What is a mud dauber?
Mud daubers are a solitary species of stinging insect; they were named after the distinctive nests that they create out of mud and other natural materials. Adult mud daubers grow to a fairly large size- between 1 ½ and 2 inches in length. Their appearance can vary depending on the specific species; but they generally have a narrow waist, with a thread-like segment between their thorax and abdomen that causes them to look like they have been “stretched”. They can range in color from black to metallic blue and may or may not have yellow or green markings.
Why do I have them?
Mud Daubers are attracted to properties that offer them access to food and shelter sources. The females like to create their nests in places that provide with a lot of shelter; common places where you can find mud dauber nests include in rock crevices, on rock overhangs, and under porches, decks and roof eaves. They can also be found inside of attics and in outbuildings like barns, sheds, and garages. Mud Daubers feed on insects (adults and larvae) and on a variety of liquids (adults) including honeydew, nectar, and the body fluids of the insects that they have preyed on.
Are they dangerous?
Mud Daubers are not considered to be a super dangerous species of pest because they are not overly aggressive and rarely sting. Even though mud daubers are docile in nature, care should still be taken around them because if a sting does occur their venom is strong enough to cause an allergic reaction, which in some people can be quite severe.
Can I do it myself?
Do-it-yourself mud dauber control is never recommended. Mud daubers have the potential to cause painful stings and severe allergic reactions; only professionals who have experience dealing with stinging insects like mud daubers and who have proper safety equipment should attempt to eliminate them from a property. It is also important to note that DIY pest control products can be very dangerous to you, your family, pets, and plants if not mixed or placed properly. Contact Schendel Pest Services to see how we can quickly and safely help to get rid of a potentially dangerous mud dauber nest from your property.
How soon can you get here?
We are dedicated to making sure that we get help to you as quickly as possible, we understand how stressful pest problems can be for you and your family. In most instances, Schendel will respond the same or very next day.
How much does it cost?
We have standard pricing for all of our pest services, based on average size homes under 3500 square feet and where the infestation does not require more than the standard number of services. We will always make you aware of any price changes before we start your service. Sign up for your FREE quote today and see how much you can save with Schendel.
How can I prevent this in the future?
Preventing mud daubers from invading your property is difficult but there are a few precautions that you can take to help reduce the likely-hood of an infestation.
- Trim back trees and bushes from your home.
- Reduce the amount of flowering landscape found planted near the exterior of your home.
- Fix holes found around your home’s roof line and replace loose or missing roof shingles.
- Seal all cracks found in your home’s foundation and exterior walls.
- Caulk gaps around windows and doors.
- Make sure that vent covers are secure and that any chimneys have tight fitting caps on them.
