This is a European Hornet, a common (though non-native) wasp that has been in the U.S. for a long time. People tend to encounter hornets more frequently this time of year since nests are at their largest in terms of worker abundance. Plus, they can fly at night in addition to during the day, and have been known to be attracted to night lighting. Still, nest members are about to die out, save for a few new queens that disperse and overwinter alone in a sheltered location (like under a log). A queen will start her own nest by herself next year. Nests are not re-used from year to year, and workers tend to leave people alone unless the nest itself is disturbed.

Miri