Do all yellow jackets return to nest at night?

Do all yellow jackets return to nest at night is mostly yes, as yellow jackets are diurnal and become less active at night, returning to nest in evening to rest, though not all may be inside nest at any given moment due to foraging late or guarding, and at night they are in sleep-like state with reduced responsiveness. Yellow jackets are active during day searching for proteins like insects and sugars to feed larvae and workers, and as evening approaches and temperatures cool, they return to nest, which can be underground, in wall cavities, attics, or trees, and they cluster inside. At night, yellow jackets are less active and stay in or near nest, showing reduced movement and response to stimuli, similar to sleep, which is why nest removal is recommended at night or early morning when they are less active and most are inside nest, making insecticidal treatment more effective at killing entire colony. However, some yellow jackets may remain outside nest at night if they were trapped away from nest or if nest is disturbed. Queens overwinter away from nest in sheltered spots. So most yellow jackets return to nest at night, but a few may be outside, and they are less aggressive at night though they will still defend if nest disturbed, so caution needed even at night, with protective clothing and escape route when treating nests.