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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies (Hymenoptera) » Aculeata - Ants, Bees and Stinging Wasps » Apoidea sans Anthophila – Apoid Wasps » Thread-waisted Wasps (Sphecidae) » Sceliphrinae » Mud-dauber Wasps (Sceliphrini) » Black Mud-dauber Wasps (Sceliphron) » Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp (Sceliphron caementarium)
Photo#246833
mud nest found in attic near vent - Sceliphron caementarium
Copyright © 2008 Beth Walker

mud nest found in attic near vent - Sceliphron caementarium
Troutdale near Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA
Size: 6" x 3"
Snow storm with 40 mph wind gusts(12/19-12/25) blew through attic vent. I had leaned insulation against the vent during the storm to minimizing the inside snow drift. Checking it today (12/29)I noticed the nest located about 2 inches from the cross stud and against the upright stud. We live a mile above the Sandy River with forest behind us and we get the east wind off the Columbia River Gorge. Troutdale is 20 miles East of Portland, Oregon.
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Contributed by Beth Walker on 29 December, 2008 - 3:12pm
Last updated 5 January, 2009 - 11:52pm

Greetings.
I grew up in Portland, and know the fauna well....This is the nest of a black and yellow mud dauber wasp, Sceliphron caementarium. One female wasp built it, and her offspring, now inside, will emerge next summer. Since these are not social wasps like yellowjackets, there is virtually no risk of being stung. Just let the nest be. If you think the nests are eyesores, or just don't want them in the attic, then screen the attic vent once the wasps have emerged from this nest.
… Eric R. Eaton, 29 December, 2008 - 5:03pm login or register to post comments

 
mud dauber wasp nest
Thank you very much for identifying the nest and letting me know that I don't have to do anything about it. Very helpful.
… Beth Walker, 30 December, 2008 - 10:21pm login or register to post comments

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