Wasps are common, and their nests are distinct structures constructed to house developing colonies. Recognizing the specific architecture of a wasp nest is important for determining the species and taking appropriate precautions, especially since many social wasps aggressively defend their home. This visual guide provides a clear breakdown of the physical characteristics and locations associated with the most frequently encountered wasp nests.
The Materials and Texture of Wasp Nests
The unique appearance of most social wasp nests comes from the specialized material used in their construction, which closely resembles paper. Wasps create this substance by gathering wood fibers from sources like dead trees, fences, or weathered lumber. They scrape off tiny shavings with their mandibles, mixing the wood pulp with saliva to form a malleable paste.
This process results in a lightweight, durable cellulose material that hardens as it dries. The finished nest often looks like layered, brittle papier-mâché, typically appearing in shades of gray or brown, sometimes with subtle striping depending on the wood sources used. This papery material serves only as a protective shell and housing for the developing brood.
Identifying the Three Major Nest Types
Wasp nests can be categorized into three main visual types, each corresponding to a different group of social wasps. The external appearance and structure of the nest is a reliable indicator for identifying the species responsible for its construction.
Aerial Paper Nests (Hornets)
The nests built by hornets, such as the bald-faced hornet, are characterized by their large, completely enclosed structure. These aerial nests are often spherical or oblong, resembling a football or basketball hanging from an attachment point. The color is usually a pale gray or tan, and the outer layer is made of many layers of papery material that conceals the internal hexagonal cells.
A defining feature of this type of nest is the single, small entrance hole, typically located near the bottom. Mature nests can be quite substantial, sometimes reaching up to two feet in diameter. These large, sealed structures are usually found hanging from high tree branches, dense shrubs, or attached to the sheltered corners of buildings.
Open Comb Nests (Paper Wasps)
Paper wasps construct nests that have a distinct, open-concept design. These nests are small, flat, umbrella-shaped structures that are not covered by any outer shell. The construction features a single layer of exposed, downward-facing hexagonal cells, making the nursery chambers clearly visible from below.
The entire structure is anchored to a surface—such as an eave, porch ceiling, or window frame—by a narrow stalk called a pedicel. Since the comb is exposed, these nests must be built in protected, sheltered locations to avoid rain and direct weather exposure. They are generally much smaller than aerial hornet nests, rarely exceeding the size of a lemon or small grapefruit.
Concealed Nests (Yellowjackets)
Yellowjackets are known for their preference for nesting inside existing cavities. The nest is built underground, inside abandoned rodent burrows, hollow logs, or within structural voids like wall cavities and attics.
When a yellowjacket nest is found above ground in a hollow space, it is a rounded mass of papery material, similar to the hornet nest, with one entrance. The most frequent sign of a ground nest is a single, busy hole in the soil, often marked by a constant stream of wasps flying in and out. The nest structure inside the hidden cavity is enclosed in a gray, papery envelope, providing insulation and protection.
Common Locations for Wasp Nests
The location where a nest is found is often the final piece of information needed to confirm the species of wasp, as each type has specific habitat preferences. Aerial paper nests built by hornets are frequently located in high, exposed areas that offer a secure anchoring point. This includes being suspended from the branches of tall trees or large bushes, giving the colony a commanding view of the surrounding territory.
Paper wasps choose more sheltered, but still visible, locations for their open comb nests, which require protection from the elements. Look for these umbrella-shaped structures under the eaves of a house, beneath deck railings, inside sheds, or attached to the rafters of a porch. The need for a dry, overhead covering is the primary factor dictating their placement.
Yellowjackets are the most likely species to be found in subterranean or structural voids, which is a major factor in their concealment. Ground nests are often established in existing holes in the earth, such as old rodent burrows, or in dense ground cover like ivy. When indoors, yellowjackets will take advantage of wall voids, attic spaces, and the hollow interiors of porch columns, with activity focused on a small, singular entry point.