John C. Ellingboe wrote: Bob Rosenbloom wrote: to remove the stuff. I tried water but it has no effect. It's hard as concrete! I can chip it but it takes quite a bit of force and I don't want to rip off any components under it. Any ideas? Here's some photos: Dirt/mud dauber nest... They can be removed with water and a brush but it will take a bit of work.. Chip away what you can safely, use something a little stiff like an acid brush and add a little detergent to the water. What ever they add to the dirt is somewhat water resistant but it will wash away after a bit. ------------------------------------------------ What they add is saliva, which dries extremely hard, like a varnish. What I've done with these nests which I find in the eaves occasionally, is just simply water. If I'm worried about the finish (or in your case, the components) I use a thin sponge taped over the nest. Keep it soaked by watering every day. Usually a week is enough for the nest to fall off. It leaves a ring that I take off with a white (no scratch) Scotch Brite pad and warm water. Billy