At the end of the season, a nest can contain several thousand insects. The nest is seasonal. Queens will overwinter and start new nests in the spring, while other individuals in the nest will die with cold weather in autumn. The nest is not used for more than one season. It is brown with yellow and orange markings.
Adults collect various insects, which they feed to their young.
The adults feed on nectar and in autumn they may actually feed on juice from ripening fruit. Sometimes these insects are seen stripping the bark off shrubs or trees. They are similar in biology to yellow jackets. Nests are constructed in hollow areas in trees or at times in hollow areas between walls in buildings. These hornets are sometimes attracted to lights at night and may be a nuisance near doors and window screens.