When the temperature hots up, we head outside to enjoy sticky ice lollies and meat-filled BBQs. But beware, because the minute you peel back the wrapper or light up the coals, a distinct buzzing starts to fill the air.
The agonizing pain of a wasp sting is enough to have anyone holed up indoors over the summer months, however, there are ways in which you can fight back and enjoy the great outdoors once more. If you want to get these pesky pests to buzz off for good, all you need to do is invest in the best wasp spray solution.
Top 5 best wasp killing sprays available to buy
- Wasp Freeze
- Raid Wasp and Hornet Spray
- Spectracide bug control
- Ortho Home Defense Hornet & Wasp Killer
- EcoSMART Organic Wasp Killer
How to get wasps to buzz off
To stop wasps from whizzing around, I would suggest keeping a can of insect spray to hand. There are many different types of wasp spray available to purchase and have tried and tested several different brands, I will give you my honest opinions on which ones I've found to be the most effective. Please note, however, that whilst sprays are great for controlling a few wandering wasps, if you happen to stumble upon a nest you should seek professional help.
Recommended reading: How to get rid of wasps
How to identify a wasp
The first thing is to pick your fight. Although there are over 20,000 different species of wasp, the most common opponent you are likely to face in America is the yellow jacket wasp.  Scavengers by nature, they can mostly be found flying around parks and disrupting picnics during the late summer months. These wasps can be incredibly aggressive and will attack to defend their nest or protect an item of food.
How do wasp sprays actually work?
Getting rid of wasps is no easy feat, as they are quick, agile, and well adept in squeezing through the tiniest of gaps and the smallest of spaces. To stop them in their tracks requires a direct hit from some serious wasp-killing solution. Speed and accuracy are critical when using wasp spray and it is important that you deliver a knockout punch as failure to do so could lead to painful repercussions.
The chemicals contained in these sprays are easily absorbed into the wasp's outer shell, disrupting its nervous system, paralyzing them, and killing them for good. So, get ready to wave goodbye to wasps this summer with a can of wasp-killing spray.
Best wasp sprays buying tips:
When you are purchasing wasp spray I would strongly advise that you consider the following:
Distance of jet spray: You want to make sure that the spray you choose has enough reach for you to squirt a wasp whizzing around whilst making sure that the chemicals are kept well away from your face. Don't gulp in large breaths of air whilst spraying and ensure that you wash your hands afterward to stop any cross-contamination and to reduce the risk of rubbing it in your eyes.
Kids and pets: Always check the ingredients when using chemical sprays around children and furry friends. Most sprays contain chemicals that are deadly for fish.
Outdoor or indoor usage: Some aerosols can only be used outdoors, so always check the label before spraying indoors.
Environment: Chemical aerosols by nature, tend not to be environmentally friendly, but look out for those wasps sprays on that market that uses organic ingredients.
Below I share my personal reviews of the 5 best wasp killing sprays – all of which can be easily bought on Amazon:
- Product Type :Lab Supply
- Package Dimensions :11.0" L X8.5" W X12.0" H
- Country Of Origin :United States
- Package Weight :18.4Lbs
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Wasp Freeze
Product Overview: Formulated for outdoor use only, Wasp Freeze is very effective when used both day and night. Although it may be considered a pricier wasp killing solution, its steady stream of spray ensures that wasps are knocked down instantly, without getting the chance to release their stinging pheromone. Plus in order to help you aim free from harm, this jet spray can travel up to 15 feet long and is safe to use around electrical equipment.
Ensuring that you get your money's worth, this spray has a residual effect that keeps working long after you have made the initial spray.
Pros
- Keeps you safe from attack with a 15ft aim
- Instant knockdown effect
- Safe to use around electrical points and voltage
- Continues to work after use
- Subtle scent
- No extra attachments required
Cons
- Expensive product
- Runs out quickly
- For outdoor usage only
- Not suitable if you have pets – especially fish
- Kills the entire nest.
- Contains In-Wash Pre-Treaters with Active Stain lifters for great stain removal.
- Safe to use in any washing machine and at any water temperature
- Kills wasps & hornets on contact.
