Yellowjackets in Palm Tree Roots

Q: I have several windmill palms around my pool. Last summer I saw yellowjackets coming from a hole at the palm tree roots. What can I do to prevent them this year?

A: Yellowjackets rarely re-use a former nest. They all died during the winter. Only the fertile queens survived and they hibernated in a hollow log somewhere in your neighborhood. They will build a new nest this spring. Fill the former insect home with dirt and keep an eye out for new nests in other likely spots.