They nest in the ground or wall voids, behind shutters, or they may build aerial nests on shrubs, trees, and houses. Yellow ...

Yellow jackets (which include bald-faced hornets ... Wasps commonly nest on buildings or in retaining walls, trees, and the ground. When wasp nests are found close to where people are active ...

According to the NC State Extension, the type of yellow jackets seen in North Carolina build their nests in the ground. According to Oregon State University, their numbers grow during a drought.