Yellow jackets usually build their nests below the ground.

Yellow jackets are a type of wasp known for their aggressive behavior and distinctive black and yellow coloration. They commonly build their nests in the ground, which is a characteristic behavior for many species of yellow jackets. These nests can often be found in abandoned rodent burrows or in other sheltered areas below the surface.

Building nests underground provides several benefits to yellow jackets. It offers protection from predators and harsh weather conditions, and it helps to maintain a more stable environment for the developing larvae. While some species of yellow jackets might also build nests above ground (for example, in trees or shrubs), the typical behavior for many of them is indeed to establish their colonies underground. This characteristic is important for understanding their behavior in pest management and the ecological roles they play as predators of other insects.