Why A Pressure Washer Might Be The Best Chemical-Free Defense Against Wasps

Have you noticed more wasps than usual buzzing around your property? These tiny insects may look similar to bees at first glance but are much different than their docile, fuzzy cousins. While bees focus on finding flowers to feed on, wasps are attracted to sweet smells like the ones found in our perfumes or fruit juices. If you want to avoid running into these angry flying pests but don't want to use chemicals, a pressure washer might be a great alternative. They use water instead of insecticides and allow you to stay a safe distance away from the nest while spraying.

Pressure washers work by pushing water through a nozzle with incredible amounts of pressure, which is why they're commonly used to remove tough buildup and grime from surfaces. To put it into perspective, a standard garden hose has roughly 40 pounds of pressure per square inch. Commercial pressure washers can reach an impressive 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch, making it clear why this is a better method for wasp removal. Insecticides and other chemicals may be necessary in some situations, but the proper removal method is best decided by the professionals if you're at all unsure.

Commercial wasp sprays are often a homeowner's first line of defense against pests like wasps. But these products are insecticides made up of chemicals like cypermethrin and prallethrin, both being toxic to bees and aquatic animals. Power washers are a great natural solution to get rid of wasp nests due to their impressive spray range of over 40 feet with a long-distance nozzle attachment. This is double the distance that wasp sprays from the hardware store provide! And when you're trying to work quickly to take down a nest, every foot matters for your safety.

It's not uncommon for the nests to be located in hard-to-reach areas, like overhangs and on roof edges. This can make accessing it tricky, but working with a pressure washer includes the added benefit of being able to add a two-ingredient wasp removal hack to the mix. All you have to do is use a combination of dish soap and water through the pressure washer to completely soak the nest and suffocate any wasps inside. You should always spray the nest from as far away as possible; never stand directly underneath. Be sure to leave the area after spraying for at least 24 hours to prevent running into any angry wasps after the fact.

While pressure washers are effective at removing and preventing wasps' nests, there's a level of risk involved anytime you're trying to get rid of pests without a professional's help. Sometimes, DIY removal attempts fail, and the wasps can swarm and sting what they view as a threat to their nest. Unlike bees, wasps can sting their target many times, so it's best to call the experts for help if you're not sure you can completely remove the nest.

Another drawback to keep in mind is that wasps tend to be aggressive by nature. When they feel threatened, they emit a special odor that causes other wasps to join the attack. This is a dangerous situation for anyone, but especially those with bee allergies. You can take precautions like covering any exposed skin beforehand and knowing the best times to spray a wasp nest, but it's important to weigh the risks. Professionals have the tools and protection to safely remove wasp nests with minimal impact on other pollinators in the area.