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Last updated: 17 Jan 2023

Best Wasp Sprays To Eliminate Insect Pests

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Published 7:23 pm
Show contents
Best Wasp Spray of 2023 Reviewed in Detail
  • 1 Ortho Wasp Spray
  • 2 Spectracide Wasp Spray
  • 3 Raid Wasp Spray
  • 4 HARRIS Wasp Spray
  • 5 Hot Shot Wasp Spray
  • 6 Black Flag Wasp Spray
  • 7 BASF Wasp Spray

Wasps are not friendly to live with. They’re aggressive and do anything to defend their territories. When it comes to insects like these, color and beauty don’t count because one step into their domain can lead to severe attacks by dozens if not hundreds of these tiny creatures. If you’re looking for a simple but effective way to get rid of these pests around your house or lawn, a spray is just what you need. Luckily, we have sifted through many products and reviewed the best wasp sprays in 2023.

Like any other product nowadays, finding a top-quality fly spray or aerosol that will effectively exterminate every wasp breeding around your environment will be challenging. After reading this guide, you no longer need to worry any longer about finding one. Read on to discover our top picks and how they will help you in your quest to eliminate those tiny pests.

Best Wasp Spray of 2023 Reviewed in Detail

1

Ortho Wasp Spray

– Best Overall
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This 16oz spray is versatile and suitable for killing wasps and hornets, mud daubers, and yellow jackets. It is very efficient and kills pests rapidly, thanks to its double-action entrapping foam. It is suitable to use on doorways, carports, under eaves, window frames, picnic areas, and play areas where foods are not exposed. On top of everything, you can also use it indoors on attics and any surface where nests are built. 

Pros
  • The jet spray reaches up to 20 feet above the ground, making it more effective to spray pests from a safe distance 
  • It is featured with a pinpoint foam that accurately reaches tricky surfaces where nests are hidden
Cons
  • Sells out frequently on Amazon
2

Spectracide Wasp Spray

– Runner Up
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Are you looking for a fast-action aerosol that kills insects on the go? Search no more because this spray is highly effective for killing pests right on contact. It is incredibly versatile and can be used in killing many other pest species such as hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, scorpions, caterpillars, and ants. It also comes in a 22 ounce can, ensuring that it is sufficient enough for use. 

Pros
  • It works rapidly by entrapping pests and killing them on the spot
  • The jet spray reaches up to 27 feet above the ground, ensuring that you’re spraying far away from nests
Cons
  • You need to wait at least 24 hours to remove the treated nest
3

Raid Wasp Spray

– Honorable Mention
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This killer spray is quite adequate, versatile, and portable if you need to spray a spot quickly. It is fast-acting, killing insects in seconds. Its residual action kills any stubborn insect that is daring enough to return to the nest. Also, it is suitable for spraying far away from nests because its jet spray can reach nests and pests about 22 feet away. If you’re also looking for a versatile spray that kills insects ranging from Wasps and bees to hornets and yellow jackets, then this spray is worth considering. 

Pros
  • It is 100% free of chlorofluorocarbons
  • The residual action makes it effective over a long time after use
Cons
  • The spray jet may cease at times
4

HARRIS Wasp Spray

– Also Consider
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This fast-acting spray is suitable for on-the-go use and kills pests on contact. The foam expands rapidly and reaches the entire nest in no time. It is also ideal for use outdoors and indoors. It can be used on indoor surfaces such as in attics or anywhere nests are built. In addition, it is incredibly lightweight, only weighing 1.2 pounds, which makes it suitable to carry around on picnics and outdoor trips. 

Pros
  • It is incredibly versatile and ideal for killing a variety of insect pests
  • The jet spray travels up to 20 feet away from rush while profoundly penetrating the nest
Cons
  • It is pretty heavy to carry around
5

Hot Shot Wasp Spray

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This killer spray is perfect for eliminating every bug without sparing any. With it by your side, you don’t need to fear any bug or pest attack because it makes you the boss. It is prepared with a fast action formula, ensuring that it kills pests on the spot. It is ideal for use at sunset when insects are least active. Besides, it is multipurpose and can be used for killing a variety of pests such as scorpions, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, tent caterpillars, and mud daubers.  

Pros
  • It does not stain surfaces, making it suitable for spraying sufficiently
  • The long-lasting nature ensures that all returning pests are killed days after treatment
Cons
  • It is only suitable for outdoor use
6

Black Flag Wasp Spray

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This killer spray offers everything you need in a pest killer. You no longer need to stress over bugs invasion because this spray is perfect for exterminating different insect pests. It is manufactured using a fast action formula that quickly kills pests on contact. It allows you to spray the nest from a distance of up to 20 feet. It easily kills various pests such as tent caterpillars, carpenter ants, and spiders (including brown recluse and black widow). The product is also backed by a money-back guarantee.

Pros
  • The blanketing foam quickly spreads and thoroughly penetrates the nests
  • It is lightweight, making it suitable for spraying difficult areas
Cons
  • It is not fast enough to prevent stinging pheromones.
7

BASF Wasp Spray

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This 15-ounce spray is highly effective and works beyond thinking. It is formulated with fast-acting ingredients that help it instantly knock down bugs and insect pests. While using it, you can be assured of your safety because the jet sprays accurate shots up to 15 feet away. The residual effect allows it to exterminate returning bugs over a few days after use efficiently.

