When most people see a wasp nest hanging from a roofline, tucked under a deck, or hidden inside a wall, they may wonder: What is that nest actually made of?
Unlike honeybees, wasps don’t make their nests from wax. Many common wasp species build their nests from a remarkable material that is essentially paper — created by the wasps themselves from chewed-up wood fibres mixed with saliva.
At Go Green Pest Control, we often get questions about wasp nests, where wasps find the materials to build them, and whether an old nest can become active again.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Wasp Nests Made Of?
Most paper wasp and yellowjacket nests are made from wood fibres and other plant-based cellulose materials.
The wasps collect small amounts of weathered wood, bark, plant fibres, and other cellulose-containing material from their surroundings. They chew these materials into a pulp and mix them with saliva.
Once the pulp dries, it becomes a lightweight, paper-like material.
That’s why wasp nests can have such an interesting appearance. Depending on the species and the materials available, the nest may range from grey to brown or even have different shades and patterns.
The wasps are essentially making their own building material.
Where Do Wasps Get the Material for Their Nests?
Wasps are surprisingly resourceful.
They don’t have to travel very far to find suitable materials. A colony may collect fibres from many sources around a property.
Common sources can include:
- Weathered wooden fences
- Decks
- Sheds
- Untreated wood
- Tree branches
- Dead trees
- Bark
- Wooden structures
- Cardboard
- Paper products
- Other plant material containing cellulose
You may even see wasps scraping small amounts of wood from a fence or wooden structure.
They use their jaws to remove tiny fibres from the surface. Those fibres are then chewed into a pulp and transported back to the nest.
Why Does a Wasp Nest Look Like Paper?
The paper-like appearance is the result of the wasps’ building process.
The insects chew wood fibres into a wet pulp and spread that material over the developing nest. As the pulp dries, it hardens into thin layers of paper-like material.
Different types of wasps may use different fibres and construction techniques, which is why nests can look very different.
Some nests are enclosed in a papery outer shell, while others have exposed honeycomb-like cells.
The structure isn’t just decorative. It provides shelter and protection for the developing young and helps create a suitable environment for the colony.
How Do Wasps Build a Nest?
Nest construction generally begins when a queen starts a new colony.
Depending on the species, she finds a suitable protected location and begins building the first cells. She lays eggs in these cells and cares for the developing young.
As workers emerge, they take over much of the nest-building and food-gathering work.
The nest can then grow rapidly as the colony expands.
A small nest in early summer can become a much larger and more active colony later in the season.
That’s one reason homeowners sometimes notice what appears to be a sudden increase in wasp activity during the warmer months.
Where Do Wasps Build Their Nests?
Wasps are experts at finding protected locations.
Depending on the species, nests may be found:
- Under roof overhangs
- Beneath decks
- Inside wall voids
- In attics
- Around sheds
- Under eaves
- In trees and shrubs
- Inside bushes
- Beneath outdoor structures
- Underground
- Around garages
- In gaps around buildings
Yellowjackets can be particularly troublesome because some species build nests underground or inside concealed spaces.
A nest that isn’t immediately visible doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t one nearby.
If you notice a steady stream of wasps entering and exiting a small hole in a wall, roofline, ground area, or other opening, there may be a nest hidden nearby.
What Happens to the Nest When the Wasps Die?
This is one of the most interesting things about wasp nests.
For many wasp species, the colony is seasonal.
As the season ends and temperatures drop, the colony’s activity declines. In many species, the workers and males eventually die, while newly produced queens may survive the winter elsewhere.
The old nest is then abandoned.
Does the Same Nest Get Used Again?
Generally, no.
Most social wasps do not simply move back into last year’s nest and start using it again.
Instead, a new colony typically begins construction of a new nest the following season.
This means an old, abandoned wasp nest hanging under your eaves isn’t necessarily an active nest.
However, that doesn’t mean you should assume every nest you find is abandoned.
If you’re seeing wasps actively entering and leaving the nest, treat it as potentially active and avoid disturbing it.
Does an Old Wasp Nest Eventually Disappear?
Yes.
Once abandoned, the nest is exposed to weather, moisture, insects, birds, and other environmental conditions.
Over time, the paper-like structure deteriorates.
Rain and moisture can weaken the material, while wind and natural decay gradually break the nest apart.
Eventually, the old nest may collapse and disappear.
How quickly this happens depends on where the nest is located and how well it is protected from the weather.
A nest underneath a sheltered roof overhang may remain visible for quite some time, while an exposed nest can deteriorate much faster.
Should You Remove an Old Wasp Nest?
If you have confirmed that a nest is completely inactive, removing it is generally more of a maintenance or cosmetic decision than a necessity.
An abandoned nest doesn’t normally continue producing wasps.
However, the more important question is whether the nest is actually abandoned.
Never assume a nest is inactive simply because you don’t see wasps flying around it at a particular moment.
Wasp activity can change throughout the day, and some nests are hidden from view.
If you’re unsure, it’s better to have the nest assessed rather than taking the risk of disturbing an active colony.
Why Are Wasp Nests a Problem Around Your Home?
Wasps play an important role in the environment. They prey on many insects and can help control other pest populations.
The problem begins when they establish a nest close to people.
A nest near a doorway, patio, children’s play area, deck, attic, or other frequently used part of your property can create a significant stinging hazard.
As the colony grows, wasp activity around the nest can increase.
Disturbing the nest — intentionally or accidentally — can also cause defensive behaviour.
That’s why DIY nest removal can be dangerous, particularly when the nest is large, hidden, high up, or located inside a wall or other enclosed space.
What Should You Do If You Find a Wasp Nest?
The safest first step is simple:
Don’t disturb it.
Keep children and pets away from the area and avoid hitting, spraying, poking, or knocking down the nest.
If you’re seeing significant wasp activity, especially around your home or business, professional pest control can help identify the species, locate the nest, and determine the appropriate treatment.
At Go Green Pest Control, we can help homeowners deal with wasp problems before they become a bigger issue.
Have a Wasp Nest on Your Property?
Don’t take unnecessary risks trying to remove it yourself.
Call Go Green Pest Control at 778-886-4111 to discuss your wasp problem and arrange professional pest control service.
Go Green Pest Control
📞 778-886-4111
🌐 gogreenpestcontrol.ca
Whether the nest is under your deck, inside a wall, around your roofline, or hidden somewhere on your property, getting professional advice can help you deal with the problem safely and effectively.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-wasp-nests-made-where-wasps-get-building-happens-randy-bilesky-grwjc