Chandler, Arizona sits amid the Sonoran Desert, where the saguaro cactus reigns supreme. The sun shines an average of about 300 days per year. Whether it’s golfing, bicycling, hiking, or horseback riding, outdoor activities abound. The mud dauber is one pest in the Chandler area that likes to get out and enjoy the warm, arid climate. Without , they may become a nuisance around your home.
What Does A Mud Dauber Nest Look Like?
have obtained their name from the type of nest they build. Depending on the mud dauber, some nests will have multiple short tubes of mud (about one inch) that sit side-by-side, while other species create longer tubes that resemble the pipes on an organ. The female works hard, making numerous trips back and forth to collect mouthfuls of mud. Most of the time, nests get built in the higher areas around your property (especially in sheltered areas).
Some places mud daubers like to establish nests include:
- Attics
- Sheds
- Ceilings
- Walls
- Under eaves
- Garages
- Barns
When property owners begin to see holes dotting the outside of mud tubes, it typically indicates that the mud daubers living there are gone. Inactive and old nests can still pose problems for homeowners; therefore, it is wise to have Green Home Pest Control remove them.
Mud Dauber Habits And Behavior
Mud daubers are solitary wasps, meaning they don’t live in colonies. While they like to operate independently, they are not averse to other species building nests near them. They are not aggressive wasps; they rarely sting. Adults feed on spider fluids, honeydew, and nectar. The whole purpose of mud tube creation is to provide a place for females to lay eggs. Mud daubers go through complete metamorphosis. They begin as an egg, move to a larval stage, into the pupal (cocoon) stage, and finally, the adult stage. When new adults are finally ready to leave the nest, they will exit the mud tubes and leave.
Is It True That Mud Daubers Will Eat Spiders On My Property?
Mud daubers prey on spiders; certain species find black widows especially tasty. Spiders are an integral part of the mud dauber’s metamorphosis process. Females hunt down spiders and paralyze them with their venom; they will then carry the spiders back to the mud dauber wasp nest and stuff them into the cells within. When females are ready, they will lay eggs on the spiders and seal up the mud tube. After the larvae hatch, they feed off the spider for about three weeks until they get to the pupal stage. A cocoon is spun during the pupal stage, where mud daubers finish developing until the following spring, when they will emerge as adults.
How To Get Rid Of Mud Daubers Safely And Effectively
You may not think that you need professional assistance to – they are supposed to be friendly! The mud daubers aren’t the main problem; the aggressive insects that move into a mud dauber’s empty nest are the real issue. Property owners should not take chances with mud dauber wasp removal as it often comes with an unpleasant surprise.
The best way to remove mud dauber nests is with help from Green Home Pest Control. Our company’s trained professionals have the experience and equipment necessary to remove mud daubers safely. Call our family-owned and operated company today and let Green Home Pest Control set you up with first-rate, prompt, and professional .
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21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