Pros
  • It has a high dielectric strength which makes sure that you do not experience a breakdown
  • Due to its rapid killing-action, it prevents the release of stinging pheromones
Cons
  • Not as versatile as other insecticides on the list

Buying Guide for the Best Wasp Sprays

When it comes to essential products such as a wasp spray, the online marketplace is saturated with very similar products that perform the same functions. How can you single out the best from the rest? To answer your pressing questions, we have put together this buying guide to help you find a top-quality fly spray with ease.  

How Does a Wasp Spray Work? 

A wasp spray, unlike many other insecticides, has its unique way of killing pests. It is made from a combination of different chemicals known as pyrethroids, and they can effectively paralyze the wasp, bug, and pests. When it is sprayed, the content of the wasp bottle comes out with great force, knocking down wasps from their nests. 

What Factors Should You Consider Before Buying a Wasp Spray?

Effectiveness

Before buying a killer spray, you should have an idea of how effective it is. Generally, you should always look for pest killers that will destroy nests quickly and last over a long period. Also, make sure to opt for a pest killer that completely exterminates wasps even if they fly away from the point of contact. 

Residual action

While it feels very pleasing to watch those scary and tiny little pests die instantly, it is also essential that any returning pest is also wiped off. Achieving this will require the action of a long-lasting spray that is guaranteed to kill all returning insects. You should ensure that the aerosol can kill pests not just hours after but many days after applying it. Such sprays will ensure that you destroy all hidden pests and bugs without sparing any. 

Foaming

The rate at which your spray foams will significantly determine how fast it spreads throughout the nests of target bugs. It also contributes to how sufficient it is when applied. So, before making a purchase, you should ensure that your desired aerosol foams rapidly on spraying. Doing this will save you the stress of using an insecticide that barely spreads to other parts of the target nests. 

Spray distance 

To avoid being stung by a run-away bug, you need to ensure that the jet spray of your aerosol accurately reaches targets far away from your spraying position. Generally, it is ideal to position yourself about 17 to 24 feet from target nests to prevent attacks from bugs. Besides, this range of distance is perfect if you want to hit your target area accurately. Purchasing a spray with a reasonable spray distance will save you the stress of having to care for a wound caused by a bug. 

Brand name 

When looking to buy a spray, one way to research the quality of the product is to examine the brand behind it. A suitable insecticide should be produced by a good company with a reputable brand name. The company behind a product will significantly determine the material used in manufacturing it and its quality. The big names in the insecticide industry include Raid, EcoSmart, Harris, Spectracide, and many more. 

What Are the Types of Wasp Sprays Suitable for Killing Pests?

Spray

A spray is ideal for killing wasps and other pests. It contains pyrethrins and pyrethroids, which are chemicals that can effectively paralyze a wasp. Besides, when it comes in contact with the pest, it stops it from retaliating by preventing pheromone secretion in the pests. These sprays come with jets that make them effective for spraying insects from a safe distance.

Aerosol foam 

An aerosol foam is similar in function to a spray. What differentiates it from the latter is that it traps the pests by creating foam when it comes into contact. The aerosol foam also functions by paralyzing the pest. On top of that, the aerosol foam spreads quickly after striking the insect’s nest, ensuring that it effectively traps all the insects and paralyzes them.

Liquid concentrates

If pests keep coming back after being treated with an aerosol and spray, a liquid concentrate is the next best option. It is versatile and can be used in treating a variety of fly species. Applying this type of spray isn’t difficult. All you need to do is mix the right amount of concentrate with water. In addition, you should have in mind that a bottle of liquid concentrate can be used in making about 40 spray gallons. When mixing, you should make sure to follow the instructions on the concentrate label. 

How Much Should a Wasp Spray Cost? 

When it comes to essential products like insecticides, the price is always crucial to consider. Generally, the cost of fly sprays falls within the range of $4 to $15, with top-quality ones not less than $4.55. The price of an insecticide depends on some other factors such as the quantity, ingredient used, extra features, and effectiveness. However, you should never forget that the best quality sprays are not the most expensive ones. Their quality depends on the material used in making the spray.  

People Also Asked

Q: How long does it take for a wasp to die after being sprayed?

A: It depends on the quality of the spray and the quantity that was sprayed. Generally, it takes one to two days for all the wasps in a nest to die. However, some sprays kill the pests on contact, making them much more effective. 

Q: Can I use wasp sprays inside?

A: Yes, you can. However, it still depends on the ingredients used in manufacturing it. Some sprays are ideal for outdoor use only. 

Q: Do wasps know when you kill one?

A: Yes, they do. They are categorized as social pests that are a group of insects with a pretty complex interaction. They are capable of sensing danger and can secrete a hormone called a pheromone to warn other members. 

Q: Is wasp spray harmful to humans?

A: Yes, it can be. It is made of a mixture of chemicals that are capable of causing great damage to wasps. On the other hand, these chemicals are very harmful to humans. They can be linked to some severe allergic reactions on the skin.   

Cleaning Outdoors
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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