- Residual action kills new wasps and hornets returning to nest.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Raid Wasp and Hornet Spray
Product Overview: What I love about Raid is that it is not only effective on wasps, but it is great for targeting other pests such as ants. Available in an easy-to-use aerosol can, its nozzle can spray up to 22 feet. Unlike other products which tend to run out quickly due to their extended reach, Raid can be bought in single or multiple packs making it a more cost-effective choice.
Furthermore, once sprayed, Raid leaves an active residual that continues to fight against wasps so that you don't have to.
Pros
- Fast and efficient at killing wasps and other pests
- Easy to use nozzle aerosol can
- Can spray up to 22 feet
- Destroys even eggs and larvae
- Continues to work after use
Cons
- For outdoor usage only
- Not suitable if you have pets – especially fish
- Strong scent
- KILLS WEEDS AND GRASSES: use on driveways and walkways, and around fences, trees, flower beds, shrubs and other areas in your yard
- KILLS THE ROOT: visible results as fast as 3 hours – replant new flowers, trees and shrubs the same weekend
- RAINFAST: rainfall or watering 15 minutes after application will not wash away effectiveness
- CONCENTRATE: Mix and apply with a tank sprayer
- Spray to completely cover the leaves of the target vegetation
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Spectracide
Product Overview: This aerosol spray is formulated for use outdoors and is perfect for those hard-to-reach places. Spectracide, quite possibly, the longest and most powerful reach of all my recommended sprays at nearly 27 feet.
Spectracide has an incredibly long-lasting residue and is safe to use around electrical items. I have also sprayed this on furniture (accidentally) without any discoloration or staining. I like this product as it is effective, affordable, and good for everyday use.
Pros
- Safe to use on electrical items
- Can spray up to 27 feet
- Long-lasting residue
- Affordable
Cons
- For outdoor usage only
- Not suitable if you have pets – especially fish
- Kills wasps, yellow jackets, mud daubers and hornets
- Entrapping foam stops wasps instantly
- Jet spray reaches nests up to 20 feet above ground allowing you to stand a safe distance from the nest
- Kills insects that return to the nest
- Pinpoint accurate foam reaches nests under roof eaves, around carports, doorways, window frames and other outdoor areas
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Ortho
Product Overview: Ortho is great if you suspect you have more than one unwanted wasp hanging around your property. Thanks to its specially formulated foam, this insecticide can be sprayed into cracks and crevices where it entraps the wasp killing it instantly.
Just like a spray can, this aerosol comes with a nozzle and can target wasps from 20 feet away. And if you are worried about wasps returning then don't despair as Ortho will continue to eradicate wasps long after you have finished spraying. I would recommend this product if you have several wasps invading your space.
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Can spray up to 20 feet
- Long-lasting residue
Cons
- For outdoor usage only
- Not so easy to use a nozzle
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. EcoSMART Organic Wasp Killer
Product Overview: If you are looking for a non-toxic solution then the EcoSMART brand more than fits the bill. I love this product because it is safe, effective, and smart. Made from essential oils, it kills wasps by attacking the neurotransmitters that only exist in insects, making it perfectly safe to use around other animals and children.
Although this is recommended for use outdoors, it is safe to use in non-living areas such as in attics or basements. Its jet spray nozzle has the capability to reach up to 18 feet and is highly efficient in eradicating wasps. My only criticism of this product would be that, unlike chemical sprays, it does take a while for the organic solution to work.
Pros
- Environmentally, pet and child friendly
- As effective as chemical pesticides but without the adverse effects
- Pleasant odor
Cons
- Expensive product
- Takes a while to work
Best wasp and hornet spray conclusion
There are a number of wasp-killing solutions you can try, but the simplest and most efficient method has to be an insecticide spray. Depending on the severity of your wasp situation, I would suggest purchasing a few cans of various brands to see which is the most effective for you.
For those who have pets or small children or simply want to do their bit to protect our environment, then the EcoSMART spray offers a great alternative.
If you would prefer to deter a wasp rather than end its life, then there are more natural solutions on the market that you can explore, and I would strongly suggest combining wasp sprays with something such as a decoy nest.
