[Original Survey] Tendencies of Houses Where Hornets Are Likely to Build Nests Revealed! Discovery Delays Can Lead to Extermination Costs of Up to 150,000 Yen
A survey by BEST Corporation revealed that hornets are more likely to build nests in older homes (11+ years old) and on larger properties, often in open spaces like eaves and verandas. Most nests are discovered in July when they are already 10-20cm, leading to higher extermination costs if not found early. Regular property checks and early professional intervention are crucial to prevent damage and high expenses.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 19:10
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 00:44 (14h 12m after Collected)
Hornets, whose activity increases from spring to summer, have been causing more damage from nests not only in areas with abundant nature but also in urban areas in recent years. Since hornet stings can lead to life-threatening anaphylactic shock, early detection and countermeasures before nests grow large are crucial.
BEST Corporation (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, CEO: Hirofumi Igarashi, hereinafter referred to as 'the Company'), which addresses housing problems, has been solving life's 'troubles' for over 20 years. Through its life media 'Pest and Vermin Concierge,' the Company daily disseminates accurate and useful information regarding pests and vermin.
This time, the Company conducted an original questionnaire survey (effective responses: 100 people) targeting individuals who have experienced hornet nests in their homes. The survey analyzed the tendencies of houses where hornet nests were found, revealing what kind of houses are prone to nests, how people noticed the nests, and the actual costs of extermination.
This press release introduces the 'tendencies of houses where hornets are likely to build nests' and 'extermination costs' revealed by the survey, and also explains key points for preventing damage. By being aware of hornet countermeasures from an early stage, please use this information as an aid to prevent damage.
*When quoting the content of this press release, please follow the instructions below.
・State that the source is 'a survey by BEST Corporation.'
ex. According to a survey by BEST Corporation, which operates 'Pest and Vermin Concierge,' a specialized service for pest and vermin extermination.
・Provide a link to Pest and Vermin Concierge (https://gaichugaiju.best24.co.jp/)
[Survey Outline]
Target: People nationwide who have experienced hornet nests in their homes
Survey Period: February 3, 2026
Survey Organization: In-house survey
Survey Method: Voluntary responses via the internet
Effective Responses: 100 people
Are older houses more susceptible?
The survey results showed that '11-20 years old' was the most common answer (24%) regarding the age of houses where hornet nests were found. While there wasn't a significant difference among other age groups, overall, houses 11 years or older accounted for the majority.
Older houses are more prone to developing fine cracks and gaps in exterior walls, roofs, and under eaves. Hornets can invade through these gaps and build nests inside walls or in attics.
Also, in houses with gardens, the maintenance of garden trees and weeds may not be as thorough as when the house was new. Densely branched areas provide good hiding places from enemies, making them suitable environments for hornets to build nests.
Thus, as houses age, the number of places where hornets can build nests tends to increase, which is likely why houses 11 years or older account for a larger proportion.
Larger properties may make it harder to notice hornet nests.
According to the Housing and Land Survey conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the average total floor area of a detached house is 126.32 square meters, and assuming a two-story house, the building area is approximately 63 square meters.
In this survey, '100 square meters or more' was the most common answer (30%) regarding the site area of houses where hornet nests were found. Overall, houses with a site area of 60 square meters or more accounted for more than half, indicating a tendency for hornet nests to be found in relatively larger homes.
As the size of a house increases, there may be areas around the garden or building that people don't usually frequent, or places that are not checked daily, such as infrequently used storage sheds or corners of balconies.
Furthermore, given that many of the houses in the previous survey result were 11 years or older, it is also conceivable that changes in living environment, such as children moving out and rooms becoming unused, have led to an increase in rooms or areas that are not usually entered.
Places with little human presence and shelter from wind and rain are suitable environments for hornets to build nests. Therefore, in houses with large properties, it is thought that nests are often not noticed until they have grown to a certain size, leading to the tendency for nests to be found later.
Where are hornets most likely to build nests?
In this survey, 'eaves/under eaves' accounted for 45%, overwhelmingly the most common place where people experienced hornet nests.
Following eaves/under eaves, 'balconies (18%)' and 'garden trees (17%)' were also high, indicating that nests are often built in relatively well-ventilated, open spaces around houses.
It is believed that yellow jackets and small-sized hornets, which are known to be frequently exterminated around residential areas, prefer to build nests in such open spaces, leading to these survey results.
On the other hand, yellow jackets can also build nests in enclosed spaces, so attention should be paid not only to visible places but also to areas like attics and inside walls.
Sometimes, the presence of a nest is not noticed until it is found.
Regarding how people noticed hornet nests, 'found the nest' was the most common answer at 70%. This result indicates that in many cases, the presence of the nest is noticed before the hornets themselves are consciously observed.
