Mud Dauber Wasps: Mud Nests on Walls and Ceilings

Small mud tubes on walls and ceilings are often mud dauber nests.

The short answer

Mud daubers are slender solitary wasps that build mud nests and stock them with spiders. They rarely sting. Nests can be scraped off once abandoned, wearing gloves and eye protection. Seal gaps to discourage re-nesting.

Facts

• Solitary and generally not aggressive.
• Prey on spiders.

Removal

1. Check the nest is abandoned.
2. Scrape off with gloves and eye protection.
3. Seal gaps and clean the surface.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Do they sting?

Rarely.

Are they harmful to walls?

They stain.

Will they come back?

Possibly.

Should I kill them?

Not necessary.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on bee and wasp control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full bee and wasp control guide for Bangalore.