Mud Daubers
What are mud daubers?
A type of wasp, the mud dauber is a stinging insect that, as their name suggests, makes nests out of mud. They are a solitary species, so unlike many other stinging insects, they don't live together in large colonies with thousands of members. Adult mud daubers are identified by a narrow waist and a distinctive thread-like segment between the thorax and abdomen — making it appear like they have a "stretched" waist. Mud daubers are large and are usually black with some pale or yellowish markings; some have a metallic sheen.
When living outside and away from people and our homes, mud daubers are beneficial insects. They are a predatory species and help control populations of spiders, mosquitoes, and other nuisance and dangerous insects. Mud daubers capture insects to place them with the eggs they have laid in the nest. When the eggs hatch, they feed on the provided food source. Adults feed on plant nectar and pollen.
Are mud daubers dangerous?
Compared to other species of stinging insects, mud daubers don't pose any real danger to people because they aren't super aggressive. However, like with any species of stinging insect, if they feel threatened, they will defend themselves by delivering a single or many painful stings. They have a smooth stinger, which gives them the ability to sting a target multiple times. Also, mud dauber venom is strong enough to trigger allergic reactions that range from mild to severe in those susceptible.
Stings by mud daubers most often occur after grabbing onto something that they have been resting on, such as:
A lawnmower handle
A soda can
A lawn chair
A handrail
Why do I have a mud dauber problem?
Mud daubers are drawn to properties with sheltered areas to build nests that have plenty of food and water sources nearby. Gardens, dense vegetation, fields, meadows, yards, and other open spaces with a lot of flowering vegetation and insect activity are where mud daubers like forage for food.
Where will I find mud daubers?
Mud daubers become active in the spring when the temperatures warm up. As the spring continues into summer, they build their populations, and you'll see them flying around foraging for food to feed themselves and their developing young. Mud daubers place their nests in areas that provide a lot of shelter and protection. Spaces between rock piles, woodpiles, roof eaves, and under decks and porch ceilings are some of the mud dauber's favorite nesting sites. They also like to build nests inside large open spaces like garages, sheds, barns, and warehouses.
How do I get rid of mud daubers?
The smartest way to eliminate mud daubers and other pests from your property is to partner with the professionals at Smart Pest Control. We deliver home pest control services that are comprehensive and detailed, ensuring we get to the root of your pest problem and completely solve it.
To learn more about how our locally owned company will protect your property from pests, reach out to Smart Pest Control today. We can work together to ensure that your Costa Mesa home or business stays free of pests, we guarantee it! Call today to learn more about our Costa Mesa mud dauber control solutions!
How can I prevent mud daubers in the future?
The professionals at Smart Pest Control can help you prevent problems with mud daubers and other pests. In addition, use the following tips to help prevent future issues with mud daubers.
Maintain gardens and limit the amount of flowering vegetation planted on your property, especially near your home.
Eliminate water sources by fixing leaky pipes and fixtures. Remove standing water from your property.
Place caps on chimneys and fix holes that develop along the roofline.
Replace damaged screens to keep mud daubers out of your home.
Keep the doors and windows of garages, sheds, and other outbuildings closed whenever possible.
Put a year-round home or commercial pest control plan in place. Lowering the overall number of pests on your property is important. A lot of insect activity attracts spiders, which attract mud daubers and other predators to your yard and home.