Mud daubers

Craig45 · Oct 27, 2017

I keep a little 20 ga. Shotgun in the barn for just in case. Had a plastic bag over the barrel. Looked at it today and found mud daubers had built a nest in the barrel. That could have been a real problem if I hadn't found it first. If any of you keep a gun in the barn, maybe you should check it.

Deutz Lover · Oct 27, 2017

I haven't heard of them building in a shotgun barrel, but I have had the buggers plug up two new spare rifle barrels. Just about ruined one of them.

I have had to start plugging up anything with a 1/2" hole or smaller. Perhaps after your post I will start covering anything that is 3/4" or smaller.

I have a running list of things they build in:

1. any air tool port or quick change coupling.

2. drain hose from automobile air conditioner evaporator.

3. Some threaded and unthreaded holes in my tractors.

4. any unused holes in my lawn mowers.

I am surprised they were able to find their way into the bag and build in your barrel. After your warning in the future I think I will double check anything or else put a twist tie about any bag or use heavy duty aluminum foil either over plastic or under it.

P.S. I have had spiders build some silk or crap in one or two of my barrels in the house. I try to remember to put an oil soaked cotton patch in both ends now.

Fred Werring · Oct 27, 2017

I keep a 22 and a shotgun down at the barn, and like you, have learned to give a look down the barrel before I load and shoot.

Fred

JMOR · Oct 27, 2017

Put a plastic cap, such as those shipped on quality hydraulic fittings, etc., over the end of barrel.

Texasmark1 · Oct 27, 2017

I bet I have more of those suckers than you do. During the summer it's a constant stream. Put the things everywhere...clog up my motors so they won't turn on my drill press, hand tools, band saw, welder, in my towels, in my rag box, in my tool box on and on. I even had one of those little guys the make noises with his wings beating so fast, put a maggot in the key slot on one of my mowers.....had to buy a new switch (35 bucks!). I put my guns in carrying cases....just in case.

I wasn't busy one day and decided to try to understand their navigation system. Seems they have a homing beacon once they decide on a nest and start it. I'd block it with something or just stand in the way. Sometimes I'd shut the shop doors and it would confuse them for a short while, till they figured out another way to get in.

Other days I'd sit by the doors with a squirt bottle of pesticide and ambush them. Then other times I'd go to their mud hole and spray them and it good. I hate them.

Deutz Lover · Oct 27, 2017

Texasmark1,
I found your comments hilarious, but also understand the aggravation and expense.

I forgot that I too have had them get into drill press motors. I have not had one plug a key slot.----yet. Did have one plug a hand drill chuck.

Dirt daubers use local landmarks to locate the nest or tubes they are building. Usually a landmark is well lit and when the wasps recognize a memorized landmark they navigate off the spatial relationship between the landmark(s) and the nest. Moving the landmarks or sometimes placing other objects near the nest will frustrate them greatly.

I think this is sort of like an initial point used by bombers in WWII. I don't know if there is a second ip. lol

WAYNE-N-TX · Oct 28, 2017

I carry a SKS and 20 ga shot gun on my side X side. A few years ago shot the SKS, put it back in the holder, walked by it a day or two later, did a double take, light in the barrel. Yep, busted barrel, I guess I was lucky that's all the damage. Had it fixed, hung a sock over the barrel. The other day walked by and the shot gun was plugged. Got a package of balloons and covered the barrels. For the shot gun, I had to cut the neck off to cover the barrel. Don't know how long they will last.

john *.?-!.* cub owner · Oct 28, 2017

Ballons won't last long if exposed to sunlight much, or even inside a shed. In Vietnam the preferred cover for a rifle barrel to keep mud, rain, etc. out was a condom.

IndianaSteve · Oct 28, 2017

I realize the need for having a gun around the place but have seen too many ruined or become dangerous just for the reasons you guys have stated. I have my grandpas old .22 Winchester that spent it's life as a barn gun. Shame I can't shoot it because the chamber is so corroded. I just prefer to have a revolver on my hip when I'm out. It's like my pocket knife. Always there and goes back in the house at night.

Texasmark1 · Oct 29, 2017

Thanks for clearing that up for me. Now I'll shuffle my shop around. Will confuse them and ME! Grin.

Deutz Lover · Oct 31, 2017

Yeah, I know just trash the nest. Quicker results, but it is fun to watch a dauber have a nervous breakdown after they have ruined expensive equipment and gun barrels. Payback is a ------.

Mud daubers

Craig45

Member

Deutz Lover

Member

Fred Werring

Well-known Member

JMOR

Well-known Member

Texasmark1

Well-known Member

Deutz Lover

Member

WAYNE-N-TX

Member

john .?-!. cub owner

Well-known Member

IndianaSteve

Member

Texasmark1

Well-known Member

Deutz Lover

Member

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