When it comes to wasps, there are many different kinds. However, there are two wasps in particular that many people confuse: the mud dauber and the paper wasp. Both of these wasps have unique behaviors, anatomies, and habitats. They can also be difficult to tell apart. In this article, we will take a detailed look at both the mud dauber and the paper wasp. We will discuss their similarities and differences, where they're typically found, and how to get rid of them if they become a problem.
The mud dauber is a type of wasp that gets its name from the mud nests that it builds in wet dirt. The mud daubers you'll find in most of North America are typically black or even blueish with yellow highlighting their legs. They are typically about half an inch long but can grow to be up to an inch long.
They are not aggressive at all, and they rarely sting humans unless they feel threatened. Mud daubers build their nests by gathering mud from puddles and ponds. They then shape the mud into little tubes or cells, which they use to store their eggs. In contrast to other wasps or bees, the mud dauber is a solitary critter, as they typically live alone or with their larvae.
Sometimes, many of these wasps will set up shop in moist areas on your property, such as under an eave or in a dark corner of your garage. If you have mud daubers nesting on your property, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
because mud daubers are not aggressive, they pose no threat to humans. So, if you can stand to have them around, it's usually best just to wait until their nests are abandoned (usually in late summer). However, if you have small pets or children that play near the mud dauber nest, it's not a bad idea to clear it out anyway.
If you can reach the nests, you can break them down with a stick or hose them off with water. Just be careful not to disturb the wasps too much, as they could sting you if they feel threatened. Be sure to wear gloves and have a fly swatter handy if you decide to manually remove a nest.
If you have a mud dauber infestation inside your home, you can remove them with a vacuum. Just be sure to seal the bag afterward and dispose of it properly so it can't escape back onto your property.
If mud daubers are nesting in hard-to-reach places or if you just can't stand to have them around, you can always call a pest control expert to help you remove them.
Paper wasps are a type of wasp that gets its name from the paper-like material that they use to build nests. Paper wasps are typically brown or red and are about an inch long. They are much more aggressive than mud daubers, and they will sting humans if they feel threatened. Paper wasps build their nests by chewing wood and plant fibers into a pulp. This pulp is then used to construct the walls of their nests.
Paper wasps can pose trouble for homeowners on account of their aggression and territorial nature. If you have paper wasps nesting on your property, it's important to take action to remove them.
The best way to get rid of paper wasps is to call a pest control expert. Paper wasps are aggressive, and they will sting humans if they feel threatened. If you try to remove them yourself, you could end up getting stung, which is especially problematic if you're allergic.
If you're feeling brave, you can try to remove the nest yourself. Paper wasps are less active at night, so this is the best time to attempt to remove their nest. Just be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from getting stung.
Another option is to hose down the nest with water. This will kill the wasps and destroy their nest. Just be sure to do this at night when they are less active, as they could come after you if they feel threatened during the day.
If you don't feel comfortable taking on the wasps unarmed, you can always use a store-bought wasp killer. Wasp killers come in different forms, from powders to sprays. Each type of wasp killer is useful in different situations, so be sure to check the labels as you shop for them. Just be sure to follow the safety instructions on the label and keep your family and pets away from the area until the wasps are dead.
Mud daubers and paper wasps are both found all over North America. Mud daubers are most active in the spring and summer, while paper wasps are most active in the fall. Both mud daubers and paper wasps can become a nuisance if they build their nests near humans, but paper wasps are a bigger problem for all but the most avid lawn care enthusiasts.
If you're having issues with wasps of any kind, Zunex Pest Control is here to help. Servicing the greater Puget Sound area, we have the tools and knowledge to remove any common pest. Contact us today for a free quote!
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