Bumblebee Nests vs. Wasp Nests: 4 Key Differences

key point

• When we call something a bumblebee or a wasp, the word "wasp" is a general scientific category for all the stinging insects we think of.
• Both bumblebee and wasp hives have a core bumblebee hive that contains the cells that rear the young. The wasp surrounds it with a paper shell, and the wasp opens it.
• The main difference between bumblebee nest and wasp nest is the size and wall structure.
• Wasp nests are made of chewed wood, hence their distinctive paper walls, while hornet nests are also made of chewed wood.

Wasps and hornets are common terms used by humans to refer to "bugs that cause harm when they sting you," but we often use them incorrectly. When you're trying to avoid getting stung, the correct scientific name for an insect doesn't seem all that important, so it's understandable!

Today, however, we’re going to look at some of the differences and misnomers between bumble bee nests and wasp nests. Knowing how they differ allows us to discover how unique and interesting these insects are, even if we don't necessarily want to learn about them by experiencing them firsthand. Let's get started: What's the difference between a hornet's nest and a wasp's nest?

Comparing Hornet Nests and Wasp Nests

The terminology for wasps, wasps, and all the other stinging insects that live in our yards is a little confusing. Just to clarify things quickly, the term "wasp" is a general scientific category of all stinging insects that we think of when we call something a bumblebee or wasp.

Mud daubers, yellow jackets, all kinds of wasps, paper wasps, etc., all belong to the wasp category. Since "wasp" is such a broad term, we went on to list the three most common types of wasps found in the United States: hornet, paper wasp, and mud-coated wasp.

The biggest differences between wasp nests, paper wasp nests, and mud-coated nests are physical size and shape, materials, and colony size. Hornets' nests are the largest of the three, usually the size of a basketball. Paper wasps are hexagonal "umbrellas" that are usually only a few inches across. The mud applicator lives in a 3-4 inch long tube.

In material, wasp nests are very similar to paper wasp nests, with mud coating being the outlier. Wasps and paper wasps chew wood fibers and mix them with saliva to make paper building materials. As the name suggests, mud applicators work with clay and mud.

Finally, another major difference is the colony size within the nest. Paper wasps and bumblebees are social and live in large colonies, while mud-coated wasps are solitary wasps.

Check out our videos on YouTube

Let's learn more about it below!

Hornet Nest vs. Wasp Nest: Size

Hornets have, without a doubt, the largest nests on our list. When you see a hornet's nest, you're usually pretty sure what you're looking at. They start out small, but once fully built, their average size is the size of a basketball, although they can grow much larger. These large nests have only one opening and are filled with chambers and tubes, all of which serve different purposes.

Paper wasps are the most common wasps humans are likely to see. Their nest is umbrella-shaped, like an umbrella without a handle floating in the air. They are much smaller than a wasp's nest, usually 3-4 inches in diameter. The bottom of the umbrella is filled with hexagonal cells that the wasps can enter and exit.

These cells are where the queen lays her eggs. Each nest has a queen bee, and she lays an egg at the bottom of each nest. Other wasps in the nest prepare the cells for egg laying and bring food for the queen and larvae when they hatch. When the larva reaches the pupation stage, the adult seals the cell entrance and creates a cocoon for the larvae. When the new wasp is fully developed, it bites through the paper covering the hive and becomes an adult member of the hive. The cells are then cleaned and ready for the queen to lay another egg.

Interestingly, there are multiple layers of the same structure hidden inside the basketball-sized hornet's nest. While wasps, wasps and bees vary widely in behavior and size, they all use the same hexagonal cells to raise their young.

The mudbird's nest is the smallest of the three. They make small tubes, usually only 2 inches wide and 4-6 inches long. They are occasionally added to them, but they are still smaller, mostly because they are solitary wasps.

Bumblebee Nest vs. Wasp Nest: Materials

Material is a good way to distinguish certain wasp nests. A hornet's nest looks papery mainly because it is actually papery. The bumblebee chews the wood fibers into a pulp and adds saliva to it. This mud is their main building material, which is essentially a kind of paper. Layered together, however, it's built to be tough and durable in most weather conditions.

Paper wasps behave like wasps. They also chew wood pulp and mix it with their own saliva to make building materials. However, instead of layering it into giant balls like the bumblebee, they turned it into hexagonal columns and channels of smaller overall size.

Mudhers are unique in their nest building. As their name suggests, they find dirt and clay, mix it with saliva, and apply it to surfaces. Like human construction involving dirt, these structures are fairly durable and can withstand many environmental conditions.

Hornet Nests: The Different Types

The only true hornet in the United States is the European hornet. They are other common species of wasps and bees that many call bumblebees; however, there are several differences that make bumblebee hives different from other species.

Bald Hornet's Nest

Bald wasps build their nests in trees or large bushes at least a few feet above the ground. These pests may also hang their nests on the roof of buildings or homes. Bald wasp hives are egg-shaped and can be up to two feet long! Overhangs are typical sites for this type of bumblebee nest.

European hornet hive

European giant hornets nest in open walls or tree cavities, usually in attics or sheds. These pests hide their oddly shaped nests in dark, empty spaces, only a small portion of which may be visible to the human eye. Unlike the bald hornet, the European hornet will build the entrance to their hornet nest more than six feet above the ground.

Hornet Nest vs. Wasp Nest: Colony Size

Colony size and capacity is another important factor that differentiates certain nests. Bumblebees have the largest nests of the three, and therefore the largest colonies. On average, a wasp nest can contain as many as 100-700 wasps, sometimes even more. There is even more reason not to poke a hornet's nest!

Paper wasps have smaller nests and colonies. On average, paper wasps have 20 to 30 individuals, depending on the weather and their ability to build. In winter, most of them die, and the cycle starts all over again. However, in some places, wasp nests can grow very large if left unchecked.

Mud wasps are different from the other two because they are known as "solitary" wasps. Solitary wasps with no associated colony are known for their hunting prowess and paralyzing venom. Sludgers eat almost exclusively spiders, which they paralyze with their spines, lay their eggs inside, and seal them in mud tubes for the young to grow.

Hornet Nest vs. Wasp Nest: Location

Bumblebees generally prefer large branches that can support the weight of their nest. If no suitable tree is available, they can accept anything with mulch and room to grow underneath.

Paper wasps are not as picky as wasps. Their only real stipulation is that the location is semi-covered. As a result, humans often find their nests in other places such as under the eaves and corridors, which is really unnecessary.

Slime bugs have similar preferences to paper wasps in that they prefer sheltered areas. You can find them under bridges and in outdoor gazebos, but they can live almost anywhere there is dirt and eat spiders.

next…

• Beehive vs. Wasp Nest: Spot the Fascinating Differences!
• Wasp Vs Yellowjacket: 5 Major Differences Explained: Yellowjackets are known for their aggressiveness. What makes these insects fly at you and drive you away?
• Wasp Lifespan: How Long Do Wasps Live? : Learn more about wasps in this informative article!

Thanks for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the 10hunting.com editorial team.