Science & Nature • Insects

Mud dauber

Mud daubers are solitary wasps known for building nests from mud.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mud daubers are solitary wasps known for building nests from mud. They are generally non-aggressive and rarely sting. These insects are often considered beneficial because they hunt spiders for their larvae.

Description

Mud daubers are slender wasps with long, narrow waists and a range of colour patterns, including black, yellow-marked, and blue-black species. The name refers to their mud-built nests.

Behaviour and life cycle

Mud daubers are solitary wasps. A female builds nests from mud and stocks each cell with paralyzed spiders, which serve as food for the developing larvae.

Nests and habitat

Their nests are commonly attached to sheltered surfaces such as walls, eaves, garages, and equipment. Nest shapes vary from small tubes to pipe-like structures depending on the species.

Relationship with people

Mud daubers are usually harmless and are not strongly defensive of their nests. They may become a nuisance when nesting near homes, but control is often unnecessary unless the nest is in an inconvenient location.

Key facts

Mud daubers are solitary wasps that build brood cells or tubular nests from mud.
Adults are usually not aggressive and rarely sting unless threatened or handled.
Female mud daubers provision nests with spiders for their larvae.
They are often considered beneficial because they reduce spider populations.

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Canadian context

Mud daubers are relevant to Canadian readers as a common nuisance or beneficial insect around buildings and sheltered outdoor spaces in parts of Canada, especially in warmer regions and during summer.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mud dauber?

A mud dauber is a solitary wasp that builds nests from mud and uses spiders to feed its larvae.

Are mud daubers dangerous?

Mud daubers are generally not dangerous. They are not aggressive and rarely sting unless threatened, trapped, or handled.

How to get rid of mud daubers?

Remove old inactive nests if safety is not a concern. If needed, nests can be knocked down with a putty knife or a strong stream of water; prevention focuses on reducing sheltered nesting sites.

What do mud daubers eat?

Adult mud daubers feed on nectar and other sugar sources, while their larvae eat spiders that the female has paralyzed and placed in the nest.

Mud dauber vs wasp?

Mud daubers are a type of wasp, but they are solitary rather than social and are usually less aggressive than many other wasps.

Mud dauber nest?

A mud dauber nest is a mud-made brood chamber or tube attached to a protected surface, often under eaves or on walls. It contains spider prey for the developing young.

References

Clemson University Home & Garden Information Center — https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/mud-daubers-identification-habits-and-control/
Supports: Mud daubers are mud-nesting wasps and are not aggressive insects; they rarely sting unless threatened.
University of Maryland Extension — https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mud-daubers
Supports: Mud daubers are solitary wasps; nests are made of mud; nests are stocked with spiders paralyzed by stings; control methods include knocking down nests.
Texas Apiary Inspection Service — https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/mud-daubers/
Supports: Mud daubers are solitary wasps with narrow waists; nests are made by a single mated female and are found in sheltered places.
National Pest Management Association — https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/stinging-insects/mud-dauber-wasps/
Supports: There are many species referred to as mud daubers.
University of Illinois School IPM — https://schoolipm.illinois.edu/muddaubers/
Supports: Mud dauber nests are tubular mud structures; species vary in colour and nest form; spiders are placed in the nest as food for larvae.
Missouri Department of Conservation — https://www.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/mud-daubers
Supports: Mud daubers are solitary wasps that build mud nests and are generally harmless, with a role in controlling spiders.