Mason wasps building nests around your home can quickly become a nuisance. Their mud nests may not seem threatening, but their constant buzzing and the possibility of getting stung can make them unwelcome guests. If you have spotted these large, thin wasps flying in and out of holes in your walls or other structures, you probably want to get rid of them.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about identifying, deterring, and removing mason wasps in the most effective and environmentally safe ways
What Are Mason Wasps?
Mason wasps earned their common name because they construct nests using mud as their building material, much like a mason uses bricks and mortar. Their scientific genus is Eumeninae, which is a type of potter or mason wasp.
There are over 120 different mason wasp species found in North America. They are generally large, solitary wasps with long, slender, black and yellow or black and blue metallic bodies measuring 5/8 to 1 inch in length.
Female mason wasps have a very thin “waist” and yellow or white facial markings. Male mason wasps can be identified by their solid black heads and thoraxes lacking light markings.
Unlike social wasps, mason wasps do not form colonies. Each female builds and provisions her own nest, only interacting with males briefly to mate. Male mason wasps do not have stingers and only live a few weeks.
Why Mason Wasps Are Beneficial
While you may find their mud nests unsightly, mason wasps play important beneficial roles:
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They are pollinators – Adult mason wasps feed on flower nectar and serve as pollinators for many plant species. Their pollination services are critical for gardens and agriculture.
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They control pests – Female mason wasps hunt caterpillars and other insects to provision their nests. They sting and paralyze the insects, then place them in the nest as food for their offspring. The wasp larvae eat the paralyzed bugs.
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They are not aggressive – Mason wasps rarely sting unless directly threatened or disturbed. They do not defend large nests. Their mild stings are comparable to a bee sting.
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They control other pests – By preying on caterpillars, mason wasps help control populations of plant-damaging pests like armyworms and loopers.
So if possible, it’s best to simply appreciate the presence of mason wasps for their ecological benefits. But if they are nesting in annoying or problematic areas, there are effective ways to deter them without killing these beneficial insects.
How to Keep Mason Wasps Away Humanely
Here are some eco-friendly tips for discouraging mason wasps from settling around your home:
Remove and Clean Existing Nests
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Inspect eaves, awnings, decks, and siding for nests. Mason wasp nests resemble clusters of mud tubes or pits.
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Wear protective clothing to avoid stings. Work at night when wasps are less active.
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Knock down nests with a brush, broom, or scraper. Remove any remnant mud bits stuck to the surface.
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Wash the area with soap and water to eliminate pheromones that could attract more wasps.
Seal Holes and Crevices
- Seal cracks in wood, gaps around windows, tile vents, and weep holes using caulk, expanding foam, wood filler, metal mesh, or other weatherproof materials. This removes nesting sites.
Use Natural Deterrents
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Hang fake wasp nests to deter mason wasps from settling near competitors.
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Apply strong-smelling oils like peppermint, lemongrass, eucalyptus, or tansy oil. Wasps dislike these scents.
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Install bat or bird houses to encourage natural predators that eat wasps.
Knock Down Started Nests
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Monitor for the beginnings of new nests and destroy them immediately before wasps occupy them.
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Wear protective clothing and work at night when active wasps are away. Knock down nest starts with a broom or brush.
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Repeating this nest removal regularly will eventually drive them away for good.
Calling a Professional Exterminator
For large, established mason wasp nests in hard to reach areas like high walls, the safest solution is calling a licensed pest control expert. Professionals have the right equipment and insecticides to:
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Safely reach tall nests using extension tools and lifts.
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Inject concentrated wasp-killing dusts or sprays directly into nest holes.
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Ensure the nest is fully destroyed along with any wasps inside.
This professional treatment is ideal for nests in challenging locations or if you want guaranteed removal due to allergies.
Coexisting With Occasional Mason Wasps
If mason wasps are not nesting somewhere problematic, their presence can be tolerated and even enjoyed. Take time to observe their unique behaviors:
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Watching them construct nests from mud balls cemented with wasp saliva. They regularly fly to water sources to gather the mud.
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Marveling at their speedy, acrobatic flying as they hunt for caterpillar prey. They can even precisely hover in place.
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Noticing them stocking paralyzed insects in their nest before laying an egg inside. Each cell is then sealed off with more mud.
