Flying insects of all kinds can be commonly found buzzing around Texas homes, and dirt daubers are certainly no exception. Also known as mud daubers, these dark-colored insects build their nests out of mud (hence the name) and often take up residence just outside our houses. As a result, we tend to encounter them a lot, making it especially important to understand dirt daubers and any potential threat they may pose.
Distinguishing Dirt Daubers
Winged insects can be difficult to distinguish from one another. Many people have difficulty telling the difference between a wasp, a yellow jacket, or a dirt dauber. It’s important to know for understanding which you are dealing which can help determine your course of action. Some defining characteristics of a dirt dauber include:
Appearance
They are typically dark blue or black in color and up to one inch in length. Some may also have yellow coloring or a metallic appearance.
Location
Dirt daubers are most active during the daytime near puddles or other sources of water and mud for their nests. However, their nest locations must be kept away from potential rain and are commonly found under eaves, in cracks, or other tight, compact spaces.
Do Dirt Daubers Sting?
Dirt daubers are certainly capable of stinging and can even sting multiple times in rapid succession. But they are far less likely than some of their other winged counterparts to do so. Dirt daubers are not known for being particularly aggressive or territorial around their nests like yellowjackets. Often when disturbed, they do not attack except for rare cases. However, it is important to realize that stings, and associated allergic reactions can occur. Symptoms to watch out for can include skin reactions, swelling, difficulty breathing, or nausea. Should these or any other indicators of an allergic reaction occur, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Understanding Insects Around Your Home
As a homeowner, you will undoubtedly encounter your fair share of pests. Fortunately, when it comes to dirt daubers, you don’t have much to worry about. Not only do they pose very little threat, they even serve their own purpose in pest control, feeding on smaller insects such as spiders. However, while a few dirt daubers are not problematic, they can certainly become a nuisance if their numbers begin to grow. If you have an increasing dirt dauber population around your home that has become an issue, contact the pest control experts at Chorbie for help.
