They are found foraging throughout the day, but are most active during mid-day. Adults feed on a wide variety of food sources. Carbohydrates are obtained from nectar, honeydew secreted by aphids, scale insects and other insects, and from various fruits. Larvae and adults of various insects provide most of the protein requirements of yellow jackets. Many larvae of insect pests are killed by wasps feeding on them.
Males are harmless.
No real damage is done to turf. Since all soil excavated from the nest site is carried away, no mound is associated with the entrance . In the spring a queen seeks out a suitable nest site and builds a single comb composed of several cells. A single egg is laid in each cell. After a few days the larvae hatch from the eggs.