Mud daubers build nests on stucco walls and corners around your house, which can be irritating and make your exterior look unpleasant.
Removing mud dauber nests on stucco is pretty much the same as removing mud from other surfaces. However, it might take more time and effort depending on the surface it’s attached to.
You can scrape it off, gently scrub the remaining mud crusts with soap, then rinse with water. This article will teach you what else you can do, a few extra precautions, and methods to prevent this from happening again.
What Are Mud Daubers And Their Nests?
Mud daubers are a species of wasp that makes nests from mud. They measure about a half to 1 inch and are usually colored plain black, but they also come in black and yellow patterns along their body.
A mud dauber’s waist is very long and slim, very close to the diameter of a thread, which leads to the thorax and abdomen. These wasps also possess slender wings, usually clear or dark in color.
Another useful thing to know is that mud daubers are not aggressive, but they are capable of stinging more than once. They are considered nuisance pests, but it is still advisable to take precautions when working around a nest.
The first sign of a mud dauber infestation would be finding a nest. If you spot one, check if it has holes. This hole would indicate that the wasp has left. It could also mean it may have abandoned the nest.
There are a few pros to having mud daubers around. They prey on other insects for you, like spiders. Mud daubers pack each cell in their nest with up to 30 spiders for their young to feed on.
That is why spiders are their favorite prey, especially black widows. Mud daubers can be a nuisance, and their nests look messy, but they are generally peaceful.
Some mud daubers can land on webs without getting caught and simulate an insect in distress, falling prey to a spider as bait. When the spider rushes in, the tables turn as the wasp uses its sting to paralyze it then carries it back to her mud nest.
Wasp nests are not pleasing to the eye. Every time a visitor spots one in your home, they will call you out on it, and that would be embarrassing.
Having a mud dauber nest could also be disturbing if you don’t like insects or have a fear for them. Whether at your workplace or home, you want to have the best comfort. And a wasp’s nest might not sit right with you.
Steps In Removing Mud Dauber Nests From Stucco And Other Surfaces
To start removing the mud dauber nest, scrape off as much as you can using a putty knife, screwdriver, or anything with a similar structure.
It would help to be cautious because the wasp might still be in there or could be inhabited by other, aggressive insects.
Mud tends to crumble in chunks when it dries, so you can mildly scrub with soap and a brush. However, you might have to put in more effort depending on the texture and coarseness of the surface you’re working on.
After scrubbing, mildly rinse the area with a water hose. If you don’t want the surrounding area to get soaked with water, you can use a garden sprayer or spray bottle to apply water, then use wipes or a rag to wipe it up.
Preventing Mud Dauber From Coming Back Naturally
By the time you’re done removing the nest, you might want to consider preventing any nests from building up on your property again. Below are a few things you could do.
You can plant herbs for natural pest control. Take Basil, for example. It secretes natural oils with a scent that effectively deters insects. Garlic is also a good choice because it takes up little space and its aroma wards off other insects.
Vinegar can run off most surfaces, and its strong scent lasts long. While soap is quite effective, it takes more effort to apply. Mixing both substances into a spray bottle will make the job easier.
If you care about the wasp’s wellbeing, you can relocate it to a different area. Preferably a tree away from the public eye.
Peppermint and Citrus both have insect-repelling qualities because of their aroma. You can apply oil to surfaces to repel insects like the mud dauber.
Keep Or Get Rid Of Mud Dauber Nests?
Having a mud dauber nest around isn’t fun, especially if you have allergies or fear insects. In which case, it would be a viable reason to get rid of them. But if it doesn’t bother you, it would be alright to leave it alone since it also has beneficial purposes.
Takeaway
Ponder on what you want to do and consider your situation. Do you like insects? Does the nest bother you? Would you want a wasp flying around taking care of spiders for you? Weigh out your pros and cons, then decide whether or not to get rid of the mud dauber nest.
