Yellow Jackets Nests – Why More Than One Hole?

Q: I’ve always known yellow jackets nests to have two openings. The second opening helps ventilate the nest while serving as an emergency exit.

A: UGA insect expert Paul Gillibeau says sometimes they have multiple holes by chance. They make nests in existing holes like rotted out tree roots. Paul says he’s seen a nest with four exit holes, but doesn’t think they made more than one hole on purpose.