Like other wasps, the yellowjackets chew bits of wood and leaves to make a "paper" nest. This may be constructed hanging from a tree branch, a hole in a tree, a hole in the ground, under the eaves of a house, in the attic, or in any other suitable place that is dry and is not greatly disturbed.

Only the queen survives the winter in areas of harsh climate, although I have found solitary workers surviving well through the winter by becoming dormant under a piece of wood or in a protected cranny next to the house.

Yellowjackets are renowned scavengers, eating road kills, rotting fruit, insects, and our picnic scraps. They readily attack if they sense a threat to themselves or their nest. If one lands on you in the course of searching for food, you are probably safe from being stung, but swatting may stimulate their aggresiveness. Yellowjackets may also be attracted to brightly colored clothing. Yellowjackets may sting more than once, or at least until they lose their stinger. They may also bite. Many people are allergic to the sting. I tend to have a bigger reaction to the bite! It is best to your doctor's advice as regards to proper and safe treatment of yellowjacket stings.