How long does it take for yellow jackets to build an in ground nest?

Yellow jackets can build an in-ground nest relatively quickly, often within a few weeks. Typically, the initial phase of nest construction occurs in the spring when a fertilized queen establishes the colony. By late summer, the nest can grow to house thousands of wasps, depending on environmental conditions and food availability. Overall, the entire process from establishment to peak population can take just a couple of months.