How To Remove Mud Dauber Nests From Stucco

Mud daubers are good for the environment, but their nests on stucco can be messy. That’s why homeowners are learning how to remove mud dauber nests from stucco.

Let’s walk through the step-by-step process of mud dauber removal, while also providing you with all the information you need to get rid of these nests and keep your stucco walls looking clean and perfect.

What are Mud Daubers?

Mud dauber wasps, also called mud wasps, are solitary wasps, meaning that they prefer to live alone and build their nests with mud.

They’re helpful to the environment because they eat spiders, but their nests are usually ugly, especially on stucco walls.

I will explain more later, how you can safely and effectively remove mud dauber nests from stucco.

Mud Daubers and Their Nests?

Mud daubers are wasps known for their special nests made of mud. They’re about half to one inch big and can be all black or have black and yellow patterns.

They have long, thin waists and slim wings. Unlike some wasps, mud daubers don’t live in groups. They make their nests with mud, which is how they got their name.

You can find these nests on walls, under roof edges, corners, or other places. The nests can be different sizes and shapes but are usually gray, brown, or tan. Mud daubers eat spiders, and their nests might have spiders for their babies to eat.

Identifying Mud Dauber Wasp Nests on Stucco

Mud dauber nests on stucco are easy to spot because they’re made of mud. They’re usually stuck to the stucco and might look round or like cylinders.

The size can change depending on the kind of mud dauber and how many parts are in the nest. If you see a mud dauber nest on your stucco walls, check to see if it’s being used or not.

A nest being used might have wasps coming and going, while an empty one might have holes where the wasps used to be.

Read also: How To Remove Termite Mud Tubes

Should You Remove Mud Dauber Nests?

Before you decide to remove a mud dauber nest from your stucco walls, you may have to consider its good and bad parts. Mud daubers are usually not mean and don’t hurt people or pets.

They are beneficial because they eat spiders, like black widows. But nests on stucco might not look nice and might not fit with how your home looks.

Also, if you’re scared of wasps or bugs, having a nest on your stucco might make you uncomfortable. It’s up to you to decide if you want to take off a mud dauber nest, based on what you like and what’s going on with your home.

Safety Precautions Before Removing Mud Dauber Nests

Before you try to take off a mud dauber nest from stucco, make sure you stay safe. Even though mud daubers usually don’t attack, it’s still smart to protect yourself from possible stings. Here are some safety tips:

• Wear protective clothing, like long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a hat.
• Use a beekeeper’s veil or a mesh face mask to keep your face safe.
• Work when it’s cooler in the day when mud daubers are not as busy.
• Keep children and pets away from the area when you are removing the nest.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

To remove a mud dauber nest from stucco, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Putty knife or scraper:  This will make it easier to scrape the nest off the stucco.
• Soap and water:  Use a mix of mild soap and water to wash off the rest of the mud.
• Water hose or spray bottle:  You can use a hose or spray bottle to wash off the area after you clean it.
• Wipes or rags:  These can be used to clean up any leftover water or stuff.

Get these tools and materials ready before you start to make sure you can do the job well.

Read also: How to Get Rid of Mud Daubers

How To Remove Mud Dauber Nests From Stucco

Now that you have all the necessary tools and materials, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of removing mud dauber nests from stucco:

1. Put on your protective clothing, like long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a hat.
2. Go up to the mud dauber nest carefully, ensuring that there are no active wasps around.
3. Use a putty knife or scraper to carefully scrape the nest off the stucco. Be careful not to hurt the stucco.
4. After you take the nest off, check the area for any mud left.
5. Make a mix of mild soap and water in a bucket or spray bottle.
6. Carefully clean the leftover mud with the soap and water mix, using a brush or sponge.
7. Wash the place with a hose or spray bottle to get rid of any soap and mud left.
8. Use wipes or rags to clean up any leftover water or stuff from the stucco.
9. Dispose of the nest and any debris in a sealed plastic bag or trash can.
10. Look around for any more mud dauber nests and do the removal again if you need to.
11. After you finish the removal process, clean and disinfect your tools to prevent the spread of any potential contaminants.

Preventing Mud Daubers from Building Nests on Stucco

To stop mud daubers from making nests on stucco later, here are some things you can do:

• Fill in any cracks or holes in the stucco to block ways for them to get in.
• Put up fine mesh screens or covers on vents and openings to keep mud daubers out.
• Don’t use outdoor lights at night because they can bring bugs that mud daubers like.
• Remove any spider webs around your property as they serve as a food source for mud daubers.
• You may want to plant herbs that keep bugs away or use natural things like citronella to stop mud daubers from making nests on your stucco walls.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mud Dauber Nests on Stucco

What does a mud dauber wasp nest look like?

A mud dauber wasp nest on stucco usually looks round or like a cylinder and is made of mud. The color of the nest can change but is usually gray, brown, or tan.

Should I remove a mud dauber wasp nest from my stucco walls?

The decision to remove a mud dauber wasp nest from your stucco walls depends on your personal preference. Mud daubers are usually not mean and are helpful because they eat spiders.

Is there a spray for mud daubers?

There are sprays you can use to control mud daubers, but make sure you read and do what the label says carefully.

What do mud daubers eat?

Mud daubers primarily feed on spiders. They capture and paralyze spiders, then place them inside their mud nests as a food source for their young.

What is the difference between a wasp and a mud dauber?

Mud daubers are a type of wasp. Some wasps live together in groups and are social bugs, but mud daubers live alone and don’t have colonies.

Does citronella repel mud daubers?

Citronella keeps bugs away, including mud daubers. You can use citronella candles or oil to stop mud daubers from making nests on your stucco walls.

Who eats mud daubers?

Mud daubers have different enemies, like birds, spiders, and other wasps. These enemies might eat mud daubers or their nests.

Read also: Discover How To Get Rid of Dirt Daubers in 4 Steps

More on How To Remove Mud Dauber Nests From Stucco

This video will show you how to remove mud dauber nests from stucco

Conclusion

You can take off mud dauber nests from stucco safely and well if you have the right tools and are careful. Think about how mud daubers help control pests before you decide to take off their nests.

If you’re not sure about anything, it’s smart to ask a pro. Do things to stop mud daubers from making nests on your stucco walls, and have a nice-looking and bug-free outside of your home.

About The Author

Will David

Hi, I am Will David aka Mr. Pest, research expert and author at Pestclue. With 5+ years of experience surfing pest, pest control and pet, I will assist and provide all solutions related to pests, pest control and pet care, my aim is to ensure your environment is pest-free and your pets are healthy.

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