Which insect usually builds a new underground nest every spring?

The eastern yellowjacket is known for its behavior of building new underground nests each spring. This species of wasp typically starts constructing its nest anew annually because they are social insects that do not survive the winter. The fertilized queens are the only ones that survive by hibernating through the colder months. When spring arrives, these queens emerge, seeking a suitable location to establish a new colony, which often includes selecting underground sites for nesting. This seasonal life cycle is characteristic of yellowjackets, allowing their populations to thrive with fresh nests and new colonies each year.

In contrast, honey bees create perennial hives that can survive multiple years if conditions are favorable. European hornets typically build nests in tree cavities or on structures rather than underground. Paper wasps, while they may use a variety of nesting sites, often prefer to build their nests above ground, attaching them to structures like eaves or tree branches, rather than starting from the ground level each spring.