Mud Dauber Wasps and Air Conditioner Units

Mud dauber wasps are a group of solitary insects known for building mud nests. 

Found across Australia in various habitats including urban environments such as around buildings, gardens, woodlands, and wetlands, these wasps play a significant role in controlling populations of harmful pests such as spiders and caterpillars.

One of the most remarkable skills of mud dauber wasps is their nest-building ability.

Females carefully construct nests using mud, hence the name “mud dauber.” The nests are typically composed of several cylindrical chambers stacked together, with each chamber housing a single egg and a paralyzed prey item for the developing larva to feed on. 

The daubers employ a unique technique where they gather mud from moist areas, which they mix with their saliva to create a pliable substance for constructing the nest.

As solitary insects, mud dauber wasps do not form colonies. However, it is not unusual to see multiple nests built by different individuals in close proximity to one another. Male mud daubers often establish territories near these nests, exhibiting territorial behavior to attract females for mating.

We have these nests all over our house, mainly on the brickwork. There’s no real reason to get rid of them. The wasps are not aggressive  and they keep our insect population down.

The only problem we’ve had in the past is their building of nests in our air conditioning units’ drain hoses. Easily fixed by inserting fly screen wire.

A week or so ago, the outdoor unit of one of our split aircons started vibrating quite violently.

We call the service man who began taking it to pieces.

And what did he find?

The mud dauber wasps had made nests on the inside rear cavity of the plastic exhaust fan causing it to be unbalanced.

Who would have thought that?

He didn’t. 

He’s used to snakes, rats and mice causing aircon problems in this area.

Anyway, all fixed.

For great service call Jake at Kings Point Air Conditioning Pty Ltd.