When you see wasps flying around your SC home, they could be mud daubers. The name mud dauber does not refer to one specific type of wasp. Instead, the name refers to different species of wasps that build nests out of mud. Since mud daubers are found in the Hilton Head area, it’s important to know more about these stinging insects. Keep in mind that you’ll need help from a Hilton Head wasp exterminator if you have an infestation.
Identifying Mud Daubers
How do you know that you have mud daubers around? These wasps vary in appearance, but most are black. Some have a bluish tint to their body or light-colored markings. These insects can range from a half-inch to an inch long when they are fully grown. Unlike some other wasp species, mud daubers have a long, thread-like body shape between their abdomen and thorax. They also have wings that are dark in color or clear.
Mud Dauber Nests
How can you tell if you have mud dauber nests on your property? These wasps get their name from the mud nests they build. These nests are made up of short tubes that are built next to each other. You might find mud dauber nests in your garage or shed, under your roof eaves or on the ceiling of your porch. In some cases, these wasps get inside homes and build nests inside attics.
They typically look for a sheltered place to build their nests. If you find mud dauber nests with a hole, this usually means they’re empty. Mud daubers make a hole in their nests when they leave them.
Behavior of Mud Daubers in SC
Mud daubers fill their nests with spiders that they paralyze. These spiders serve as food for the mud dauber’s young. As adults, mud daubers have a diet that includes nectar and honeydew, as well as spiders. Since they have been known to feed on black widow spiders, mud daubers are often considered beneficial. Mud daubers are known for being solitary wasps rather than social ones. While you won’t find a colony of mud daubers on your property, you might find multiple nests.
Problems with Mud Daubers
Are mud daubers dangerous to have around? Although they do have stingers, these wasps are not aggressive. In fact, they’re among the wasp species that don’t defend their nests. However, you should still avoid disturbing these nests to be safe.
While mud daubers might not be a problem outside in your yard, you might find them to be a nuisance if they build their nests in an inconvenient area, such as on your porch, in your garage or in your attic.
The other issue with mud daubers if left untreated is the staining they cause to your trim and siding. We spoke to Fran Fields with Palmetto Paint Plus and he said many times even after pressure washing and scrubbing, the only way to get rid of the stain is to paint over the area with a sealing primer.
Mud Dauber Pest Control
It’s best to have a Hilton Head wasp exterminator handle mud dauber nest removal on your property. Although you might feel confident removing empty nests on your own, a professional can ensure that this is done as safely as possible. This lowers your risk of being stung by one of these wasps.
Exterminators know how to carefully remove these nests, whether they’re occupied or unoccupied. You should also keep in mind that in some cases, other wasp species can take over empty mud dauber nests. Unlike mud daubers, some of these wasps can be highly aggressive.
Preventing Mud Daubers
How can you take steps to prevent mud dauber problems? You should seal up any possible openings they could get into to keep them out of your home, garage and shed. Sealing up entry points also helps reduce the prey that they feed on, which typically discourages them from building nests on your property.
If you have a mud dauber problem, contact Island Pest Control for help. We’ll send a Hilton Head wasp exterminator to your home to eliminate these pests, so you don’t have to worry about them.