Mason wasps are fascinating creatures that deserve appreciation for their pollination services and natural pest control. With selective management, you can safely deter nests from unwanted areas while allowing these beneficial insects to thrive around your yard.
Summary of Key Points
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Mason wasps are large, non-aggressive, solitary wasps that build nests from mud.
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They are ecologically important for pollination and controlling caterpillar pests.
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Deter nests humanely by sealing cracks, using repellents, and removing started nests.
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Call a professional for large or difficult to reach nests for guaranteed removal.
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Enjoy observing mason wasps when they are not nesting in problematic areas.
With this comprehensive guide, you now have a better understanding of mason wasps and various effective methods for safely managing them around your home. Careful identification, proactive deterrence techniques, and tolerance of these beneficial insects when possible will allow you to prevent problematic infestations while supporting your local ecosystem.
What is the difference between mason & potter wasps and bees?
Mason and potter wasps have delicate legs, narrow waists and smooth bodies. Bees, in contrast, have larger, fuzzy-looking bodies and larger legs. Mason and potter wasp larvae eat paralyzed spiders, caterpillars or beetle larva and the adults feed on flower nectar. Bees, even in the larvae stage, eat pollen, nectar or honey.
Types of Mason & Potter Wasps
The potter wasp is often confused with a yellow jacket wasp. The key difference is the ratio of black to yellow. Potter wasps have a larger part of their bodies covered in black and thin yellow stripes. Other species of mason and potter wasps are easily mistaken for black-bodied mud dauber wasp. You can tell these wasps apart by the narrower waist of the potter wasp or mason wasp and the larger back end of the body, often covering more than 50% of its total length. Mason and potter wasp species have black or brown bodies usually in combination with a color pattern. The most common colors include yellow, orange, red or white.
What’s inside Mason Wasp Nest I’m removing, let’s find out the contents if any?
FAQ
Are mason wasps aggressive?
This species is solitary and not aggressive. It can be found in gardens and other open areas. Adults feed on flower nectar.
What actually works to keep wasps away?
Plants like spearmint, thyme, eucalyptus, and citronella can help prevent wasps.5 days ago
How to protect mason bees from wasps?
Use double-walled nesting materials with closed backs: Thin, single-walled tubes or open-backed materials are easily penetrated by Chalcid wasps. Remove completed nests at the end of the Mason bee season: Store them in a BeeGuard Bag or other breathable mesh bag to protect against parasitic wasps.
How do you encourage wasps to leave?
Research published in the Journal of Pest Management Science found that a combination of clove, geranium and lemongrass essential oil successfully repelled …May 6, 2024
How can I permanently get rid of wasps?
To get rid of mason wasps permanently, you can seal their nests with wood putty. If you have trouble locating their nest, consider contacting pest management professionals for assistance.
Are mason wasps solitary?
The mason wasp is completely solitary, so it doesn’t create a colony in a large nest. Their nest has to be big enough for them to fit inside. They’ve been known to repurpose a nest from another solitary wasp like the mud dauber. If they’re hard-pressed to find somewhere to make their home, they may settle for a hole in the ground.
How do I get rid of wasps in my yard?
To get rid of wasps in your yard, you can keep them away permanently by getting rid of pests in your yards and gardens, which will shorten their food supply. You can also plant wasps-repellent plants like mint, pennyroyal, marigold, and wormwood to keep them away from your garden. Where mason wasps nest is another important factor to consider.
How can I get rid of wasp nests?
The best way to get rid of wasp nests is to use a commercial wasp knockdown spray. Once you find out that a nest has been built somewhere on your property, you’re going to want to deal with it as quickly and safely as possible. So, if you’re ready to handle your wasp problem, keep reading. * This post contains affiliate links.
Are mason wasps dangerous?
Mason wasps are pretty harmless and non- aggressive. If they’re disturbed, or they spot you near their nest, they may sting you. If you’re keeping to yourself and staying out of their way, they’re going to leave you alone as well.
How do I know if I have a mason wasp?
You may have discovered you have a mason wasp by viewing them fly in or out of their nest hole. This provides you with a simple process of removal. If you know that the wasp is away from the nest (which is likely during the daytime), you can remove their nesting material and fill the hole.