How to Get Rid of Mud Daubers
Warning
Wear safety goggles when spraying insecticide. Don't inhale the fumes.
Mud daubers, also known as dirt daubers, are a variety of wasp that build nests out of mud. Typically built on exterior walls, the nests resemble long, vertical tunnels of dirt and mud, about 1/2-inch wide and typically from 12-18 inches long. Aside from the nuisance of nesting insects, the mud dauber nest is ugly and can cause cosmetic damage to the exterior of a building, including stains on vinyl and aluminum siding, and brick. Mud daubers also feed on spiders and bring small arachnids back to the nest, so you have wasps and spiders to contend with on the side of your house. Read on to learn about effective ways to get rid of these pests.
Wrap an old rag around a metal rod or the tip of a fireplace poker and secure it with rubber bands. This will protect the wall surface.
- Mud daubers, also known as dirt daubers, are a variety of wasp that build nests out of mud.
- Aside from the nuisance of nesting insects, the mud dauber nest is ugly and can cause cosmetic damage to the exterior of a building, including stains on vinyl and aluminum siding, and brick.
Wear a long-sleeve shirt, gloves and long pants, with eye goggles and shoes to reduce the possibility of an insect bite or sting.
Starting at the bottom of the tube nest (the opening), place the tip of the metal rod or fireplace poker firmly against the nest and rake straight up to disintegrate the nest and remove all chunks of dried mud. Use caution, as any mud daubers inside the nest will immediately take flight and will most likely depart. Some may try to fight back, but the species is not aggressive and most of the wasps will scatter as soon as the nest is demolished.
Use the wasp spray to blast the wall surface where the mud nest was, as well as any mud daubers flying around. Saturate the wall with wasp spray to discourage rebuilding. The effects of insecticide on outdoor surfaces may linger for more than a week. By then, the pests will have moved to another location.
- Wear a long-sleeve shirt, gloves and long pants, with eye goggles and shoes to reduce the possibility of an insect bite or sting.
- Starting at the bottom of the tube nest (the opening), place the tip of the metal rod or fireplace poker firmly against the nest and rake straight up to disintegrate the nest and remove all chunks of dried mud.
Spray the wall with a garden hose the next day to loosen and remove any stubborn particles of mud from the destroyed nest. You can use a nylon bristle brush and mild laundry detergent to remove any stains on the wall.
Blast the wall with wasp spray once the water and soap have been cleaned away and the wall has dried. This will serve as a deterrent to any new colonies of mud daubers who might be considering your home as a nesting ground.
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References
Warnings
- Wear safety goggles when spraying insecticide. Don't inhale the fumes.
Writer Bio
James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in political science.
