The hornet hive is an elaborate architectural marvel
The hornet is one of the largest species of wasps. Hornet larvae are of great benefit. They feed on caterpillars, flies, mosquitoes, beetles, spiders. An insect bite is dangerous to humans. The appearance of hornets causes anxiety and fear. They are not aggressive. But in case of a threat to the nest, an attack begins.
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What does a hornet's nest look like?
The structure of the hornet's nest
Hornets can rightly be called real architects. The hive is created in a practical and thoughtful way. Nests are spherical or conical in shape. The average size is 30 to 50 cm wide and 50 to 70 cm long. Sometimes you can find a large dwelling over 1 m. It usually weighs up to 1000 g.
How to spot a hornet's nest
Insects are not capable of harming a person if they are not affected. Do not destroy or destroy beehives located in the natural area and away from people. The hornet is an inhabitant of the wild and performs its function.
However, when settling near a person, you must be vigilant. Such neighbors are very dangerous.
- The settlement of insects is a mortal danger for bees. This threatens to destroy the apiaries. Hornets exterminate larvae and adults, and also consume honey.
- Begin the search for a hive at the initial stage of formation. The founder of the dwelling is the uterus. Thanks to the queen, the first tier is laid and the eggs are laid in the honeycombs.
- Timely detection guarantees easy destruction. Within a few weeks, a large number of individuals appear, which are more difficult to deal with.
- The hornet prefers a quiet, secluded place that is protected. Such places can be holes, sheds, attics, abandoned buildings, hollows in trees.
Search organization includes:
- conducting preparation. Take anti-allergic drugs with you. Special protective tight clothing is required;
Hornet nest.
- the study begins with a survey of all secluded places in the house. The nest can be found in the window frame, in the wall, under the floor. These are the most inaccessible places;
- inspection of the entire area. Explore holes, stumps, logs, trees;
- listening - insects make a lot of noise when building a dwelling;
- insect mark - a bright thread or ribbon is attached to the caught hornet and the further flight is monitored.
How to get rid of it
Huge hornet nest.
After finding the hive, the degree of danger is determined. When located in a corner, the nest is not touched.
But if it is in an accessible place, then it is necessary to get rid of it. This is difficult and dangerous, as the insects defend themselves aggressively.
The most effective methods of elimination include:
- treatment with insecticides;
- burning;
- pouring boiling water;
- heating.
Methods can be called cruel and risky. They are used as a last resort.
Number of individuals living in one nest
The number of insects is affected by a comfortable location, weather conditions, food. The number of adults in one family ranges from 400 to 600.
Optimal conditions are calm, quiet, warm places in which there is a lot of food. In this case, the diameter of the nest exceeds 1 m and accommodates from 1000 to 2000 individuals.
Building a nest
The hive is always durable and comfortable. It is not afraid of heat and cold. Insects build a dwelling from wood and bark. Particular preference is given to birch. In this regard, the hives are lighter than those of other wasps.
The hornet thoroughly chews wooden pieces, moistening with saliva. The resulting material is the basis of honeycombs, walls, partitions, shells.
The choice of location depends on the uterus. It is with her that the construction of the future house begins. She prefers remote places, peace and solitude.
Initially, the first ball is molded from the cells. Eggs are laid in cells. After 7 days, larvae appear, which after 14 days turn into pupae. After another 14 days, young working insects leave the house and also participate in construction.
Individuals are very hardworking and disciplined. Their self-organization is at a very high level. More productive work of young hornets affects the number of individuals. When the worker insects leave the hive, eggs are laid.
Departure of insects from the hive
During the fall, the house becomes empty. A number of factors affect this:
- after the start of swarming, males die very quickly;
- cold and frost kill working hornets and the uterus, and fertilized individuals move to warm places;
- in autumn, the female produces a special enzyme, which in winter does not allow to freeze in a state of suspended animation;
- choose a temporary dwelling - a hollow, a tree, an outbuilding;
- the hornet does not settle in the old nest, the construction of a new house always begins.
Conclusion
Hornets are an indispensable link in the ecosystem. Unsafe nests for people are recommended to be removed in late autumn and winter. In an empty dwelling, there is no risk of attack and insect bites.
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