Mud daubers are solitary wasps that build small nests of mud — tubes or rounded masses — on walls, in attics, under eaves, and in sheltered corners. Unlike social wasps, they’re not aggressive and rarely sting, since there’s no colony to defend.
They’re largely beneficial (they prey on spiders), but their mud nests are unsightly and their old nests can attract other insects. Removal and treatment of nesting surfaces keep them in check.
How to identify
- Slender, often metallic black or blue, with a thread-like waist
- About 1 inch long
- Build mud tubes or rounded mud nests
Signs of an infestation
- Mud tubes or clumps on in attics, walls, eaves, and corners
- Solitary wasps carrying mud
- Old nests reused by other insects
Risks & concerns
- Rarely sting; generally not aggressive
- Unsightly nests; can attract secondary pests
How we treat mud daubers
We remove the mud nests and treat favored nesting surfaces to discourage rebuilding around the home.
Frequently asked questions
Not really — mud daubers are solitary wasps with no colony to defend, so they rarely sting even if handled. Their mud-tube nests are mostly a cosmetic nuisance, though old nests can attract other insects.
Removing existing mud nests and treating the surfaces they favor — eaves, sheltered corners, and walls — discourages them from rebuilding in the same spots season after season.
Mud Daubers control
Get rid of mud daubers for good
Call or text to find the best solution for your pest problem. Appointments are typically available within 24 hours.