Aerial Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria)

Habits:

Aerial Yellowjackets are typically not "picnic pests", but may be attracted to sugary foods such as fruit and soft drinks. They also have been known to follow humans around, though not with the intent to sting. This species will forage for only live prey such as grasshoppers, spittlebug adults, leafhoppers, tree crickets, flies and spiders.

Nests:

Aerial Yellowjacket nests are usually aerially constructed, ranging from just above ground level to the tops of trees. They are commonly found on structures such as houses, sheds and garages. Subterranean nests have also been found. Nests are the same as D. maculata (Bald-faced Hornet), with two to six horizontally-arranged combs and 200-700 adult workers at peak population.

Nature toward humans:

Stings are most common when Aerial Yellowjackets build nests on human structures and hidden nests are accidentally disturbed.

Other Yellowjacket species

Paper Wasps

Hornets