Contrary to common belief, wasps are actually beneficial insects. They keep our yards and gardens healthy by eating nuisance pests, flies and spiders. Although some wasps sting when provoked, many wasps don’t sting at all.

Mitigate potential wasp problems with these four easy steps.

Step 1: Mud daubers are the most common and least aggressive member of the wasp family. These black or black and yellow solitary insects are best known for building conical shaped nests from mud. Mud daubers feed specifically on spiders and nest where spiders are plentiful. Control mud daubers by keeping spiders at bay. Remove spider webs. Seal up cracks and crevices where spiders may be hiding. Use a putty knife or screwdriver to scrape away dauber nests or spray them away with a strong stream of water from a garden hose. Paint the underside of eaves and porch roofs haint blue to discourage insects and spiders from hanging around.

Contrary to popular belief, wasps are beneficial, keeping flies and spiders at bay in the garden.

Step 2: Paper wasps are very beneficial for gardeners. They eat problematic caterpillars and beetle larvae. Paper wasps can be identified by their umbrella-shaped honeycombed nest made from paper like pulp material. Unless the nest is too close for comfort, leave paper wasps unharmed to benefit plants, trees and shrubs in the area. Remove inactive nests by knocking them down with a broom or long handle tool. Burn the nest or dispose of it away from the home. Before removing active nests, spray them at night with a foaming wasp spray or douse them with soapy water.

Step 3: Hornets and yellow jackets are the most aggressive common wasps. Hornets build bag-like nests that hang from tree branches or under eaves. Yellow jackets tend to build their nests underground, usually in abandoned rodent nests. Care must be taken when trying to eliminate yellow jackets or hornets. The entire colony will attack when one or more of their members are provoked. Spray these nests from a distance with a good quality wasp and hornet insecticide. Spray in the early morning or late evening, when the temperatures are lower. Consider professional help for large active nests.

Step 4: Wasps are attracted to both meats and sweets. Keep trash cans closed and beverages covered when outside. Clean up barbecue grills and utensils after each use. Avoid flowery perfumes and brightly colored clothing that may be mistaken for garden flowers by hungry wasps.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.