How to Control Mud Dauber Wasps
Several species of mud dauber wasps thrive across the United States. They build nests out of mud that are often quite large and elaborate. Mud daubers commonly gather mud at the edge of rivers, ponds and lakes. They will often construct their nests on the side of houses, in brick mortar, window frames and door frames. They are considered beneficial because they readily consume harmful insects. However, mud daubers can sting when people come close to their nest, so it's in your best interest to control them. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Cypermethrin insecticide
- Hose
- Hose nozzle
- Hose end sprayer
- Gloves
- Shovel
- Garbage bag
Instructions
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Spray mud dauber nests off the side of houses and buildings when they are quite small, using a hose and water. Stand back at least 10 feet. It is best to hose a nest off a house during the night when mud daubers are the least active. Unfortunately, the mud dauber will often return to the same location over and over again to rebuild.
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Purchase an insecticide wasp killer that contains cypermethrin. Mix in a handheld sprayer according to the directions on the label. Cypermethrin is sold under numerous brands. It is readily available at most garden centers and home improvement stores.
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Spray the mud dauber nest during the night with the cypermethrin insecticide. Stand at least 10 feet away. Begin to spray at the top of large ground nests so the mud and insecticide run down the sides of the nest. Spray until the nest is gone.
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Remove all dead mud dauber wasps and the nest using a shovel. Place in a garbage bag and dispose of. Make sure the nest is completely leveled. Watch for any rebuilding activity in areas where a large nest flourished.
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Spray a mixture of cypermethrin and water onto the side of your house using a sprayer attached to a hose. This will help prevent future mud daubers from building nests on your home. Follow the directions on the cypermethrin insectide for home prevention mixtures. Apply the mixture once a month during the spring and early summer.
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Hang wasp traps around areas where humans gather such as patios, decks, swimming pools and children's play areas. The traps have varying degrees of effectiveness, but they do help a little bit.
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Pick up food outside promptly, throw soda cans away and cover garbage cans securely. Put compost in a plastic bin with a lid to keep out wasps.
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Tips & Warnings
Mud daubers tend to return to the area they were born in, so preventing future nests on the house and property may take several years.
When controlling nests, wear a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, boots, gloves and a hat.
Do not use a flashlight at night because wasps are often attracted to bright light.
Avoid wearing bright colors or floral patterns. Wasps are attracted to this.
Do not wear perfumes, lotions or sweet-smelling shampoos while trying to control mud dauber wasps.
Mud daubers are not as aggressive as other wasps.
Do not spray mud daubers if you are allergic to bee venom. Many people can experience a fatal allergic reaction to bee stings.
Do not let children or pets near any surface treated with insecticide until completely dry.
References
Resources
Comments
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Cypermethrin is a carcinogen... better to use a mixture of liquid dawn detergent with water; purchase a water hose spray bottle attachment - the type used to wash windows. It concentrates the water into a jet stream that will kill wasps on contact.
