You Might Want to Check Your Fire Extinguishers

[Industrial Toys]

I got a bit of a shock. I spoke with someone a while back who had their electric gator burn to the ground in the middle of a field, with no extinguisher present. Yes, it might not have helped anyway.

But I started carrying one, just rolling around in the bed. I just noticed that the extinguisher was plugged solid with mud. At first I thought from dirt in the bed.

No. It seems from insects, and every other extinguisher I checked in out buildings is the same way! And that stuff is like cement which I needed a drill to free up. Probably mud wasps, but who knows? And possibly just a local problem.

It would be a kicker to need an extinguisher and have it plugged up and useless. I am going to affix adhesive labels over the nozzles.

 

[Einthewoods]

I have had a similar thing happen with electrical outlets and door lock in my barn. Both filled with hard as nails mud. Some black flying insect was the cause. I cleaned them out and then plugged all the holes letting critters into my barn and haven't had it happen again. Strange stuff for sure.

Good idea on the fire extinguishers. I'll have to check. Thanks

 

[Wagtail]

Good point on checking the nozzle for insect (or any other) debris, a bit of electrical tape over the end will fix that right up. I know that I've tried to 'cap' every hole around my property to discourage the mud-dauber wasp. I've also found a species of small grasshopper that has built some sort of grass nest in the ends of garden hoses.

I've had no problem with electrical outlets but, getting those "childproof" electrical plug inserts would solve that problem.

 

[dougtrr2]

I bought extinguishers from a fire safety place. They will do free checks when I bring them in. Doesn't help with the insect issue but it does give me a little more peace of mind.

Doug in SW IA

 

[Fallon]

The plastic caps off stuff like hydraulic fittings often fit. I found one that fits over the nozzle on my extinguisher nicely. One of the nicer ones with a metal valve & nozzle too. Its tight enough to stay on, but I'm pretty sure loose enough to come flying off if I ever discharge it. I assume I'll not be in the presence of mind to remember to remove the cap.

 

[TractorGuy]

I try to put caps on any and everything with an opening that is stored outside. Have even had dirt dabbers clog the ignition key slot on my lawn tractor twice.

 

[TSO]

I have the Mud Daubers making those all over (and in) my barn also. Even my tools... If there's a recessed screw hole in a tool, they find it and lay an egg.

I actually don't mind them too much tho. Those wasps are not known to be aggressive and I've never been stung by one, even though they're always flying around in the barn.

I tolerate them because they kill and eat spiders, which are another constant pest in my barn. From what I've read, they especially target Widow varieties (including Black Widow). I figure I can tolerate a Wasp sting much easier than a potential poisonous spider bite

Good Public Service Announcement on the Fire Extinguisher though!

 

[M5farms]

dirt daubers are a nuisance and will build a nest anywhere they can find . The most bothersome is a tiny fly that looks like a miniature yellow jacket that I do not know the name of that gets all the air tools fittings if i dont remember to stick a screw in it after each time i use it.

 

[TractorGuy]

I tolerate them because they kill and eat spiders, which are another constant pest in my barn. From what I've read, they especially target Widow varieties (including Black Widow). I figure I can tolerate a Wasp stung much easier than a potential poisonous spider bite

They are flat falling down on the job at my place. Spiders abound and I hate them. I don't mind the dirt daubers too much but they can cause problems if they clog the wrong holes. I've never gone out of my way to kill one and if there is a chance it will kill a spider I will make sure to protect them.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Funny. I was on a service call this morning a few miles away to replace four thirty watt sirens, in enclosures, two at each gable end of a building. Not a peep out of any of them. All plugged with the same mud! I siliconed screen over the new sirens.

It was with some hesitation as I was on an extension ladder and expected to get swarmed by wasps. I only found the remnants of wasp/hornets nests. Do those dirt things kill off the wasps and hornets?