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General Characteristics:

- Solitary nesting species

- Size is 24-28 mm

- Black body with yellow markings. Waist is twice as long as abdomen

- Geographic range is throughout North America

- Adults feed on flower nectar

- Typically prey on spiders

Reproduction:

- Nests may have up to 100 cylindrical cells

- Nests are constructed using mud

- 6-15 prey spiders are placed in each cell along with 1 egg which is then sealed in

Signs of Infestation:

- Nests are created of mud and are usually vertically oriented

- Nests locations are common in rafters of attics, garages or on the sides of buildings

- Although stings are rare, nests should be approached with caution

- Certain dermisted such as carpet beetles may infest wasp nests and may be an indicator of mud dauber presence

Control Techniques:

- Nests are not actively defended but with caution, may be removed manually

- Insecticides such as dusts, wet table powders, microencapsulated products, or aerosols may be used ACCORDING TO LABEL SPECIFICATIONS AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS

- A professional should be contacted to treat nesting sites if problems persist

Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.



References:

Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar Communications, 1988. p. 202.

“Species Sceliphron caementarium - Black & Yellow Mud Dauber” (On-line). Iowa State University Entomology. Accessed Jan.
6, 2010 at http://bugguide.net/node/view/6610.

Disclaimer:

The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.

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