Mud Dauber

Actual Size: 1”

Characteristics: Very thin waist. Yellow and black coloration. Easily identified by unique nest of mud tubes.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Habitat: Solitary wasps that build tube-shaped nests out of mud, often around attics or eaves.

Habits:

  • They are solitary and do not live in colonies.
  • To feed their young, they paralyze and collect spiders.
  • Despite their threatening appearance, they are unlikely to sting even when disturbed.


Mud Daubers in North Jersey

Mud daubers get their name from their habit of building nests and “brood chambers” out of mud. Though there are many species found across the United States – including here in North Jersey – it’s easy to identify an infestation due to the unique cylindrical shape of the nest. Mud daubers also have an extremely thin, thread-like waist between the abdomen and thorax. Despite their scary appearance, mud daubers aren’t generally aggressive and rarely sting unless their nest is threatened.

Mud Dauber Habitat

Female mud daubers are responsible for building the nests out of mud, which contain a series of short mud tubes placed next to each other. They usually build these nests in protected areas such as porch ceilings, attics, or inside of sheds and barns. After constructing the nest, the female mud daubers will paralyze spiders with her sting and place them inside the mud chambers. Then she will deposit an egg on top of one of the spiders before sealing it off, which the larval wasp will feed upon after hatching. Once fully developed, the mud dauber will poke a small round hole in the nest to emerge. If you come across a nest with holes in it, then the nest is no longer active.

Mud Dauber Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

While mud daubers can be scary to come across, they are not typically aggressive. They usually only sting when defending their nests. In fact, mud daubers can be beneficial to the environment because they reduce spider populations. That said, it’s never fun to find wasps in or near your home, and that’s one stress you shouldn’t have to worry about. If you discover a nest on your property, get in touch with the experts at Eastern Pest Services! We can help safely remove the nest and prevent the wasps from revisiting your property later on down the road. To get started, give us a call today!