A wasp nest is a paper-like structure built by wasps, commonly found in sheltered areas such as eaves, attics, trees, or wall voids. Wasps create their nests by chewing wood fibers mixed with saliva, forming a durable, grayish-brown material. The nest has a distinctive honeycomb pattern inside, where individual cells house wasp larvae. Nests can vary in size, from a few inches to over a foot in diameter, depending on the wasp species and time of year. Late summer and early fall are when nests are typically largest, as the colony has grown to its peak size. A wasp nest near your home can pose a threat, as wasps become more aggressive if they feel their nest is threatened.

A carpenter bee nest is a network of small, smooth tunnels bored into wood by carpenter bees. Unlike honeybees, carpenter bees don’t build hives but create nests by drilling into untreated, exposed wood surfaces like decks, eaves, siding, and fences. The entrance to a carpenter bee nest is usually a perfectly round hole, about ½ inch in diameter, leading into a series of narrow, connected tunnels where the bees lay their eggs.

Inside the nest, female carpenter bees create individual chambers within the tunnels, filling each with pollen to provide food for their larvae. Over time, these nests can become extensive and may weaken the wood, especially if the same area is reused year after year. The presence of sawdust (known as frass) around entry holes and sightings of large, hovering bees near wood surfaces are common signs of a carpenter bee infestation.

A mud dauber nest is a unique, tube-like structure built by solitary wasps using mud. These nests are commonly found in sheltered areas like under eaves, on porch ceilings, in garages, or along walls. The female mud dauber constructs each tube to house her eggs, collecting mud and carefully molding it into long, cylindrical shapes. Inside, she provisions each cell with paralyzed spiders, which serve as food for her larvae after they hatch. Unlike other wasps, mud daubers are generally non-aggressive and rarely sting, focusing their efforts on nest building and spider hunting. Their nests, however, can be an eyesore, and over time, the dried mud may fall, leaving a mess behind.

A bald-faced hornet nest is a large, gray, paper-like structure that is typically found hanging in trees, shrubs, or under the eaves of buildings. These nests can reach up to 24 inches in length and 18 inches in diameter, making them quite visible and distinct. Unlike typical wasp nests, bald-faced hornet nests are fully enclosed with a single entrance hole near the bottom.

Bald-faced hornets construct their nests by chewing wood fibers into a pulp, creating a layered, papery appearance. The nests are commonly active from spring through early fall, as the hornet colony grows rapidly. Inside, a nest can house hundreds of hornets, which makes it particularly dangerous to approach, as these hornets are known to be highly aggressive in defending their nests.