Dirt Dauber Invasion Plagues Athens Residents

Local expert offers tips to deal with the pesky insects

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Athens, Georgia residents have been dealing with an influx of dirt daubers, a type of wasp, that have been nesting in homes and causing problems for homeowners. Campbell Vaughn, a local expert, provides advice on how to identify and manage these pests.

Why it matters

Dirt daubers, while not typically aggressive towards humans, can still sting and their nests can cause damage to homes. As the weather warms, their populations tend to increase, leading to more issues for Athens residents.

The details

Dirt daubers are a type of solitary wasp that build mud nests, often in the eaves of homes, attics, or other sheltered areas. They feed on spiders, which they paralyze and store in their nests as food for their larvae. While they are not as aggressive as some other wasp species, their stings can still be painful for humans.

  • As temperatures rise in the spring, dirt dauber populations typically increase in the Athens area.
  • Residents have reported a noticeable uptick in dirt dauber nests in their homes over the past few weeks.

The players

Campbell Vaughn

A local expert on insects and pests in the Athens, Georgia area.

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What they’re saying

“Dirt daubers are a common nuisance this time of year, but there are some easy steps homeowners can take to manage them.”

— Campbell Vaughn, Local pest expert (onlineathens.com)

What’s next

Vaughn recommends that Athens residents inspect their homes for dirt dauber nests and remove them early before the insects can establish larger colonies. He also advises sealing up any cracks or crevices where the wasps may try to build new nests.

The takeaway

As the weather warms in Athens, residents should be on the lookout for dirt daubers and take proactive steps to prevent them from nesting in and around their homes to avoid potential stings and property damage.