Where Do Wasps Make Their Nests?

During the spring and summer months, the social wasp queen constructs a nest. She lays eggs inside each cell. The nest can be made from wood or mud.

Some social wasps prefer to nest underground or in hollow trees. Others prefer to nest in manmade structures like homes and barns. Regardless of where a wasp builds its nest, the main purpose is to lay eggs and breed young.

If a wasp stings, it may be dangerous to people who are allergic to venom. It is best to contact a pest control professional if you have wasps in your home. Wasps will sting multiple times.

Wasps construct their nests from materials like wood and paper pulp. The nests are usually large, elongated and papery. The paper pulp is created by breaking down wood fibers with the queen’s saliva. The pulp is then added in a hexagonal pattern to create inner cells. The nest can be extremely large, and it grows with each successive generation.

Some wasps are also able to create nests out of dirt. Mud daubers, for example, live in gazebos, outdoor furniture, and under bridges. They also prefer to nest in semi-covered places.

Some wasps, like yellow jackets, build nests underground. They are territorial, and will attack nests if they are disturbed. They commonly nest in rotted logs, sandy lawns, and in wall cavities of houses.

Other wasps, like the English wasp, build nests in just about any place. They can be found in homes, garages, and barns. Some nests are very small, and compact. Others are very large and elaborate.