Do hornets go back to the same nest every year?

No, hornets do not go back to the same nest every year, as hornet colonies are annual and nests are not reused, with each spring a new queen starts a new nest in a different location, though she may build near previous site if conditions are favorable. In fall, after new queens mate, the entire colony including old queen, workers, and males dies with frost, leaving only newly mated queens to overwinter in sheltered places like under bark, in attics, or leaf litter. The old paper nest, made of chewed wood pulp, deteriorates over winter due to weather and is not reused because it becomes damaged and may harbor parasites, fungi, and bacteria. In spring, overwintered queen emerges and selects new nesting site, often in trees, shrubs, under eaves, or wall cavities, and builds small new nest. While hornets do not reuse same nest, they may return to same general area or yard if it has abundant food, shelter, and water, as those conditions attract queens. You might see new nest built close to old nest location. To prevent return, remove old abandoned nests in winter, clean area with soap and water to remove pheromones, seal cracks and entry points, trim vegetation, and keep food and trash sealed to make yard less attractive. Hanging fake nests may deter some species that are territorial, though effectiveness varies.