A Complete Guide To Mud Daubers: Habits, Identification, And Control In Naples

Mud daubers look like menacing insects, but they are typically more helpful than harmful. These wasps eat black widows and other spiders, as well as plant nectar and honeydew. However, mud daubers can become a nuisance on your property.

That’s where Naples pest control experts like Keller’s Pest Control step in to assess the situation and remove the nuisance safely. This complete guide to mud daubers will help you identify mud daubers, potential dangers, and solutions for prevention.

Physical Characteristics Of Mud Daubers: How To Identify Them

A mud dauber is also commonly known as a “mud wasp.” Common species include the blue mud dauber, the organ pipe mud dauber, and the yellow and black mud dauber. You can identify mud daubers by their long, slender bodies. Their waists are narrow, and their legs are long and thin, like their bodies. Though females are bigger than males, they both have stingers at the bottom of their abdomens. 

What do mud dauber nests typically look like? You’ll usually find a mud dauber nest inside and on the side of moist, sheltered areas, such as caves, porches, overhangs, eaves, and unused machinery. Mud dauber nests are constructed out of clay collected from moist soil or puddles. The nests are circular and can be cylinders, ovals, rounds, or tubes. Female daubers lay their eggs inside the cells.

Health And Safety Concerns: Dealing With Mud Dauber Infestations

Mud dauber wasps aren’t naturally aggressive, but they will sting if disturbed or threatened. Proceed with extra caution around their nests. Mud dauber stings can cause centralized redness, swelling, and pain. Mud dauber venom is meant to paralyze spiders, not humans. However, it is possible to experience an allergic reaction from a sting. If you experience trouble breathing, hives, a sudden rash, or an inability to focus, please see a doctor immediately. 

Simple Steps To Protect Your Home: Mud Dauber Prevention Tips

Mud daubers aren’t all bad since they eat harmful pests like black widows, but they can damage your home. Wasp prevention in Naples is something that every homeowner should take seriously as a maintenance task. Prevent mud daubers from becoming a nuisance by taking these measures:

• Caulk or plaster crevices where spiders could hide or live.
• Caulk or screen openings that allow access to buildings to prevent nesting.
• Remove webs in corners and other hidden areas.
• Have abandoned mud dauber nests removed, which may discourage later usage.

We would discourage you from removing a nest by yourself, especially if it isn’t abandoned, in case of allergies or other concerns. The best way to get rid of a wasp nest is to call the professionals.

Professional Mud Dauber Removal: The Safe And Effective Way

Getting rid of mud daubers is something that we’d rather you call us to handle safely and effectively. Naples pest control experts have the proper safety equipment to prevent stings and the possible resulting allergic reactions, which we don’t want our customers to risk at all.

You’re more likely to spot mud daubers at a pool of water where they are collecting mud to build their nests, or you may see them actively building a nest. When you do, reach out to Keller’s Pest Control for a free and safe assessment of the situation.