skip to main content

Wildlife Garden

Bird in Hornet's Nest

10 years ago

My new house has a hornet nest built under an awning, attached to a window. Last week I checked to see if the cold had killed the hornets yet, and saw a large hole in the massive nest. I also saw little paw prints (raccoon?) on the siding leading up to the nest.

Checked it out again today and a bird flew out of it. Do you think the bird was eating any frozen hornets or has he found a cozy winter home?

I want to knock the nest down, but can wait until spring if necessary. Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Min3 South S.F. Bay CA
10 years ago
I would sure wait to see what happens. maybe its an old hornets nest that has become a birdhouse. let us know what you find out- i think this is a first for the forum. Min
surya55_gw
10 years ago
The paw prints might belong to a night squirrel or something really small and also it may be sharing a "compartment" with a bird...I'm dying to know what you've found out so far...I'd keep the nest up until spring.
Related Discussions
Should You Destroy Hornet Nests?
Q
Comments (27)
Whether or not you should destroy a hornet nest depends on a variety of factors, including the location of the nest, the size of the nest, and the potential risks to people and pets. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to destroy a hornet nest: Location of the nest: If the hornet nest is located in a high-traffic area, such as a tree near a sidewalk or a hedge near a playground, it may pose a risk to people and pets passing by. In this case, it may be necessary to remove the nest to prevent stinging incidents. Size of the nest: The larger the hornet nest, the more aggressive and territorial the hornets may become. If the nest is small and relatively inactive, it may be safer to leave it alone. However, if the nest is large and active, it may be necessary to remove it to prevent stinging incidents. Potential risks: Consider the potential risks to people and pets when deciding whether to remove a hornet nest. If there is a risk of stinging incidents, or if the hornets are causing damage to property, it may be necessary to remove the nest to protect public safety and property.
...See More
Do I Have A Hornets' Nest?
Q
Comments (7)
Don't feel silly. How could you have known? By the way, look around at the wooden surfaces that surround you when outside. If you see any perfectly round holes, you'll know that a female bee has been at work. The holes will be large enough for you to insert a finger. If you happen to see a BUNCH of these holes, then I'd call your landlord again. Carpenter bees, in large numbers, can weaken outdoor structures. For every bossy male you encounter, there is a female (unusual in the insect world) mate. That female is capable of drilling several holes into which she will deposit one egg. I love the one or two that we have every year. They are so much fun to mess with. Sheesh, what an attitude! "Hey, you wanna piece of me?"
...See More
European Hornets in Nest
Q
Comments (2)
Wrens are not in a bird house. They are in my door wreath, which is now my wall wreath since the wrens moved in. It's a full cup nest, complete circle, hornet crawled in the entrance. It was obviously attracted to something inside, a scent or whatever. I need to ask this on my GA GABO bird listserve - there are people there with masters degrees in ornithology. (read: I don't know what the heck they are talking about sometimes). Next I'll be emailing some poor entomologist and grilling them about this. How can they nest in a birdhouse? Those nests are HUGE. Not even a large owl box. That's so strange. Yuck! Double yuck! And I am not squeamish.
...See More
underground nest, hornet/wasp/yellowjacket?
Q
Comments (8)
You guys got off easy ! These are THE most vicious of all bees I have encountered in my years. I ran over a nest once with a bush hog and got 26 stings all over every exposed area until finally outrunning them. They are super aggressive. I do not know their official name but I call them ground bees or yellow jackets. They typically occupy abandoned mole tunnels. Usually they get stirred up and many of them find you before you realize they are even around. Not only vicious they sting many times and keep on stinging. My solution has worked every time: pour about 1/4 pint of gasoline in the hole from a narrow neck bottle or some handy spouted container. Then toss a match onto it. The result is not what you might expect. There is a flame 6" or so high that just burns for quite a while. The vicious $%^& try to fly back in the hole and most are burned in the attempt. The ones inside never make it out. A day later none will be found. I agree with others that bug spray is useless except for 1 or 2 caught alone.
...See More
Acadiafun
Original Author
10 years ago
So far I have observed the bird flying into the nest before dusk. He/she must sleep there over night. So I will wait until March to get rid of it. Thanks!
Acadiafun
Original Author
10 years ago
Noticed today that there are now skinny little twigs in the hornet nest. I think the bird is reinforcing his/her winter home.
surya55_gw
10 years ago
LOL- It's really making itself comfortable! Good for him/her!
Acadiafun
Original Author
10 years ago
Here is a pic. There are two sparrows currently using the nest. Very cute to watch them. The nest looks like it is starting to deteriorate, hope it lasts until spring for them.You can see the bird holes if you look close.
catherinet
10 years ago
I know this message is older, but wow........what a fantastic nest!

I found one this summer and it looked like yours. But it always had a larger hole in it. I'm assuming it was their main entrance. But after they were gone this fall, I went up to it and saw some fur in there. I'm thinking some mice were in there. haha

Its looking quite ragged now, so I don't think they still live in there......but it was out in the open.
I read up on the bare-faced hornet and it sounds like they all die off in late Fall, except for the queen, who hibernates under leaves or a fallen tree trunk, etc. I think at that time she already has fertilized eggs in her.

So I don't think you'll have any left-over hornets......but you never know. I had a relative who brought one in the house in late Fall and a few hornets flew out of it.
But from what I understand, they don't reuse their old nest, so if you don't mind, you could just leave it up as a birdhouse!

Those hornets' nests are a real work of art.

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BIRDS What to Know About Birds Nesting in Your Yard

By Mitchell Parker

Learn how to observe, record data and help ornithologists with NestWatch’s citizen science project understand bird trends

HOUSEPLANTS Get a Tropical Splash With a Bird's Nest Fern

By creative jewish mom.com

Sword-shaped leaves make this fern a stunning accent — and you can even mount it on wood for a wall hanging

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Hummingbirds — unique to the Americas — zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. Here’s how to attract them

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Northern Cardinals in the Snow, and Other Red Birds

By Habitat Network

Brilliant crimson feathers make these friends stand out in a crowd

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Bring on the Birds: Natural Habitat Ideas for Gardens of All Sizes

Provide nesting, watering and perching spots inspired by the Costa Rican jungle and watch the birds flock on over

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Give Birds a Warm Welcome

Welcome the birdies back into your yard — and let a few bird motifs fly into your own nest

0

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Healthy Home Habitats for Northern Flickers

By Habitat Network

These colorful woodpeckers found across the U.S. and Canada love berries, seeds and ants and often nest in deep burrows in trees

DECORATING GUIDES Bird Decor Brings Spring Home

Feather Your Nest With the Form and Flutter of Birds

ATTICS Room of the Day: Awkward Attic Becomes a Happy Nest

By Becky Harris

In this master bedroom, odd angles and low ceilings go from challenge to advantage

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: The Birds and the Bees

Give your home some seasonal buzz with whimsical accents inspired by the birds and bees

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Two new species at feeder!

2

Starlings and grackles have discovered my feeders, are decimating suet

0