Knowledgebase

Is this a mantis egg case? #920719

Asked October 27, 2025, 9:12 PM EDT

Doing cleanup in the garden in October, I noticed this thing attached to the trellis/fence wire. I'm not sure if it's the egg case of a praying mantis or if it's another insect product. If it's the former of course I will leave it to hatch in the spring, but if it's a pest I want to get rid of it. Thanks.

Charles County Maryland

Expert Response

No, this is not a mantis egg case, though it's hard to identify otherwise. It might be a type of solitary wasp nest, either a mud dauber, potter wasp, or similar species. It does not look like any concerning pest and can be left alone.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied October 28, 2025, 9:41 AM EDT

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