Hornets at night?

8 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

On Monday evening we noticed a lot of hornets swarming around our Maple tree in the backyard. Initially we thought they might be moving their nest and they were swarming over the tree to protect the queen.

Same thing on Tuesday night, Wednesday and now Thursday night. This only happens between 9 pm and 9:30 pm. They seem to be swarming trees in the neighbour's yards as well...across the street and two yards up on either side. Our yard seems to have the most though (we have maples in the front and back).

This goes on for about 25 minutes and then they vanish.

We have looked for signs of a nest, but can't find a thing. We thought they may be living in our roof, but again no signs of a nest or activity there.

Are they nocturnal? Are they dormant during the day because of the extreme heat we've been having and only coming out at night to eat? We are on the East Coast of Canada and we have had some bizarre weather so far this summer.

We're so confused! Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. We aren't yet convinced we need to call in a professional.

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Comments (3)

PRO
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/SP290-A.pdf

^ This 3-page .pdf may be useful (if yours are European Hornets)

https://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/european-hornet

^ Nests 6 or more feet above ground in void, not in external, open nest structure.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
8 years ago
Does your maple have cavities in it? The only hornet I know of that is active in the evening is the common European hornet. They can be seen both night and day, hunting for prey as well as building material. They will build their nests in the cavities of trees, which are often hidden from our measly human observation. A very small hole can lead to a substantial hollow area inside a mature tree.

The European hornet should be pretty easy to identify by its size, if not its distinctive coloring.
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Paul MI
8 years ago
Can't answer in regards to the swarming behavior though new nesting or the production of new queens and drones heralding development of new colonies may be imminent.

No, not nocturnal. Many types of hornets seem to love the heat so doubtful they are taking a siesta during the afternoon. Might be out foraging during that time.