For many people, the most effective way to get rid of bees is to use a wasp spray. You may want to consider using one when you notice that there’s an infestation of bees in your home or garden.
A wasp spray can be very effective in eliminating bees, but make sure that you do it properly so that it won’t harm anything else around you. Additionally you shouldn‘t use wasp spray, as bees are generally harmless and won‘t hurt you, if you don‘t pose a threat to them.
That being said, let us dive into this article and answer the question, “Will wasp spray kill bees?” once and for all!
How Wasp Spray Works
Wasp spray is a pesticide. It’s not a repellent, but instead, it’s used to kill wasps on contact. It is also not systemic, so it doesn’t move through the plant and kill pests that are feeding off its juices. Not only that, it also won’t kill mealybugs or other insects that live inside the leaves of your plants, nor will it eradicate fungus or mold from your garden beds.
Wasp sprays are pesticides with these characteristics:
- They are considered contact poisons because they must come into direct contact with pests for them to take effect (contrast this with systemic pesticides, which spread throughout the plant and can affect bugs feeding from any part of the plant).
- They aren’t repellents, even though they might be labeled as such; rather than deterring pests from entering your garden bed or attacking plants directly like a repellent does (think Citronella candles), wasp sprays only affect pests that have already landed on their target plants.
The Ingredients: What’s in a Typical Wasp Spray?
Wasp sprays are made up of a variety of chemicals, but the two main active ingredients in these products are pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide.
Pyrethrins are made from the dried flowers of the chrysanthemum plant (or Tanacetum cinerariifolium). The flowers are harvested, dried, and ground into a powder that can be added to sprays.
How Effective Are Wasp Spray to Bees?
Wasp sprays can be effective against bees. Most wasp sprays contain chemicals that are extremely toxic to insects, and bees are attracted to the same things that wasps are.
Wasps are attracted to sweet foods, so they will be drawn to any food left out in your home or yard. Bees on the other hand don’t care about sugar or sweets; they’re only interested in pollen and nectar from flowers.
If you want a way to get rid of bees around your house without harming them, try using an organic bee repellent spray instead!
What to Prepare Before Using a Wasp Spray
When using a wasp spray, you should prepare yourself by wearing protective clothing. Wear goggles, a mask, gloves and hat. Wearing long pants and closed toe shoes is also
advisable.
Use Protective Equipment
If you don’t want to get stung, wear protective gear. This includes:
- Protective clothing (long sleeves and pants)
- Protective eyewear (goggles or a mask)
- Gloves (elbow-length or long finger gloves are best)
- A hat that covers your ears
Be Careful in Spraying Food-Contact Areas
Food-contact surfaces are any area that comes into contact with food, such as a countertop or table. The risk of using wasp spray on food-contact surfaces is twofold: first, it could leave unwanted residue on the surface that may be harmful if consumed; second, the product may not be effective enough to deter bees from landing in these areas and stinging you while you’re eating.
To minimize this risk, first make sure to apply wasp sprays only when necessary (don’t ever use them around your mouth). Then follow up by wiping down any affected surfaces when possible with soap and water after removing bees from your home or space.
Avoid Spraying on Plants
When using wasp spray for bees, it’s important to avoid spraying plants. If you do spray a plant, make sure to rinse off the area with water. Should you be unable to rinse off the area with water, try using insecticidal soap instead of wasp spray.
Finally, if all else fails and you must use wasp spray on a plant–especially at night–make sure that it’s an outdoor plant that no one will be standing near when they get home from work or school later in the day
Call a Professional Landscape Service
If you’re dealing with a serious wasp problem and the DIY methods haven’t worked, it’s time to call in a professional. Many landscaping services offer pest control services, including bees and wasps. Your local hardware store or big box retailer may also be able to provide recommendations for local companies who can help you with your problem.
FAQs
Is wasp spray effective against bees?
Wasp sprays are very effective against bees, but they should only be used as a last resort. You can get stung by the wasps when you use it, and some people find that it makes them feel sick. However, wasps will usually die within an hour or two of being sprayed with a good-quality product.
Why do wasp sprays work against bees?
Wasp spray is an aerosol that uses an enzyme called pyrethrin to kill insects. Pyrethrin is derived from chrysanthemum flowers, and it paralyzes insects’ nervous systems by attacking their central nervous system receptors. The bees die from asphyxiation because they can’t move, but not because they’re being directly poisoned.
What kind of spray kill bees on contact?
The best kind of spray to kill bees on contact is a spray that kills instantly. Most sprays that kill bees on contact will have a pyrethroid base. These are synthetic pesticides that are derived from the chrysanthemum flower, and they work by attacking the nervous system of the insect.
Pyrethroids are effective because they act so quickly; however, there is some concern over their long-term effects when used as pesticides. They can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled into your lungs. This can lead to irritation and eye damage, as well as headaches and nausea when inhaled regularly over time.
Conclusion
Wasp sprays are an effective way to get rid of wasps, but they should be used with caution. A professional landscape service can help you decide whether or not it is best for your situation. Good luck!