The reason why 'found the nest' was more common than 'saw hornets' is likely due to the fact that, as mentioned earlier, many people accidentally discovered nests in large properties where people don't usually frequent, before seeing hornets.
The next most common answer was 'saw hornets (multiple)' at 64%. Many people who saw multiple hornets flying around suspected the presence of a nest, checked the surroundings, and consequently discovered a nest. If multiple hornets are frequently sighted, it means worker bees are already active, and there is a high possibility that the nest has grown to 10cm or more, a size that is difficult to exterminate by oneself.
Nests are small and inconspicuous when they are first built, so they can be overlooked if not carefully checked. Therefore, there is a tendency for nests to be noticed only after they have grown to a certain size.
Other triggers for discovery include hearing buzzing sounds from inside walls or finding stains from hornet droppings, but in such situations, the nest is often already large.
July is the most common month for noticing hornet nests.
In this survey, 'July' was the most common month (35%) for noticing hornet nests.
Following this, 'June (26%)' and 'August (25%)' were also common answers, showing a tendency for people to notice nests from early summer to mid-summer. This is likely due to the fact that as nests grow and the number of worker bees increases, opportunities to see hornets increase, and the nests themselves become more noticeable.
Therefore, in the spring to early summer, nests are small and difficult to notice, and previous survey results also indicate a tendency for nests to be noticed only after they have grown to a certain extent.
As an exception, yellow jackets and European hornets have a habit of moving from their initial nests to other locations around July-August as their colonies expand. Therefore, large nests may appear suddenly within a few days. The timing of these relocation nests also overlaps with the survey results, which can be considered one of the factors contributing to the increased discovery of nests.
More than half of hornet nests are 10-20cm or larger when noticed.
The survey on nest size when noticed showed that nests 10cm or larger accounted for the majority.
The previous section showed a tendency for nests to be noticed after they have grown large and the number of worker bees has increased, and this result also supports that tendency.
Nests of about 10-20cm already have multiple worker bees hatched. As more individuals feed larvae and collect nest materials, the nest's growth rate rapidly accelerates.
If not discovered at this stage, the nest will continue to grow, and while hesitating about extermination, it can expand to a size of 20-40cm.
What was the total cost of hornet extermination?
The cost of hornet extermination showed that 'less than 10,000 yen' accounted for more than half. This is attributed to many people dealing with the problem themselves by purchasing commercial extermination sprays.
However, the previous survey results showed that many nests were already 10cm or larger when noticed, which is a stage where professional hornet extermination services are recommended.
Nevertheless, the results indicate that many people still deal with the problem themselves, despite understanding the risks.
On the other hand, if the nest grows even larger, professional services become necessary, and the survey also found responses indicating costs of up to nearly 150,000 yen.
Hornet nests grow rapidly over time, so as the damage expands, the difficulty and cost of extermination tend to increase. To prevent high extermination costs, it is important to check early when an abnormality is noticed and discover the nest while it is small.
Daily measures to prevent hornets from building nests.
Even after a hornet nest is exterminated, it is important to take preventive measures to avoid new nests.
As a daily measure for those who have experienced hornet damage, 'patrolling the garden and sheds' was the most common answer at 58%. This indicates that many people want to achieve early detection and prevention before nests grow large by regularly checking the condition of their property.
During patrols, it is good practice to spray repellent in places where hornets are likely to build nests, such as under eaves, on balconies, and around garden trees.
Also, shadows created by gardening tools, bicycles, blue tarps, etc., left on the property, can become suitable places for hornets to build nests, providing shelter from wind and rain. Being mindful not to leave unnecessary items and keeping things tidy also helps prevent nest building.
[Summary] Environmental management around the house and early response are key to preventing hornet damage.
This survey revealed that hornet nests show certain tendencies related to house size and age, particularly occurring more frequently in older homes and on larger properties.
Many nests were built in open spaces around houses, mainly under eaves, which is a natural tendency considering the ecology of yellow jackets and small-sized hornets that often build nests in residential areas.
Also, nests were often noticed around July, and there was a tendency for them to be discovered after they had grown to a certain size.
While some extermination costs were relatively low, large nests could incur high costs, indicating that delays in discovery and response increase the risk.
To prevent hornet damage, it is important to conduct daily patrols and preventive measures on the property, and to respond promptly when an abnormality is noticed.
As temperatures rise, why not check your property for signs of hornet damage?
