Mud Daubers

[ducklite]

We have several nests of mud daubers on the house. The exterminator told us that they are not aggressive towards humans or destructive to property, and there is no known prevention for them. But they are just yucky!

Anyone have any hints on how to keep them away? The exterminator said to hose the nests off the house, and that was about it. But I'd rather just not have them even start the nests to begin with.

Anne

 

[DIZNYFAN]

That is what we were told also and we do it periodically only need to about 2 times a season then they just give up and go away usually.

 

[shortbun]

Well! I was stung by one several times in the back of my ear
when I was a teenager. It's nest was in a swingset. I was
swinging. It hurt really bad. It made my ears ring. The stings
were sore for a long time. Get rid of them.

 

[alabamaalan]

We always called them dirt daubers, but since their tunnel-like nest was made of mud, I suppose that is more correct.

I've never heard of anyone being stung by one however; I had always wondered.

Sorry it happened to you shortburn, but at least you answered a question I had always had.

We just destroyed their nests when we found them.

 

[theboysmom]

We have them here in Texas. I know of no way to keep them away - sorry. My husband is someone that likes to use his chemicals and fertilizers. If there was something out there he would have it and use it. Just be proactive on getting rid of the nests and maybe they will move on to your neighbor.

I know you are new in the south and here is a suggestion. This may be weird but one thing I do when I have company in my backyard is to use the miricle grow sprayer and fill it up at least half way with windex or Mr. Clean and the other half with water and spray of the patio, breezeway, back of house, windows and furniture. It seems to help get rid of bugs or it may be my imagination.

 

[ladydancer]

I park my van in the garage and they tryed making little nest in my Van where there were screw holes. There were several big ones in the garage.

 

[jipsy]

Yes they do sting.

They do eat other kinds of bugs, mostly spiders and a good way to keep them from nesting is to get rid of any mud source, since they need this build their nest. Otherwise, a good dose of Cypermethrin on the exterior of your house should keep them away, since they don't like it. Always start at the top and work your way down.

 

[Feralpeg]

I just hosed down two nests today. I sprayed them with wasp spray a couple of days ago and then waited until today to wash them away. Only problem is that not all of it came down. I used a hard spray. That mud must be really sticky.