The 7 Best Wasp Sprays of 2023
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Effective options for eliminating nests once and for all
Fact checked by Shereen JegtvigReviewed by Becky Rapinchuk
Wasps can be an annoyance when you want to use your outdoor space and downright dangerous if they get agitated and start to sting. When you see a small nest, it’s best to take care of it before the wasps have a chance to build anything larger that may require professional intervention. Removing the nest when it is still small will keep your backyard barbecue wasp-free and will prevent the stinging insects from making their way into your home.
Removing a small wasp nest can be done with an effective wasp spray. The best sprays target both insects and nest, preventing other wasps from returning and rebuilding. “The best time to prevent pests from entering your home is before they invade,” says Pam Cruise with Sovereign Pest Control, a professional extermination company specializing in over 15 different types of pest control. “Otherwise you could end up with an undesirable infestation.”
With Cruise's insights in mind, we researched dozens of top options, evaluating sprays for ease of use, effectiveness, and value.
Best Overall: Ortho Home Defense Hornet and Wasp Killer
What We Like
Works from a distance
Effective on a variety of pests
Foaming formula
What We Don’t Like
Not for indoor or enclosed space use
This wasp spray meets the two most important criteria when it comes to pest removal: It is easy to use and very effective. The spray creates a foam that coats the surface, trapping wasps in place so that they can’t go after the new threat to their nest. It works from up to 20 feet away, even when sprayed vertically. It is super precise, meaning more of the product actually makes it onto the nest. It will kill wasps on contact and stay on the nest itself, plus, any wasps that return to the nest after it is sprayed and come into contact with the formula will also die.
This spray works on wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and mud daubers. So if you have a stinging pest that builds a nest in crevices and corners, you don’t need to get too close to get a perfect identification: This spray will work for the most common species.
According to the manufacturer. this formula is safe to use around trim and molding, including window frames and roof eaves. It does create a pretty strong odor, so you should only use it outside. You can use it in a carport that is open to the outside but it shouldn’t be used in an enclosed garage. Even with adequate ventilation, the spray can still create dangerous fumes.
Price at time of publish: $6
Application: Foam | Spray distance: 20 feet | Quantity: 16 ounces
Best Budget: Spectracide Wasp and Hornet Killer
What We Like
Great value
Works on a lot of pests
Far spray distance
What We Don’t Like
Doesn’t foam
Outdoor use only
Need to tackle multiple wasps’ nests? This two-pack is a great budget-friendly answer that is also very effective. The liquid spray works from up to 27 feet away and is effective on wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets. It can also work on tent caterpillars, scorpions, and ants. If you want to make the most of your pest-killing dollars, this is the best affordable product.
You will need to spray the nest until it is entirely soaked. Since this is a liquid formula and doesn’t foam, it may take a few minutes. Make sure that you stand far enough away to stay safe and avoid angry wasps. It should only be used outdoors and not in enclosed spaces, like garages or inside homes or sheds.
Price at time of publish: $6
Application: Liquid | Spray distance: 27 feet | Quantity: 37 ounces
Best Pro Strength: Spectracide Pro Wasp and Hornet Killer
What We Like
Fast acting
Works on a variety of pests
Works for up to 4 weeks after application
What We Don’t Like
Doesn’t foam
Expensive
Determined wasps or large nests call for professional solutions. The Spectracide Pro line works for up to four weeks when sprayed at the nest. It is effective against wasps, mud daubers, hornets, and yellow jackets and kills any insects and the nest within seconds of contact. You’ll need to coat the nest for the best results. Any wasps that return will come into contact with the toxic formula, even a full month after application.
This option is a bit more expensive than some others but still cheaper than a professional exterminator. It is a great value and very effective at taking care of existing wasps’ nests as well as preventing them from being rebuilt. You should only use it outdoors and avoid electrical lines.
Price at time of publish: $9
Application: Liquid | Spray distance: 20 feet | Quantity: 18 ounces
Best for Multiple Pests: Black Flag Foaming Wasp and Hornet Killer
What We Like
Foam coats within seconds
Effective on a variety of pests
Multi-packs available
What We Don’t Like
Small quantity per canister
Not only does this spray foam and coat any insects and nest structure that it comes into contact with, it is also effective on a wide variety of species. It is made for wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and mud daubers, including their nests. But it is also good to use on carpenter ants, harvester ants, scorpions, some spiders, and tent caterpillars. It works up to 20 feet away and coats the surface within seconds. This keeps the pests from escaping or being a danger to the person spraying.
It is a slightly smaller quantity than some other options. Depending on how large of a space you need to spray, it might be a good idea to get multiple cans to be prepared. Fortunately, you can purchase in a single pack, twin pack for bigger jobs, or a 12-pack for large scale use. It is a good value for its size and use.
Price at time of publish: $5 (single pack)
Application: Foam | Spray distance: 20 feet | Quantity: 14 ounces
Best Preventative: Bayer Delta Dust Pest Control Insecticide Dust
What We Like
Works on most insects
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Keeps nests from reforming
What We Don’t Like
Need to get close for application
Rather than spray existing wasps’ nests, this insecticide is designed to kill and prevent these pests from making their homes. This is a general use insecticide and will work on everything from ants to wasps. If you want to allow certain beneficial pests in your yard or around your home, this may not be the best choice. But for prevention inside, this is one of the few that will work on wasps that can be used in enclosed spaces.
The one pound container works on roughly 2,000 square feet of surface area. You’ll need to get close to the application surface and sprinkle it with powder. While it will kill any wasps that it comes into contact with, it isn’t the best choice to take care of nests that have already formed. You can use a spray that works from a further distance to kill the wasps and remove the nest, then use this powder to prevent them from coming back.
