Facebook Pinterest Twitter WhatsApp Messenger Email

Does wasp spray work for self defense? Watch the video below and find out.

There’s a myth going around that needs to be addressed.

You’ve probably seen it on Facebook or maybe another survival website by now.

Survival forums and email chain letters all over suggest packing a can of wasp spray in your BOB or home for self defense.

I have news for you, it’s a myth and it doesn’t work, and it will most likely put you in court or maybe even in jail.

Why You Should Not Use Wasp Spray For Self Defense

There are two reasons why you should not use wasp spray to protect yourself.

First, and perhaps most importantly, it DOES NOT WORK AT ALL!

Secondly, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act prohibits the use of any pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. In fact, It’s a full blown felony to use it on a person no matter the situation.

And to top it off the person attacking you can and most likely will sue you for damages and will almost certainly win.

Instead, use a proven and legal gel pepper spray. Not only will it actually stop an assailant in their tracks up to 18-20ft away but it is perfectly legal to carry and use almost everywhere.

Yeah, But….

Just stop right there. There’s not a single shred of evidence or research to suggest wasp spray would stop an attacker.

None. Zero.

In fact several stupid youtubers have tested it on themselves and proven it will not slow down an attacker, not even a little bit. It’s only mildly annoying.

I can hear someone saying “But I’ve used it around the house, it sure does look dangerous!”

Don’t believe me because those warning labels seems so dangerous and that stream looks deadly? Here’s the thing, that stream is deadly…to insects, but humans are not insects.

This stuff simply doesn’t work the same way on people. It’s a fact and I have proof.

Here’s a video of a few bright individuals trying it out. See for yourself.



There are plenty more videos like that on youtube.

I can 100% guarantee wasp spray will not stop an attacker, and I can 100% guarantee that your liability will go through the roof if you choose wasp spray over something like pepper spray.

As far as the law is concerned you would be better off to shoot an assailant attacking you than to spray them with wasp spray. Federal laws are weird like that.

Pesticides such as wasp spray have not been tested on humans. Direct human toxicity data comes from records of accidental exposures and suicide attempts.

Poison control records document an amazing number of people who have accidentally sprayed themselves or innocent bystanders when using aerosol cans.

Some of those people did go blind or suffered serious lung injury, hours or days later. What that means is that it will not stop an attack, but you may have just maimed a guy while you were committing a felony.

That means you are practically at fault by default. Your attacker will win in court and you will be screwed.

Personal liability is staggeringly significant for a person who deliberately sprays another person with a pesticide.

That guy breaking into your house can now sue you for a few million bucks and ruin your life.

You could go to prison. If you’re convicted you will lose all your gun rights and a few other constitutional rights for life because you are now a felon on a list.

So why not just get a gun or at least a can of pepper spray to defend yourself instead?

Why Wasp Spray Doesn’t Work

The active ingredients in most wasp sprays contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids.

They are derived from a species of the chrysanthemum plant and affect the nervous system of a select few insects.

They do not affect humans in the same way.

Why Pepper Spray Works

If you want some sort of spray for self defense then you should buy a well tested brand of pepper spray. Some spray just as far as wasp spray and many cost about the same.

Capsaicin, the active heat ingredient from cayenne peppers, is used in the temporarily debilitating pepper spray weapons for personal protection.

Canisters of pepper spray (also known as OC spray or oleoresin capsicum) dispense a solution containing capsaicin, an inflammatory agent which affects the eyes, respiratory system, skin and muscle coordination of mammals.

Final Words

So stop spreading bad information. You’re now smarter than that. Don’t share that meme on Facebook, don’t share that email, and don’t tell your friends to use wasp spray for self defense. It’s just going to get them killed by an attacker at worst or ruin their life in court at best.

Don’t put it in your Bug Out Bag unless you plan to stand down a furious wasp after the SHTF. Keep it in your shed where it belongs.

Plus it should be noted that it’s illegal (a finable offense) for anyone to recommend using wasp spray for self defense because you cannot tell someone else to use a pesticide for anything other than the labeled use thanks to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.