If you 'see multiple hornets but can't find a nest' or 'find a hornet nest where multiple bees have already hatched,' do not attempt to deal with it yourself; it is recommended to consult a professional exterminator as soon as possible. 'Pest and Vermin Concierge' will thoroughly exterminate hornets on your behalf, based on extensive experience and reliable techniques. If you are troubled by hornet damage, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Company Information
[About BEST Corporation]
Company Name: BEST Corporation
Representative: CEO Hirofumi Igarashi
Location: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Established: 2004
Business Overview: Life Media Business
URL: https://best24.co.jp
[Contact for this matter]
BEST Corporation: Marketing Department
Email: info@best-24.jp
URL: https://best24.co.jp/
▼Related Sites
・BEST365: https://best365.best24.co.jp/
BEST Corporation (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, CEO: Hirofumi Igarashi, hereinafter referred to as 'the Company'), which addresses housing problems, has been solving life's 'troubles' for over 20 years. Through its life media 'Pest and Vermin Concierge,' the Company daily disseminates accurate and useful information regarding pests and vermin.
This time, the Company conducted an original questionnaire survey (effective responses: 100 people) targeting individuals who have experienced hornet nests in their homes. The survey analyzed the tendencies of houses where hornet nests were found, revealing what kind of houses are prone to nests, how people noticed the nests, and the actual costs of extermination.
This press release introduces the 'tendencies of houses where hornets are likely to build nests' and 'extermination costs' revealed by the survey, and also explains key points for preventing damage. By being aware of hornet countermeasures from an early stage, please use this information as an aid to prevent damage.
*When quoting the content of this press release, please follow the instructions below.
・State that the source is 'a survey by BEST Corporation.'
ex. According to a survey by BEST Corporation, which operates 'Pest and Vermin Concierge,' a specialized service for pest and vermin extermination.
・Provide a link to Pest and Vermin Concierge (https://gaichugaiju.best24.co.jp/)
[Survey Outline]
Target: People nationwide who have experienced hornet nests in their homes
Survey Period: February 3, 2026
Survey Organization: In-house survey
Survey Method: Voluntary responses via the internet
Effective Responses: 100 people
Are older houses more susceptible?
The survey results showed that '11-20 years old' was the most common answer (24%) regarding the age of houses where hornet nests were found. While there wasn't a significant difference among other age groups, overall, houses 11 years or older accounted for the majority.
Older houses are more prone to developing fine cracks and gaps in exterior walls, roofs, and under eaves. Hornets can invade through these gaps and build nests inside walls or in attics.
Also, in houses with gardens, the maintenance of garden trees and weeds may not be as thorough as when the house was new. Densely branched areas provide good hiding places from enemies, making them suitable environments for hornets to build nests.
Thus, as houses age, the number of places where hornets can build nests tends to increase, which is likely why houses 11 years or older account for a larger proportion.
Larger properties may make it harder to notice hornet nests.
According to the Housing and Land Survey conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the average total floor area of a detached house is 126.32 square meters, and assuming a two-story house, the building area is approximately 63 square meters.
In this survey, '100 square meters or more' was the most common answer (30%) regarding the site area of houses where hornet nests were found. Overall, houses with a site area of 60 square meters or more accounted for more than half, indicating a tendency for hornet nests to be found in relatively larger homes.
As the size of a house increases, there may be areas around the garden or building that people don't usually frequent, or places that are not checked daily, such as infrequently used storage sheds or corners of balconies.
Furthermore, given that many of the houses in the previous survey result were 11 years or older, it is also conceivable that changes in living environment, such as children moving out and rooms becoming unused, have led to an increase in rooms or areas that are not usually entered.
Places with little human presence and shelter from wind and rain are suitable environments for hornets to build nests. Therefore, in houses with large properties, it is thought that nests are often not noticed until they have grown to a certain size, leading to the tendency for nests to be found later.
Where are hornets most likely to build nests?
In this survey, 'eaves/under eaves' accounted for 45%, overwhelmingly the most common place where people experienced hornet nests.
Following eaves/under eaves, 'balconies (18%)' and 'garden trees (17%)' were also high, indicating that nests are often built in relatively well-ventilated, open spaces around houses.
It is believed that yellow jackets and small-sized hornets, which are known to be frequently exterminated around residential areas, prefer to build nests in such open spaces, leading to these survey results.
On the other hand, yellow jackets can also build nests in enclosed spaces, so attention should be paid not only to visible places but also to areas like attics and inside walls.
Sometimes, the presence of a nest is not noticed until it is found.
Regarding how people noticed hornet nests, 'found the nest' was the most common answer at 70%. This result indicates that in many cases, the presence of the nest is noticed before the hornets themselves are consciously observed.
The reason why 'found the nest' was more common than 'saw hornets' is likely due to the fact that, as mentioned earlier, many people accidentally discovered nests in large properties where people don't usually frequent, before seeing hornets.
The next most common answer was 'saw hornets (multiple)' at 64%. Many people who saw multiple hornets flying around suspected the presence of a nest, checked the surroundings, and consequently discovered a nest. If multiple hornets are frequently sighted, it means worker bees are already active, and there is a high possibility that the nest has grown to 10cm or more, a size that is difficult to exterminate by oneself.
