Can You Use Bleach To Eliminate Wasps?

Wasps are a common household nuisance and their nests can be found under porch ceilings, balconies, and even inside walls, to name just a few. Contrary to what some people may think, wasps serve several important ecological functions, including pollination, and cleaning up organic material for food like dead bugs. Likewise, they also control other pests like roaches and aphids. However, some may argue that their cons outweigh their pros and would rather have them ousted from their property regardless. 

Wasps are aggressively territorial animals and won't hesitate to sting you. While their stings are rarely fatal, they can be if you get stung too many times or if you have an allergy. They're also quite painful to endure. For these reasons, it's best to get rid of wasps entirely. If you're wary of going the professional exterminator route then you're probably considering handling them yourself, using DIY chemical warfare. A number of homeowners are guilty of using bleach to curb their wasp problem, but this isn't the effective solution they think it is.

Bleach contains an active ingredient called sodium hypochlorite which is very effective in killing pathogens and disinfecting surfaces. This doesn't necessarily mean that bleach can kill wasps though. Most wasp pesticides use pyrethroids and pyrethrins to disable the insects' nervous systems and kill them instantly. While bleach does not have this ability, you may still be able to use it to control your wasp population to a certain extent. 

Pest control expert Ed Carter told Pest Advisory that he doesn't see bleach as a foolproof solution to a wasp problem because of the insect's durable exoskeleton, stating simply, "I would not recommend using it." Carter acknowledged, however, that while it doesn't stand a chance against an entire colony, bleach may affect some of the wasps by suffocating or even drowning them. Thus, if you have a small colony of wasps, mix water and bleach in a ratio of 2:1. 

Once your solution is ready, pour it into a powerful spray bottle and douse the colony in it. Make sure you dress the part by donning long pants, a mask, and a long-sleeved top for protection just in case the insects get to buzzing. Also, position yourself as far away from the nest as possible that your spray bottle will allow — the last thing you want is the bleach splashing back on you, or getting targeted by the wasps. You may have to spray the nest several times, too. 

If you want something stronger that will wipe out that wasp population quickly and easily, try using the PT Wasp Freeze 2 pesticide instead, as recommended by TikTok pest exterminator @exterminatorking. This product not only kills the pests upon contact, but it also leaves no stains or residue behind. Get a good enough distance between you and the nest and spray those pesky wasps into oblivion.