Have you ever experienced the trauma of a bee sting? Do you remember the blinding pain that almost left you in a puddle of tears? Well, wasp stings are equally agonizing more so their ability to sting several times before dying. On the contrary, bees only sting once, and they die but wasps they will keep coming for you! They are one of the creatures that you should fear and that’s why people are always looking for the best wasp sprays.
There are different types of wasps, the paper wasps, hornets and yellow jackets. Each species with a slight variation of aggressiveness but the yellow jackets are the most aggressive. You may have come across their shelters on your building’s eaves, ledges, on trees or underground in rabbit’s barrows. Did you identify the location of their nests? If you did not, the nests location vary depending on the type of wasp that is residing there.
For instance, paper wasps tend to build their nests on the structures of buildings like on the eaves and ledges, Hornets on trees, thickets or buildings and yellow jackets make theirs in residential areas and bored holes.
Once you identify them, you may have felt the urge to get rid of them, but hold it right there dear friend. It is a matter of life or death especially if you have allergic reactions to their venom that can cause hives and breathing problems; you will be in for it. Experts recommend seeking professional exterminators to do the job for the sake of your safety. But if you have the guts you can put on a safe gear preferably rubber clothing that covers you will on your neck, ankles, and wrists and buy the best wasp sprays for the job.
Although there are many extermination techniques, entomologists advise that sprays are the most efficient wasp killers. Therefore, I have compiled a list of all the best wasp killer sprays that are widely used due to their effectiveness.
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Crucial things to note before attacking a Wasp Net
- Wear protective clothing that covers you entirely leaving no room for the wasps to sting you
- Never attack the wasp’s nest during the day as they are active at this time, instead do it at night when they are docile
- When you are using your torchlight for visibility at night, do not illuminate the nest directly while holding it, place it down and face it in the opposite direction. Otherwise, you may agitate the wasps, and they might attack you.
- When you spray a steady pressurized mist in the nest in cases where the nest is hanging, do not stand underneath it as the falling wasps can sting you.
- Once you spray their shelter, leave it for a day to ensure that the poison kills them all, then go and check.
- If the nest is located in areas with high traffic, it is prudent for you to leave it and let nature take effect on them. For instance, during winter, their structures disintegrate, and they are left vulnerable, so they die.
- If you are uncertain of your ability to kill the wasps, it is better to hire professionals who are skilled at this work although they can be expensive.
5 Best Wasp Sprays that Help You Shake Off Wasps Fast
1. Wasp Freeze Wasp & Hornet Killer Insecticide
With 92% five-star customer reviews the Wasp and Hornet Killer is worth your money. It is formulated for outdoor use only, and it comes as a ready to use spray. Its contents are d-Trans Allethrin with 0.12% of phenothrin and it comes in a case of 12*17 Oz cans.
Wasp-freeze delivers a professional solution to stinging insects especially hornets as it releases a steady stream of spray, 20 feet long; therefore it instantly exterminates various stinging insects within seconds. Moreover, Wasp-Freeze offers residual protection against such insects.
Wasp-Freeze is very efficient when used at night to attack the wasps. Although it is a pricey wasp killer, you will be amazed at the extent to which other wasp killers from box stores are a rip-off. It is a product that delivers its promise of knocking out wasps. What’s more, Wasp-Freeze instant-kill capability ensures that the wasps do not come to get you after you spray, for safety you can even spray from a distance and it will still do the job
Therefore, if you are looking for a genuine wasp killer solution that will not disappoint, Wasp-Freeze is the way to go.
- It is, without doubt, the most efficient in killing wasps.
- It keeps you safe from attack when you spray with its instant-kill, and 20 feet spray reach.
- Wasp-Freeze is quite expensive.
- It does not last long mostly because of its 20 feet spray distance.
2. Raid Wasp and Hornet
Raid is a 14-ounce hornet and wasp killer that also targets other insects such as ants, mud daubers, bees and all kinds of wasps. It is made to kill them instantly including larvae and pupae that are in their shelters. Furthermore, it leaves a residue that is active in executing hornets or wasps that dare to return to their nest.
Although Raid is a helpful wasp killer, it is not recommended for use indoors; therefore, you may need to seek the services of an expert exterminator to tackle wasps in the house. However, Raid can still work wonders when sprayed on a nest of wasps inside homes, whether it is those overhanging nests held up high, Raid can spray up to 22 feet and still kill the wasps on contact and leave no wasp alive.
Raid is the best choice for a variety of insects and their larvae making it a multi-purpose insect killer. Furthermore, Raid is a reliable and famous brand with an excellent reputation as they always deliver value to their clients.
It is advisable to wait until dusk for you to kill them and while at it do not forget to spray the hornets that fall from the hive as you spray. Doing this maximizes the benefits.
