Summer is here, and so are wasps! While we know they are beneficial to the ecosystem, we understand that you may not want them buzzing around your head when you go outside your home to enjoy the Lake Oconee/Greensboro summer air. To resolve the mud dauber wasp issue, you need to learn what kind of wasp is bothering you and secure the best pest control in Lake Oconee/Greensboro, American Pest Control.
What Does A Mud Dauber Nest Look Like?
The mud dauber wasp is a common type of wasp in the Lake Oconee/Greensboro area. Wasp identification of this wasp is its association with dirt. These dark wasps make their homes with mud; however, not all mud dauber nests look the same. Some nests consist of several tubes many inches long, while others resemble a vase-like structure. You will find mud dauber nests on surfaces ranging from plant stems to bricks. Favorite locations for mud daubers also include patio furniture and lawn equipment.
The nests of mud daubers are built by and maintained by one female. Some nests are new, while others are reused nests from previous seasons. Inside a mud dauber's home, you will find several one-inch cells filled with paralyzed spiders waiting to be the main dinner course for the evening.
Mud Dauber Habits And Behavior
Like other stinging insects, summer is the peak season for these long, thin-waisted wasps in Lake Oconee/Greensboro. Mud daubers are active during the daytime as they build their nests and hunt for their prey. There are two basic classes of wasps: social and solitary; mud daubers are part of the former class. Whereas social wasps use venom to kill and defend their colonies, solitary wasps like mud daubers use their venom to paralyze and preserve their prey. Also, social wasps build large colonies of hundreds to thousands of wasps, but solitary wasps do not live in colonies.
When a mud dauber attacks its prey, it stings it and releases a paralyzing venom. The immobile future meal is taken to a cell in the nest, where it is stored for later use. Each cell in the nest is filled with prey alongside an egg. Upon hatching, the newborn larvae feed on the stored prey. When the larvae grow into adulthood, it chews a hole through the cell wall and emerges to join the adult mud daubers.
Unlike yellow jackets and other members of the wasp family, these medium-sized members of the wasp species are not aggressive. Unless they are threatened or disturbed, mud daubers will not sting you. To avoid being stung, you need to secure American Pest Control, the professionals in wasp removal in Lake Oconee/Greensboro.
Is It True That Mud Daubers Will Eat Spiders On My Property?
Although mud daubers can eat dairy, vegetables, and meat, they prefer spiders as the main course. Three types of mud daubers and their preferred prey are as followings:
- Organ-pipe mud daubers prey on spiders such as orb spiders and jumping spiders.
- Black and yellow mud daubers enjoy hunting and feeding crab spiders to their young.
- The blue mud daubers prefer black and brown widow spiders.
Mud daubers have earned the nickname "dauber spider" because it is not uncommon to find a host of spider skins in a destroyed mud dauber nest. The typical mud dauber nest will have between a dozen and 25 paralyzed and preserved spiders stocked for the young, developing larvae to consume. Although spiders are their preferred prey, mud daubers will hunt other prey, such as cicadas and katydids.
How To Get Rid Of Mud Daubers Safely And Effectively
Basic steps you can take for wasp prevention around your home include the following:
- Seal cracks and holes in buildings.
- Provide water drainage so puddles can quickly dry.
- Remove their food source.
To eliminate mud daubers from your property, you need experts in home pest control in Lake Oconee/Greensboro, American Pest Control. Reach out to us today and let us solve the mud dauber problem at your Lake Oconee/Greensboro home.
Our certified pest experts will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Simply fill out this form for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Contact Us Today!