Price at time of publish: $26
Application: Powder | Spray distance: Immediate vicinity | Quantity: 1 pound
Best Foaming: TERRO Wasp and Hornet Foam Spray
What We Like
Extra thick foam
Works on nest and insects
Safe for indoor and outdoor use
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
TERRO spray foams up as soon as it hits the nest, targeting wasps as well as their homes. It has extra thick foam that coats the entire nest. Not only does this keep the wasps inside from going after you as you attack them, it also keeps other wasps from getting back to safety. Any wasps that do return will be unable to get to the nest. If they come into contact with the foam, they will also be killed.
Unlike other sprays, this formula is safe to use indoors or outdoors. That means that you can take care of wasp nests in your garage, shed, or other structures. The foam is easy to direct, reducing the likelihood that you’ll have overspray or get the formula in areas that you don’t intend. It works up to 20 feet away. It is a bit more expensive than other sprays but works so well and in so many places that it remains a great foaming option.
Price at time of publish: $14
Application: Foam | Spray distance: 20 feet | Quantity: 19 ounces
Best Eco-Friendly: EcoSMART Organic Wasp and Hornet Killer
What We Like
Formula safe around pets and kids
Won’t contaminate nearby surfaces
No wait time to let pets into area
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
Short spray distance
For an organic insecticide, consider the EcoSMART formula. It kills wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets but is considered to be safe around pets and people (according to the manufacturer). While you should still avoid the fumes when spraying, you don’t need to wait to let your pets on the sidewalk where you spray. If the formula gets on any plants, make sure to rinse them off right away.
This spray is considerably more expensive than traditional formulas. It uses plant oils that naturally repel insects, including wasps and hornets. It will kill these pests when it comes into contact with them. But it doesn’t easily coat the nest or use foam to keep them trapped. Also note that the spray distance is only 15 feet, the shortest of those on our list.
Price at time of publish: $20
Application: Liquid | Spray distance: 15 feet | Quantity: 14 ounces
Commerce - Final Verdict
Our top pick, Ortho Home Defense Hornet and Wasp Killer, foams and works on a variety of pests and their nests. It is easy to use and effective in most situations. For the most budget-friendly option, look for a two-pack of Spectracide Wasp and Hornet Killer, 2 Count. It also works on most pests, but uses a liquid spray rather than a foam.
What to Look for in Wasp Spray
Effectiveness
Look for a wasp spray that targets both insects and their nests. Wasps form papery nests out of wood pulp. If you do not destroy the nests, wasps can return and keep infesting the area. Look for a spray that kills on contact, coats the nest, and kills wasps that come back later, such as the Ortho Home Defense Hornet and Wasp Killer.
Application Type
Foam and liquid sprays are the most popular ways to apply wasp killer. They can be used from a distance, ensuring that you won’t have to deal with angry wasps while trying to get rid of them and their nest. Powders, such as Delta Dust Pest Control Insecticide Dust, can be used to prevent wasps from reforming a nest after the first one has been removed.
Spray Distance
Look for a spray that can be used from a distance, often around 20 feet. Because wasps often build their nests up in the eaves or around door or window frames, look for one that can be sprayed vertically as well. This will help you maintain a safe distance from the angry wasps as you spray. The Spectracide Wasp and Hornet Killer, 2 Count can be used from an impressive 27 feet away from the nest.
Ingredients
The insecticides in wasp sprays typically work for a variety of pests. While this is a pro for most people, if you only want to target a specific species, you may need to pay closer attention to the active ingredients list. Eco-friendly options, like EcoSMART Organic Wasp and Hornet Killer, use plant oils that repel or kill wasps but may not be as effective on large nests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does wasp spray actually work?
Yes, wasp spray works by killing the wasps themselves and making the nest inhospitable to other wasps. Wasp spray contains ingredients that are toxic to wasps that kills them on contact. The same ingredient permeates the papery nest and is toxic to any wasps that come back.
One of the most important factors that impacts the effectiveness of any pest control measures is correctly identifying the pest that you are dealing with. “In order to effectively treat your home for pests, the insect must be correctly identified,” says Pam Cruise at Southern Pest Control. For larger infestations, treatment by a pro can tackle the larger problem and wasp spray helps combat smaller problems.
Can you use wasp spray inside?
Most wasp sprays are only for outdoor use. This is because they have ingredients that can be toxic if used in enclosed spaces. Keep in mind that this also applies to garages, sheds, and outdoor structures. If you need to kill wasps inside, look for a spray that is made for indoor/outdoor use.
“Wasp spray is a toxin so it shouldn’t be used indoors unless you have been trained to do so safely,” said Southern Pest Control.
Is wasp spray harmful to humans?
The fumes from wasp spray can be irritating for people, especially if used in spaces without ventilation. You should avoid spraying it at your face or on your skin. If you do come into contact with wasp spray, it’s best to wash it off immediately and monitor for symptoms like skin irritation, as well as consult a medical professional.
When is the best time to use wasp spray?
You should use wasp spray at dawn or dusk, the two times that wasps are the least active. This ensures that the majority of wasps are inside the nest and will come into contact with the spray right away. After spraying a nest, leave it for 24 hours and then remove it.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To make this list, she considered top-rated wasp sprays that were easy to use and effective, especially those that prevented wasps from returning. She also talked with Pam Cruise at Sovereign Pest Control about tips and tricks for handling wasp and bee nests at your home.
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