Mason, Potter and Mud Dauber Wasps
Vespidae; Sphecidae
Wasps Fact Sheet: English, Spanish.
Yellow and black mud dauber (Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org)
Blue mud wasp (Show Ryu, Wikimedia Commons)
Potter wasp (Bruce Marlin, Wikimedia Commons)
Identification
- 3/8 - 1+ inches long
- various colorations: black and yellow; black; black with a bluish tinge
- often have an elongated segment between the middle and rear
Nesting Habits
- mud nests on sides of structures or under window sills, eaves, etc.
- nests can appear as clay pots, mud patches or mud tubes or pipes
Diet
- insects, spiders
- nectar
Significance
- nests pose a slight health risk to humans
- not aggressive
- may be considered beneficial since they prey on many species of spiders
IPM Recommendations
- Monitor for nests from early summer - fall.
- Purchase and use a bee veil, suit and gloves.
- Mimimize nesting habitat around property.
- Install tight-fitting screens in windows.
- Nest removal: wear protective bee veil, suit and gloves; early in the morning, remove nest in a garbage bag or scrape from side of building or structure, then clean nest area with soap and water.