- It is super-fast and efficient at killing wasps
- It can also be used to exterminate ants and other unwanted pests
- It may not shoot as far as the promised 22 feet spray distance
- If used indoors it has a strong pungent smell that can be uncomfortable for you and your family especially small kids and animals.
3. SpectracidePRO Wasp & Hornet Killer
Spectracide PRO is an instant killer of hornets, yellow jackets and wasps. Buying a pack of one is more costly than if you buy an economical package of 12 that only costs $63.84.
SpectricidePRO is among the best at eradicating harmful insects that bite from a distance ensuring that you are safe from any harm. It is pressurized to emit spray that targets nests that are 20 feet away making it an excellent exterminator for high points like eaves of structures.
Also, just like the Rapid, it can kill wasps if they come back to salvage their nest. However, SpectricidePRO residues last for as long as 4 weeks in the hive, hence ensuring that you do not have to spray frequently. Therefore, you can use one can for a more extended duration.
When using SpectricidePRO, remember to shake the can properly before use then aim appropriately at the infested area because it betters your chances of attacking and killing most of the wasps. Shaking it mixes the content well.
SpectricidePRO is also perfect for wasps that stay on the ground.
- It acts quickly in killing wasps while offering a relatively permanent solution
- It sprays far with a nice shot
- The spray is mist-like, and it can land in unintended places
- The wasps may take some time to die so be careful.
4. Spectracide Carpenter Bee & Ground-Nesting
It is a bee and ground-nesting yellow jacket killer that is capable of reaching the most difficult areas, as its foam spreads easily. Spectricide is perfect for eliminating bees from the tunnels when you notice their activity.
Spectricide comes with an attached extension tube if you want to aim precisely at the holes in the ground where yellow jackets have formed their nests. Once you spray the foam, it knocks outs the insects immediately.
Is Spectricide a foam or a spray? Well, it is an aerosol if you insert a small straw that comes with its package into the spray opening. Once you do so, it can spray a distance of 5-6 feet, and without the straw, it works pretty much like a standard aerosol. Also, Spectricide works as a foam because it spreads to the areas where the bees and yellow jackets are hiding.
Spectricide is highly effective at killing yellow jackets and bees even in the hidden areas such as the corners of the house. It is a great purchase if you need relief from the wasps that can wreak havoc in your home.
Moreover, this product still gives you a safe distance to avoid being stung.
- It is perfect for killing bees and wasps in hidden locations when used correctly
- It kills on contact with just one spray, so it lasts longer.
- It is pricey for those on a budget
- The safety range it offers while spraying is a tad too short and you may need to get closer to the nests.
5. Wasp & Hornet Killer Aerosol
Hot Shot is a very cost effective wasp spray with outstanding capabilities. At only 17.5 ounces, one spray of Hot Shot that reaches up to 27 feet is designed to kill wasps, hornets, tent caterpillars, scorpions, and yellow jackets on contact.
Also, it is powerful enough to kill insects even when they return to their shelters.
Hot Shot is water-based; therefore, you will be free from worry about ruining your clothes as it is a stainless formula with no residue left. Its most remarkable feature is its 27 feet spray distance that is best if you want to kill wasps that take shelter in the high structures of buildings. For instance, if it is a two-story building, the jet spray is efficient enough to reach its most top points.
Hot Spot can be used both indoors and outdoors, but it is not available for sale in Catalina Island.
Additionally, its spray distance keeps you at a safe distance from the pesky wasps to prevent bites. Also, Hot Shot Wasp and Hornet Killer aerosol slightly forms foam when it gets into contact with the surface although it disappears within seconds.
- Its water-based formula does not stain clothes
- It is has a very significant spray distance 27 feet to reach the farthest points in buildings.
- There are concerns about its instantaneous kill capability that may not work as expected
- Its spray distance can be reduced in windy conditions.
Is Wasp Spray Safe to Use?
Having wasps in or around your home can be dangerous, as their sting really hurts. However, you might wonder whether wasp sprays are safe to use. Are we putting ourselves in danger when we try to eliminate them?
The answer is both no and a tiny bit of yes. If you read the label and follow all the instructions mentioned on the product, you should rest assured that you should be safe.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the insects you’re trying to rid yourself of can be a serious threat, so you’re going to need to dress for the occasion. Remember to wear thick gloves so that the wasps won’t be able to sting your hands while applying the pesticide.
Also, wear thick clothes that cover up all the parts of your skin as well as a protective face mask. All this thick clothing isn’t just to keep you safe from the wasps, it’s also to keep you safe from any side effects that you might experience from applying the sprays.
