Hornets build nests to care for and protect the queen and her eggs. The critters construct wood pulp (paper) nests in places that are well protected against rain and direct sun. You may want to get rid of a hornet nest because they’re often built too close to where you live, such as under a home’s eaves, in the corners of porches, in attics, crawl spaces, on tree branches, and beneath your house’s siding.