The German yellowjacket and other wasps are sometimes mistaken for bees.  They can be quite common in late summer foraging for protein and sugar. This puts them in close contact with people and the number of stings goes up dramatically. Food scraps and spilled liquids such as pop in garbage cans, ripe fall fruits, and almost anything you try to eat or drink outdoors will attract them from now until late October. Keep garbage cans clean and fitted with tight lids. Ground nests and nests in the wall should be treated with dusts.

Extension Bulletin