or on neighboring properties.