Nests are small and inconspicuous when they are first built, so they can be overlooked if not carefully checked. Therefore, there is a tendency for nests to be noticed only after they have grown to a certain size.
Other triggers for discovery include hearing buzzing sounds from inside walls or finding stains from hornet droppings, but in such situations, the nest is often already large.
July is the most common month for noticing hornet nests.
In this survey, 'July' was the most common month (35%) for noticing hornet nests.
Following this, 'June (26%)' and 'August (25%)' were also common answers, showing a tendency for people to notice nests from early summer to mid-summer. This is likely due to the fact that as nests grow and the number of worker bees increases, opportunities to see hornets increase, and the nests themselves become more noticeable.
Therefore, in the spring to early summer, nests are small and difficult to notice, and previous survey results also indicate a tendency for nests to be noticed only after they have grown to a certain extent.
As an exception, yellow jackets and European hornets have a habit of moving from their initial nests to other locations around July-August as their colonies expand. Therefore, large nests may appear suddenly within a few days. The timing of these relocation nests also overlaps with the survey results, which can be considered one of the factors contributing to the increased discovery of nests.
More than half of hornet nests are 10-20cm or larger when noticed.
The survey on nest size when noticed showed that nests 10cm or larger accounted for the majority.
The previous section showed a tendency for nests to be noticed after they have grown large and the number of worker bees has increased, and this result also supports that tendency.
Nests of about 10-20cm already have multiple worker bees hatched. As more individuals feed larvae and collect nest materials, the nest's growth rate rapidly accelerates.
If not discovered at this stage, the nest will continue to grow, and while hesitating about extermination, it can expand to a size of 20-40cm.
What was the total cost of hornet extermination?
The cost of hornet extermination showed that 'less than 10,000 yen' accounted for more than half. This is attributed to many people dealing with the problem themselves by purchasing commercial extermination sprays.
However, the previous survey results showed that many nests were already 10cm or larger when noticed, which is a stage where professional hornet extermination services are recommended.
Nevertheless, the results indicate that many people still deal with the problem themselves, despite understanding the risks.
On the other hand, if the nest grows even larger, professional services become necessary, and the survey also found responses indicating costs of up to nearly 150,000 yen.
Hornet nests grow rapidly over time, so as the damage expands, the difficulty and cost of extermination tend to increase. To prevent high extermination costs, it is important to check early when an abnormality is noticed and discover the nest while it is small.
Daily measures to prevent hornets from building nests.
Even after a hornet nest is exterminated, it is important to take preventive measures to avoid new nests.
As a daily measure for those who have experienced hornet damage, 'patrolling the garden and sheds' was the most common answer at 58%. This indicates that many people want to achieve early detection and prevention before nests grow large by regularly checking the condition of their property.
During patrols, it is good practice to spray repellent in places where hornets are likely to build nests, such as under eaves, on balconies, and around garden trees.
Also, shadows created by gardening tools, bicycles, blue tarps, etc., left on the property, can become suitable places for hornets to build nests, providing shelter from wind and rain. Being mindful not to leave unnecessary items and keeping things tidy also helps prevent nest building.
[Summary] Environmental management around the house and early response are key to preventing hornet damage.
This survey revealed that hornet nests show certain tendencies related to house size and age, particularly occurring more frequently in older homes and on larger properties.
Many nests were built in open spaces around houses, mainly under eaves, which is a natural tendency considering the ecology of yellow jackets and small-sized hornets that often build nests in residential areas.
Also, nests were often noticed around July, and there was a tendency for them to be discovered after they had grown to a certain size.
While some extermination costs were relatively low, large nests could incur high costs, indicating that delays in discovery and response increase the risk.
To prevent hornet damage, it is important to conduct daily patrols and preventive measures on the property, and to respond promptly when an abnormality is noticed.
As temperatures rise, why not check your property for signs of hornet damage?
If you 'see multiple hornets but can't find a nest' or 'find a hornet nest where multiple bees have already hatched,' do not attempt to deal with it yourself; it is recommended to consult a professional exterminator as soon as possible. 'Pest and Vermin Concierge' will thoroughly exterminate hornets on your behalf, based on extensive experience and reliable techniques. If you are troubled by hornet damage, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Company Information
[About BEST Corporation]
Company Name: BEST Corporation
Representative: CEO Hirofumi Igarashi
Location: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Established: 2004
Business Overview: Life Media Business
URL: https://best24.co.jp
[Contact for this matter]
BEST Corporation: Marketing Department
Email: info@best-24.jp
URL: https://best24.co.jp/
▼Related Sites
・BEST365: https://best365.best24.co.jp/