As part of a special video series on DIY pest control in Santa Clarita, Unipest is explaining how to get rid of mud dauber wasp nests yourself this summer.

Mud dauber wasps get their name from the nests they build out of actual mud, which they then burrow holes in for their larvae and fill with dead spiders and other insects to feed on, according to Cardon Ellis of Unipest. 

“The first question I often get is, are they dangerous and do they sting?” Ellis said. “Generally the species is solitary and non-aggressive, but if you mess with them or you accidentally take them by surprise, they can indeed sting you.”

Related: Santa Clarita Pest Control Company Offers DIY Extermination Tips For Paper Wasps (VIDEO)

If the mud dauber wasps are still present, Ellis recommends suiting up in the proper personal protective equipment before attempting to remove the nest. Older nests that are not still being used can be removed using a flat, metal spreader or spatula, Ellis continued. 

“Whatever tool you decide to use, you’re going to scrape off that mud dauber wasp nest, but go slowly,” he said. “You’re going to notice a bunch of spiders fall out and possibly maybe even some old larvae or little larvae sacs.”

Once the nest itself is removed, Ellis recommends pressure washing the area and spraying an eco-friendly, repellant-based pesticide to prevent the wasps from returning.

“It’s been suitable to make a nest once; why wouldn’t it be suitable to make a nest twice?” he said. 

Then Ellis advised starting a “robust” pest control program on the property, because the presence of mud dauber wasps is an indication that there are plenty of other pests nearby.

“If you have mud dauber wasps, it’s usually a sign that you also have lots of spiders, lots of crawling insects,” he said. “There’s a food chain that’s happening that’s making it so you can have more and more of these mud dauber wasp nests, and they’ll come back generation after generation.” 

Ellis concluded, “If you have any other questions about the mud dauber wasp, or any other wasp for that matter, or any kind of questions about pest control in general, make sure you (contact Unipest).” 

Ed. Note: This article is a KHTS Community Spotlight for Unipest.

The Santa Clarita pest control company Unipest is the premiere residential and commercial pest control company for Los Angeles County. If you’re looking for pest control in Santa Clarita or surrounding areas, Unipest prides itself on being your one-stop solution, and offers orange oil treatments, bee hive removal, fumigation, escrow inspections, removal of bed bugs, organic pest control and more. Unipest offers termite control in Santa Clarita as well. Residents and business owners looking for “pest control near me” or “termite control near me” are encouraged to call Unipest for immediate assistance.

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