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Hornet Nest Collection: When It's Safe and Winter Biology

Q: When are hornets dead inside the nest so I can take it for science class?

After a hard freeze (night temps below 32°F for 6+ hours), usually by late November. Cut nest, seal in plastic bag, bring indoors 1–2 days. If any hatch, spray roach spray in bag and reseal.

Winter habits: Mated females hibernate under leaves/logs. All others freeze to death—explains fall aggression!

hornet nest

About Gardening: Regular Holes in Field: Ground Squirrels or Voles?; Yellow Globules in Potting Soil: Fertilizer Pellets, Not Insect Eggs; Hornet Nest Removal: Safety Gear, Timing & When to Call Pros; Inside an Abandoned Yellowjacket Nest: Structure and Life Cycle; Mining Bees in Your Dirt Bank: Pollinators, Not Pests; Blackberry Cane Management: Tip Prune New Canes; Hornet Nest Near Bee Hives: Targeted Spray Advised; Small Hornet Nest Removal: Safety for Allergy Sufferers; Harvesting and Storing Pumpkins for a Thanksgiving Weigh-In; Massive Hornet Nest: When to Call a Pro

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