Cheap Way to Kill Wasps

Cheap Way to Kill Wasps

Wasps are generally harmless when they are left alone, undisturbed. If they are far enough from your house and not posing a problem, consider leaving them alone. In cold climates, they freeze and die in winter. Wasps pose a bigger threat when they make nests near doorways or get into a house. You can kill wasps inexpensively and effectively without spraying costly, harmful chemicals around your house and in your yard. Make your own wasp trap and spray by using common household ingredients.

1. 1.

   Combine 2 cups of apple cider vinegar, 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water in a large bowl. Wisk or stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved. The sweet combination of sugar and apple cider vinegar attracts wasps.

2. 2.

   Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap to the mixture, and stir the mixture gently, preventing bubbles. The dish soap has a dual purpose in the mixture; a degreaser, it begins to dissolve the wasps’ outer, protective coating while inhibiting their ability to fly, causing the wasps to drown faster than they would otherwise, and it suffocates them over time.

3. 3.

   Pour 4 cups of the mixture into a clean, 2-liter, plastic, soda bottle. Put the remaining mixture in a clean, 16-ounce spray bottle, and add 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap plus 1/2 cup of water to fill that spray bottle.

4. 4.

   Place the 2-liter, plastic, soda bottle, which is a wasp trap, on the ground in an area easily accessible to the wasps. Ensure the area will not be disturbed easily and is away from house entrances. Alternatively, tie a heavy string around the bottle’s neck, and use the string to hang the bottle from a tree branch, fence post or railing. The soda bottle’s cap must be off so wasps will be attracted to the mixture in the bottle.

5. 5.

   Replace the wasp trap’s mixture with a new mixture when the current mixture becomes overcrowded with wasps or is no longer effective.

6. 6.

   Keep the spray bottle containing the mixture with you while you work in the yard, and spray wasps with the mixture as needed. You also can use the spray to kill wasps that come into your house. Additionally, spray small nests that appear on and near the house or a shed, deck or roof. Saturate the wasps and nests thoroughly with the mixture until the wasps stop moving.

   Things You Will Need

   • Large bowl

   • 2 cups apple cider vinegar

   • 2 cups sugar

   • Wisk or stirring utensil

   • 1/4 to 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, liquid dish soap

   • Clean, 2-liter, plastic, soda bottle

   • Clean, 16-ounce spray bottle

   • Heavy string (optional)

   • Scissors (optional)

   Tip

   Make several wasp traps, and place them around your garden or yard. They can be moved easily while you work outdoors.

   Warning

   Spilling the mixture on garden plants may kill them due to the vinegar’s acidity.

   The wasp trap will attract and kill other creatures, including beneficial insects.

References

• Vinegar: 1001 Practical Household Uses; L&K Designs
• Orange Blossom Beekeepers Association: Frequently Asked Questions

Writer Bio

Gabrielle Morgan has authored business documents, manuals, mental health documentation and treatment plans. She also writes for a variety of online publications. Morgan’s extensive educational background includes studies in creative writing, screenwriting, herbology, natural medicine, early childhood education and psychology.