Srinagar as hornets’ new nest: Is climate the culprit?

By: Samia Bashir – Ziraat Times

Milder winters, warmer summers and changing urban habitats likely helping more hornet colonies establish in the city; similar trend being noticed in other Kashmir towns

Srinagar, Aug 2: Large paper nests of hornets, once a relatively uncommon sight on residential buildings in Srinagar, are increasingly being noticed under roof eaves, balconies, attics and verandahs across several neighbourhoods of the city, with residents reporting that such colonies have become far more frequent over the past decade.

While similar sightings are also being reported from other urban and semi-urban towns across the Kashmir Valley, the trend appears to be particularly noticeable in Srinagar, where expanding residential areas and changing climatic conditions may be creating ideal conditions for hornet colonies.

The football-shaped nests, constructed from paper-like material made by chewing wood fibres, belong to hornets of the genus Vespa rather than bees. Mature colonies can house several hundred hornets and generally remain non-aggressive unless disturbed.

Although no comprehensive scientific survey has yet quantified the increase in Srinagar, entomologists and climate researchers say a combination of climate change, urbanisation and ecological changes offers the most plausible explanation for the apparent rise.

One of the primary factors is believed to be Kashmir’s warming climate. Higher average temperatures and increasingly mild winters improve the survival of fertilised hornet queens that overwinter before establishing new colonies in spring. A longer warm season also allows colonies to grow larger and remain active for longer periods.

Climate observations over recent decades indicate that Kashmir has experienced a gradual rise in average temperatures, fewer prolonged freezing spells and shorter, less severe winters—conditions that favour the survival and expansion of many insect species, including hornets.

Urban Srinagar itself has become increasingly attractive for nesting. Modern houses with broad roof overhangs, false ceilings, attic spaces and sheltered eaves provide ideal nesting sites that protect colonies from rain, wind and predators. As mature trees and natural nesting sites become scarcer within expanding urban landscapes, hornets appear to be adapting by establishing colonies on buildings.

Food availability in the city may also be contributing to their success. Adult hornets feed on nectar, ripe fruits and sugary substances, while their larvae are fed insects such as flies, caterpillars and other wasps. Srinagar’s gardens, orchards, markets and household organic waste provide abundant food resources throughout much of the summer.

Contrary to common perception, extensive use of pesticides does not necessarily suppress hornet populations. Broad-spectrum insecticides often affect pollinators and beneficial insects more severely than hornets, whose nests remain protected beneath roofs or inside cavities. Scientists say such changes may alter ecological balances without significantly reducing hornet colonies.

The apparent increase may also reflect greater interaction between people and wildlife as Srinagar continues to expand into areas that previously supported more natural habitats.

Hornets play an important ecological role by preying on flies, caterpillars and other insects, helping regulate their populations. Experts advise against attempting to destroy nests unless they pose an immediate threat to residents, as colonies usually defend themselves only when disturbed.

Where nests are located on occupied buildings or in places with regular human activity, removal should be undertaken by trained pest-control personnel, particularly during late summer when colonies are at their largest.

Researchers say dedicated studies in Srinagar and other Kashmir towns are needed to determine whether the increase represents a genuine rise in hornet populations or a shift in nesting behaviour driven by climate change, urban growth and changing ecological conditions.