Hornets survive winter by a simple strategy: after the season ends, the entire colony typically dies off, and only the mated queens persist to start new nests in spring. The common pattern is that these queens overwinter by finding sheltered, relatively warm spots such as under tree bark, in leaf litter, inside rotting wood, in wall cavities, or other protected crevices. They do not stay in the old nest to hibernate; instead, they go off to hibernate alone and, when temperatures rise again, emerge to establish new nests. Key points to know:
- What happens to hornet colonies in winter: Worker hornets and the old queen die as temperatures drop; only newly mated queens survive. These queens locate sheltered spots to overwinter. [web results reflect this general pattern]
- Where queens commonly overwinter: sheltered eaves, cracks in siding, crevices in trees or woodpiles, under bark, and similar protected nooks. They do not reuse the old nest for hibernation. [web results reflect this pattern]
- Implications for pest control: because the nest is typically abandoned and inactive by winter, removal is often safer and more straightforward once it’s confirmed there are no active hornets present. However, professional guidance and safety considerations are recommended if removing nests around structures or in areas where people or pets frequent. [general guidance reflected in multiple sources]
If you’re dealing with a hornet situation, here are practical steps:
- In winter, the nest is usually empty or deserted. Local removal can be performed with caution, ensuring there are no active hornets present and using appropriate protective gear. If the nest is indoors or in a structure, a professional pest control service can handle it safely.
- In spring, be aware that new queens will establish new nests, so monitor for any new activity around potential nesting sites and address early to prevent infestations.
Would you like me to tailor this to your location and provide a quick checklist for safe winter assessment or for arranging professional removal?
