> That would be the one, although it may be a separate species in North America - Vespula alascensis.  Don't know if that little debate has been resolved or not.

Thanks Bill.

Internet search seems to confirm that alascencis in the US was originally mis-identified as vulgaris.  Looks like they are very similar.
I have destroyed many ground nests of vulgaris and they have never tried to attack me.  I just use ant killer powder (0.5% bendiocarb) puffed into the entrance; ant killer powder is a quarter of the price of wasp killer powder - presumably because people are afraid of wasps but not ants.  The wasps carry it in and normally there is no activity 20 minutes later.  I have a 2' tube on the nozzle of the puffer pack which makes it easy to get to nest entrances in buildings.

Best wishes
 
Peter
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

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