Will Bleach Kill Yellow Jackets (Wasps)? Check It Out  

Will Bleach Kill Yellow Jackets (Wasps)? Check It Out

Will Bleach Kill Yellow Jackets (Wasps)? Check It Out

Updated on 10/1/2023
Emma DowneyBy Emma Downey
Gardening Expert
Learn More about Emma Downey

b Wasp stings are known to be particularly painful. Wasps should always stay far away from me, my children, and my dog.

Most people turn to store-bought wasp sprays to protect themselves from these nasty insects. There are many alternatives to using harsh chemicals when eliminating wasp infestations.

Does Wasp Killing Bleach Work?

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Wasps can be effectively killed with bleach, believe it or not. For the bleach to be fatal to the wasps, they must come into direct contact with it. However, wasps won't die immediately after being exposed to bleach.

Wasp Control Using Bleach: The Step-by-Step Guide

In a spray bottle with a high output, combine three parts of water with one aspect of bleach. You could also use a garden sprayer that has a wand attached to it.

  • Put on a show! Put on long pants and sleeves, a hat, gloves, and a mask to protect yourself. Make it a goal to expose as little skin as possible.
  • Maintain a position that is as far away from the nest as the manufacturer of your sprayer recommends. I suggest keeping at least two feet of distance between us.
  • Apply the bleach solution to the nest and any wasps you come across.
  • Repeat as often as required until all the wasps have been eliminated. If the wasps become enraged and you are forced to abandon the ship, this process may require multiple applications.
  • You should take down the structure as soon as you are confident that no one is inside the nest. You can saturate it with other bleach to make sure that there are no surviving organisms.

An Important Word Of Caution

WASPS

WASPS

The wasps will not perish instantly, even after being exposed to bleach. They could become irritated if bleach is sprayed on them, so avoid doing that. Maintain your distance, and be ready to flee if necessary!

If you get stung by a wasp, it is normal to experience some swelling and irritation. You should seek medical attention if you experience nausea, vomiting, or significant swelling.

Bleach has the potential to discolor wood and outdoor furniture. Before you spray the bleach all over your target, you should first test a small section of it. You can try using a solution that has been diluted more, but keep in mind that it might not be as effective against wasps. Small amounts of bleach that have been diluted shouldn't be harmful to grass or plants, but large parts of bleach could harm your lawn. Be careful when you use the spray!

Use extreme caution when working with bleach! A corrosive substance, bleach. It is crucial to avoid getting bleach on the skin or in the eyes. Immediately flush the affected area with water if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes. It is not safe to drink bleach. If bleach is ingested, one should seek medical attention immediately.

A Remark Regarding Wasps

WASPS

WASPS

Wasps benefit gardens because they eat harmful insects and help fertilize flowers and plants. On the other hand, they are highly territorial and will frequently sting anyone who gets in their way!

A Variety Of Other Methods Can Kill Wasps

Dishwashing Soap

Wasps can be killed by dish soap because it blocks the breathing spores in their bodies. You can use any dish soap in the spray bottle with high output and should add Dish soap at a ratio of 30–60 mL for every 500 mL of hot water. Your dish soap and water mixture should become foamy as you continue to shake it. For the application, follow the same steps as above.

Hairspray

Hairspray

Hairspray

It can protect Wasps from being stung by using hairspray, which only coats their wings. You can swat them once they cannot fly away on their own!

Take Down The Nest

New wasps can easily make a home for themselves in an existing nest. After you have determined that the nest is no longer occupied, you should take care to remove it. Protect yourself from the possibility of being stung by a wasp by donning lengthy sleeves, pants, gloves, and face protection.

After removing the nest from its location, you should either smash it or soak it in bleach before disposing of it. There is a chance that wasp eggs or young wasps are still inside.

DIY Sugar Water Trap

DIY Sugar Water Trap

DIY Sugar Water Trap

You can buy a wasp trap, or it's not hard to make your own at home! The sugar water will entice the wasps to enter the web, catching them. They will be unable to escape once they have entered, and as a result, they will drown.

You are going to need to:

  • A sterile and empty bottle that holds 2 liters
  • A knife
  • A permanent marker
  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Vinegar (optional)
  • To hang, you can use the trap, string, or twine.
  1. Mark the bottle with a line using a marker approximately two-thirds of the way up the bottle. Use the knife to make cuts along the line. Combine equal parts of water and sugar in a mixing bowl. This mixture should be poured into the emptiest part of the bottle. You could also try some meat, like hamburgers, honey, jam, or even something like a burger.
  2. Include a touch of vinegar in the recipe. Because of this, bees will avoid getting caught in your trap. Take off the top of the bottle, then turn it upside down so that the spout faces the sugar water inside the bottle. Make sure the fixture is not resting on the bottom of the bottle. Either leave the bottle exposed to the elements or suspend it using the twine.

Make A Call To The Experts

Make A Call To The Experts.

Make A Call To The Experts.

If you have a significant number of wasps, it is probably time to get in touch with a reliable pest control service. If you suffer from an allergy to wasp stings, you should never attempt to get rid of wasps or their nests on your own.

A Few Parting Thoughts

Don't let wasps send you indoors! A few bleaches will ensure your next outdoor excursion is completely wasp-free.