dirt dobbers?

Question

are dirt dobbers poisonous ? what do do if u get stung by one ?

Answer 1

They have pretty much the same effect as a regular honey bee. If you are allergic to bee stings, be careful. They will usually sting quicker that a honey bee and can hide their nests in EVERYTHING!! I've noticed that when your stung by one there is more pain--longer lasting than a honey bee too. My son had been stung three times at work this year and each time the reaction gets worse. The last time, he was stung on the knuckle and his hand and forearm swelled up to look like Popeye's arms. Has really made him leary of them.

We live in the country with dry hay fields all around us, so they hang out around our house as a water source and also have a garden and fruit trees, so the mud dobbers and yellow jackets are a real problem. Only way I keep them halfway under control is by trying to locate the nests during the day and spraying it at night when the bees are resting on it.

I have also heard at different times of the year, they are not only more likley to sting, but that the stings are worse. If I remember, it was this time of the year that they are going after fallen, rotting fruit (ferminted) that they are at their worst.

Answer 2

Adults superficially resemble wasps, but have no stinger and are harmless;
Description: Adult flies are robust, 5/8-inch long, black flies with smoky black wings. Wings are held over the back when at rest. The first abdominal segment has clear areas. Larvae are torpedo-shaped and flattened, with skin (exoskeleton) appearing firm and tough. The head is small and narrower than the body and the body bears no legs or other features except hairs and spines. The back of the body is blunt and bears breathing pores (spiracles).
They have characteristic "elbowed" antennae due to a long terminal segment. Larvae are generally aquatic or semi-aquatic, feeding on algae, decomposing organic matter or on aquatic organisms. A few species are found in dung or in decaying fruit, vegetables or under the bark of rotting wood. Larvae of some species bear a rosette of hairs around the back end of their bodies used to float on the water surface and obtain air.
Habitat and Food Source(s): Larvae have chewing mouthparts. Adult flies are commonly trapped indoors and are found around windows as they try to find an exit. Outdoors, they occasionally "buzz" by, but are otherwise rarely encountered. Larvae feed on decomposing organic matter, mold and algae. Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus) is commonly encountered indoors in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor latrines and earthworm beds. Larvae have also been extracted form carrion, and there are reports that the larva has been accidentally swallowed with contaminated food, causing myiasis (infestation within the body).

Answer 3

I live in Huntsville,Tx and I have dirt-dobbers every where. I caught one one time and you think he stings but actually they just pinch the s___! out of you!! I've never seen them sting anyone, if they can sting! As far as the nest you can take it down anytime you want. Even if their close by. The only thing they'll do is bluff you as they dart at you, but thats all they'll do. They will not attack you. Hope this helps......

Answer 4

I don't believe "dirt dobbers" aka mud dauber wasps are poisonous. I don't think they'll even sting you. They are more of a nuisance than anything, building their nests in mechanical equipment, etc.

Answer 5

Dirt daubers/mud wasps are not very aggressive at all; I spent a summer at camp once with a whole nest right by my bed, and they never bothered me! Unless you are allergic to wasps, I'd leave them alone; they're not doing any harm, and they're good at removing spiders (that's what their young feed on).

Answer 6

I looked around on the internet. I don't think that they sting humans. They are aggravating. I believe that there stingers are probably used for protection not to harm.

Answer 7

They are threatening looking but completely non-aggressive.

Answer 8

They don't sting, they are just very annoying