How to DIY Wasp Spray
This may not always be the case, but sometimes, the wasp insecticides that you get your hands on aren’t necessarily the best type.
Some insecticides might have undesirable effects on some people, especially if they are allergic or particularly sensitive to a certain chemical that might be found in the products.
But worry not, because like many things these days, there is a do-it-yourself solution to making wasp sprays.
Try these cheap DIY solutions on the unwanted wasp nest in your home. The first thing you will need for most of these homemade solutions is a typical spray bottle.
An old spray bottle from a window cleaner or something similar will work just fine. In fact, any bottle that you can use to spray ample amounts of liquid towards the nest as well as unwanted insects should work for this little project.
It is highly suggested that you label your wasp spray bottle, as you might forget what it is at some point. Also note down what ingredients you have in the bottle for future safety purposes.
After choosing your desired weapon of choice, there are several mixtures that you can choose from to get rid of the wasps that are endangering you and your loved ones. If you aren’t really sure what kind of spray you should use, then it’s probably best to stick to the basics.
How to Set Up Traps for Wasps
Other than spraying, you can set up a trap for the wasps to fall into. This means that there’s less work for you to do rather than chasing the insects around trying to spray them. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of sugar, 2 cups of apple cider and 1 cup of water.
Stir this concoction until all the sugar dissolves and you are left with a liquid that has a similar resemblance to syrup. Then, add half a cup of liquid dish soap, pour it in slowly little by little, trying to create the least amount of bubbles as possible.
Once you’re done, pour the mixture into a soda bottle and set outside. The wasps will be attracted to the sugar and will climb into the bottle.
Then, the liquid soap will change the chemical composition of the outer bodies of the wasps, making it harder for them to escape the trap once they’ve been caught. One thing to keep in mind about this trap is that you will need to be careful about where you place it.
If you accidentally knock it over and it comes into contact with some areas of your garden, it would get you to do some extra work. This mixture is very strong and could kill a lot of plants such as grasses or flowers if it comes into contact with this liquid.
Having this in mind, you’ll need to think about a safe place to put the trap so that someone doesn’t accidentally kick the bottle over and create a mess that no one really wants to deal with.
Read more: 7 best wasp trap reviews
When Is The Best Time To Spray?
Wasps have been an infamous stinger and for good reason too. This is why we think that it is vital that you understand when to get rid of these insects. Otherwise, you might come face-to-face with an angry wasp colony.
4 Ways to Keep Wasps Away from Your Home
Now that we’ve talked about how you can safely get rid of wasps and their nests, we’ll talk about some basics as to preventing your home from becoming a new infestation of wasps.
- Keep An Eye And Ear Out: As stated earlier, late springs and early summers are when wasps start building their nests. Try to survey your home and its potential nest-building areas such as: any sheltered small corners, play equipment, overhangs and awnings. Even if there aren’t any nests there yet, it’s probably a good idea to swab these potential areas with plant oils such as mint or citronella, which will decrease the likelihood of a wasp building its nest there.
- Keep Your Trash Secure: Wasps like to feed on compost, that includes a lot of the food waste from your house. In fact, these lead them into your home in the first place. Make sure to properly dispose of all your trash and keep them in secure bins where wasps won’t be able to find them. Also, keep your bins either outside your home or away from openings such as windows or doorways, which are places where wasps can crawl in to venture.
- No Fooling Me Twice: Let’s say you’ve already had an infestation of wasps and you’ve managed to get rid of it. However, you’re going to need to make sure that the infestation doesn’t come back. Ensure that the previous nest has been properly disposed of and that the area is clean. Also, check if there have been any cracks in the areas where the nest was previously situated. If there are, spray foam them to seal them tight, as it’s possible you might have missed one or two.
- Get Professional Help: At the end of the day, wasps can be a rather serious issue and handling it alone can be tough when you really don’t know what you’re doing. There is no harm in calling in the professionals to give you advice or take care of your problem. It might be worth it in the long run.
Final Thoughts
When you are out to shop for a Wasp killer consider these brands that have been tried and tested so that you avoid being disappointed. First, know what kind of wasp you want to get rid of then go for one specially designed for that purpose. For instance, for yellow jackets that nest in bored holes on the ground, the Spectracide Carpenter Bee & Ground-Nesting Yellowjacket Killer Foamer Aerosol is among the best options as it is designed to spray directly in the holes where they hide
If you are on a tight budget, you can go for economy packs like the Raid or Hot Shots model. They can get the job done without breaking your bank.
But if you want a product with excellent performance that delivers beyond expectations but at an extra cost, then a product like Wasp Freeze Wasp & Hornet Killer Insecticide is ideal for you.
Therefore, check out any of these products and give it a try. It is more likely that you will be more than satisfied!