How to Remove Dirt Daubers in the Attic

Dirt daubers, also called mud daubers, are wasps that use moist dirt to build their nests. They make nests in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending upon the type of dirt dauber. They are not aggressive like many other wasps, though they will sting if bothered. Dirt daubers build almost anywhere and the relative quiet of an attic makes an ideal location. Removing their nests is not as challenging as eliminating the nests of other wasps and requires only the correct timing and a few simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• Aerosol wasp spray
• Screwdriver
• Knife
• Container
• Dish-washing detergent
• Cleaning rag

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Spray the nest with an aerosol spray designed to kill wasps. This is best done at night when the insects aren't active.

   • 2

     Use a screwdriver to bust the nest up into the largest chunks possible.

   • 3

     Scrape off any remaining mud with the edge of a knife. Use gentle pressure to avoid damaging the material the nest was attached to.

   • 4

     Fill a container with warm water and two to three drops of dish-washing detergent.

   • 5

     Dip a cleaning rag into the solution and wash off any mud left behind by the dirt dauber nest.