These are common wasps in the region, including at the FWG. They make small round, open-faced nests under eaves and in sheds. Sometimes we have found them in metal posts and bird boxes. They are very non-aggressive, but they have the misfortune to look like a yellow-jacket to most people and are therefore deemed very dangerous. Eric Grissell, in his book on "Bees, wasps and ants" says that "these are the most docile of them all, allowing a person to stick their face right up to the nest before showing defensive warning signs". Even then, he says, they don't come right out and sting the intruder, preferring to fly around and assess things! So don't be overly worried if you have these guys in your garden. We're not.

This poor wasp is now a meal for the two ambush bugs who were hiding in the goldenrod.