Mud daubers are a family of wasps that are different in appearance and behaviour from yellow-jackets and paper wasps. They are long, slender black wasps that build their nests out of mud.

Due to their concentrated layout, mud dauber nests are highly vulnerable to predators.

Mud daubers have been known to build nests inside airplane machinery, and have been responsible for several incidents in the past few decades.

Mud daubers are omnivorous and feed on a variety of nectar, fruits and insects. They also hunt specific species of spiders such as black and brown widows. They will sometimes stock their nests with spiders for their larvae to feed on.

They build distinctive nests with cylindrical chambers resembling pipes which they mold out of chewed mud. These nests can be quite large and unsightly.

Mud daubers often seek out cracks, crevices and wall voids to build their nests, so sealing entry points to buildings and vehicles will prevent them from setting up shop.

Unlike other types of wasps, mud daubers are not aggressive and do not generally pose a threat to humans. Some people consider them beneficial due to their predation of local insects.

However, mud daubers will become aggressive if threatened although stings are relatively uncommon.

If you notice mud daubers or their nests on your property, give us a call. We’ll identify all nests and take steps to remove them safely and effectively.