In buildings, individual wasps can be killed with a fly swatter or caught with a butterfly net and squashed or released. Nests that can be disturbed by children should be destroyed. Treat ground nests with a dust formulation. Treat nesting sights in the evening. Use protective clothing.
Some species feed on sugar, meat, or other forms of protein.
Wasps will be attracted to garbage cans, pop dispensers, dumpsters and other sources of food. If food is always present the wasps or yellow jackets will continue to come back to the site. In bad years it will be very difficult for children to eat or drink outdoors during the day without attracting yellow jacket workers. The biggest general threat is if a nest is disturbed because bees and wasps become very defensive. If the nest is in an area of people traffic and is in the ground, wall voids or on low-hanging branches it will need treatment.