Mud Dauber Wasps
Slim black-and-yellow wasps that build mud tubes and cells on walls, eaves and sheds.
- Group: Mud daubers (Sceliphron)
- Size: About 15-25 mm
- Nest: Mud tubes and cells
Request Wasp Removal
Tell us about the wasp problem and where the nest is - we'll get back to you fast.
About Mud Dauber Wasps
Mud dauber wasps are slender wasps with a very thin, stalk-like waist. Each female builds her own nest from mud - a row of tubes or a lumpy cluster of cells - and stocks each cell with paralysed spiders to feed her young. They are common around sheds, verandahs, garages and under eaves.
What Mud Dauber Wasps Look Like
Look for a long, thin black body with yellow markings on the legs and abdomen and a very narrow waist. The nest is a mud structure, either a series of tubes like organ pipes or a rounded lump of cells.
Nests and Life Cycle
After collecting mud, the female builds cells, places spiders in each one, lays an egg and seals it. The larva feeds on the spiders and develops inside the cell. Old nests often show small round exit holes.
Is It a Problem at Your Property?
Mud daubers are solitary and generally calm, so they are not a defensive colony. Their nests can be unsightly on walls and under eaves, and they can be built in places you'd rather keep clear. Contact us if you'd like the nests removed or want to check what is nesting.
If wasps are nesting where they shouldn't be, we can help with wasp nest removal - contact us for an inspection and a clear written quote.
More Wasp Types
Mud Dauber Wasps FAQs
Do mud daubers sting?
They rarely sting and are not defensive of their nests, but it is best not to handle them.
What should I do if I find a wasp nest?
Keep people and pets away, don't block the entrance and don't knock or spray the nest. Contact us and we will identify the wasp and arrange an inspection.
Can you identify the wasp for me?
Yes. Tell us what you can see - size, colour, nest shape and where it is - and we will identify it when we inspect.
Found a Wasp Nest? Call Us Now
Please don't disturb an active nest. Call us or send the quote form and we will arrange nest removal for your home or business.