Mud Daubers

Mud Daubers are a type of wasp that uses mud to construct nests. They aren’t typically dangerous, but their abandoned nests are often taken over by more dangerous species.

Facts about Mud Daubers

Don’t forget these things.

Where Do They Live?

They’re commonly found in the US and like to make nests anywhere they’ll be protected. This includes under eaves and in bushes.

What Do They Eat?

They eat plant nectar and hunt spiders. Some types even kill black widows.

How Did I Get Mud Daubers?

Mud Daubers are solitary, so one is likely happened to find a place it liked around your house.

How Serious Are Mud Daubers Problems?

Mud Daubers aren’t a nuisance themselves, but they can cause other problems.

Problem #1

Mud Daubers are stinging insects, so if you disturb them, they could cause injury. Many people are allergic to a mud dauber sting. Mud dauber sting treatment includes washing the area and keeping an eye on symptoms.

Problem #2

When Mud Daubers vacate nests, more dangerous insects can decide to move in. You’ll want to remove those nests before that becomes an issue.

Problem #3

You do love Mud Daubers for going after black widows, but they can also hunt good spiders. Plus, it’s hard to know where they might build a nest, including in your bushes or plants.

What Can I Do about Mud Daubers?

It’s best to remove any old nests you find, indicated by holes made when Daubers vacate. Also, make sure to get rid of nests around your home’s entrances or where you commonly walk.

Signs of a Mud Dauber Infestation?

You’ll see them sometimes, but you’re more likely to find the mud dauber wasp nest before that happens. They’re highly distinctive, so you won’t mistake what it actually is.

Mud Dauber Prevention and Control Tips

Try these things to handle the problem.

Control tip #1

Remove any nests you find carefully. Look for holes along the opening to tell you that it’s an empty nest.

Control tip #2

Clear away any overhanging brush or built-up debris where Mud Daubers might build nests. This can discourage them from building in this location.

Control tip #3

Seal cracks and holes in your home or the building in question. It can reduce the target pray and also prevent Daubers from building there.

Mud Dauber Professional Pest Control

Mud Daubers may require professional extermination, especially if you aren’t sure if the insect is still in the nest. Before you decide to handle it yourself, consider allowing a professional to handle it safely. You may want to consider before you attempt a blue mud dauber nest removal because they hunt black widows exclusively.

FAQ’s

How Do You Get Rid of Mud Daubers?

You can use wasp sprays to kill mud daubers. A more humane approach is to wait until they are not around and scrape their nest off the wall. Be sure to wash any residue off. Doing this makes it harder for them to use the foundations of the nest you have just removed to build a new one. However, given the fact that they rarely sting humans many people do not worry about getting rid of them.

Do Mud Daubers Cause Damage?

Mud daubers do not cause damage. Their nests are made of natural materials and are only stuck to the outer surface of the wall. They do not burrow into cracks or eat any of the materials that most buildings are made from. However, their vacant nests can attract other kinds of wasps, some of which are more likely to sting than mud daubers are. So, it is best to scrape them off the wall once they have been vacated.

What Is the Difference Between a Wasp and a Mud Dauber?

Mud daubers typically have longer and thinner bodies than wasps. They are also far less likely to sting humans than most wasps are. Mud daubers build long thin nests that are made from mud, rather than creating a traditional honeycomb nest like wasps and bees do. Wasp and mud dauber numbers can be controlled using the same products and home remedies.