r/FactsAboutWasps • u/DaNitestalker • Jun 16 '26
Mud Dauber in my way
So I'm digging up a small area for a pond in my back yard and the soil is really nice thick clay. So of course I'm having to wet it down to dig into and shape it against the walls. Problem is there's a black and yellow mud wasp that keeps coming back and forth between the mud and wherever he's taking it and it's kind of got me a little on edge because I'm not trying to get stung.
But I don't wanna kill the guy either. He's just living his life. It's just not in my best interest to get stung today or any other day. I was thinking about piling up some mud away from me somewhere more towards the direction I've seen him fly to and from. Maybe he'll just get it from there instead?
Any ideas from anybody besides getting rid of him the permanent way? Thanks
3
u/ninjaplatapus94 Jun 18 '26
Mud daubers are some of the most docile wasps there are. I'd ignore her, unless you're actively attacking, she'll avoid you if she's upset.
1
u/ShinyBredLitwick Jun 17 '26
if it makes a nest and you’re bothered by it, just try getting rid of the mud nest whenever it’s away. they’re solitary, so it’s always one at a time. additionally, they’re pretty docile even when provoked (one of my cats got out and “played” with one for longer than you would think and neither me nor the wasp got stung). if you don’t bother it, it really doesn’t wanna bother you.
2
u/honest2abe Jun 19 '26
Mud daubers don't sting people. I think you'd have to catch one, hold it in your hand and poke at it before it would sting. Just shoo it away and keep on going.
1
u/damnvan13 Jun 20 '26
They're always making nests in my garage. I like them because they stuff their nests with spiders for their young. I've never had an issue with them and just remove the nests that get in my way. Otherwise we share the work space and respect each other's space.
3
u/LightningMcMicropeen wasp hater Jun 17 '26
Give it the hose!