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Dolichovespula arenaria
Large wasp with distinct markings on the abdomen.
Sitka spruce in a residential area
Spotted on Jul 19, 2016
Submitted on Sep 25, 2016
1 Comment
This may be either Vespula germanica,
http://bugguide.net/node/view/14083
or Vespula pensylvanica,
http://bugguide.net/node/view/12981
I might guess V. pensylvanica based upon range and prevalence, but I have no experience with the yellowjackets of your area.
There is additional information, including a very detailed key, on the pages to which I have linked.