Curious Henderson County Couple Discovers Massive Nest and Turns to Social Media for Answers!

Cheryl and Peter Stippich recently came across an impressive nest in their shed in Henderson County, N.C. At first, they weren’t sure what kind of nest it was, so they turned to social media for help.

Cheryl shared a photo on Facebook, where the responses poured in. Most people quickly identified it as a European hornet’s nest, measuring about 18 inches high and 12 inches wide. These nests are common in North Carolina and are made from decayed wood fibers, giving them a distinct tan color, as noted by the North Carolina State Extension website.

Before the correct identification, there were plenty of amusing guesses. Some folks suggested it could be paper wasps or mud daubers, while others humorously claimed it looked like a piñata or a mysterious pod from a sci-fi movie. Cheryl laughed at the creativity. She also received thoughtful comments, like referring to the nest as “nature’s art.”

Amid the fun, the Stippichs learned that people had practical suggestions too. Some advised leaving the nest until winter or even freezing it to ensure there were no active hornets. Others suggested treating it with shellac for decoration.

When Peter first spotted the nest, he thought it was an owl. He rushed in to get Cheryl, who quickly grabbed her phone for pictures. “Neither of us had seen anything quite like it before,” she explained. Most nests she had seen were smooth and gray, unlike this textured beauty that reminded her of rock formations out West.

Although they believed the nest was inactive, Peter sprayed it just to be safe. A single hornet emerged, and Cheryl recognized it as a European hornet based on its markings.

The nest was attached to the ceiling and wall of their shed. When they cut it open, they found delicate tiers of cells inside. Cheryl plans to give this unique find to a friend for her grandchildren’s show-and-tell, passing on a little piece of nature to the next generation.

Interestingly, European hornets have grown more common in the U.S. in recent years. According to a 2021 study, these hornets can adapt well to different environments, which might explain their increasing presence. This adaptability, along with their fascinating nest-building skills, adds to the intrigue surrounding these insects.

Cheryl’s discovery not only highlights nature’s brilliance but also shows how community insights can enhance our understanding of the world around us.

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Henderson County,European hornet,Nest,Social media,Cheryl Stippich,Peter Stippich,Fall foliage,Nature's work