Size :1-1.5 inches long
Nests :Nests are aerial or in a protected aerial location; large in size, globular and made from paper. From 100-700 workers.
Color :Black & white; brownish-reddish
Diet :Prey on other insects and rarely are scavengers for sweets and proteins Likelihood to Sting : Very aggressive when the nest is disturbed; many stinging individuals
Wasps
Size :Most wasps are smaller than hornets – 1 inch or less
Nests :Both aerial paper nests and ground nests. While yellow jackets will build above and below ground, they build underground most often. The paper wasps have no paper envelope enclosing and protecting the nest. From 100-5000 workers
Color :Wide variety of coloration.
Diet :Prey on other insects and are very likely to scavenge for sweets & proteins Likelihood to Sting : The yellow jackets are very aggressive, but the paper wasps are not likely to sting unless threatened.
The similarities of the Hornets and Wasps
Both of the female only a toxic dose (toxic dose).