Why You Shouldn't Use Wasp Spray For Self Defense

Is Wasp Spray Good For Self-Defense?

The short answer would be no. In a previous post, I strongly recommended it. Maybe I was wrong. So let’s get into the whys and whats of Why You Shouldn’t Use Wasp Spray For Self Defense.

I would not want to lead you down the wrong path when defending yourself.

I will also compare wasp spray with a more conventional means of self-defense, the popular pepper spray.

But as it stands now, wasp spray for self-defense would likely piss off your attacker and not disable him altogether.

So let’s get prepping.

What’s Inside Wasp Spray?

Wasp and hornet spray is formed from known insecticides, including pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide, carbaryl, petroleum distillates, and inert ingredients are added with a solvent and propellant composition consisting of 1,1,1 trichloroethane and carbon dioxide and wherein the interaction is obtained between the solvent-propellant and the insecticides to improve the effectiveness of getting the contents to the desired target at a safe distance.

Pyrethrins are pesticides found naturally in some chrysanthemum flowers. They are generally a mixture of six chemicals that are toxic to insects. By and of themselves, they are generally considered safe for humans.

Piperonyl Butoxide enhances the potency of certain pesticides such as carbamates, pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and rotenone.

Carbaryl is a man-made pesticide that is toxic to insects. It has acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) occupational exposure to humans, but it will not stop someone in his tracks. If your attacker feels anything from this chemical, it will be too late for you.

Petroleum Distillates and other ingredients allow pesticides to reach their targets better, reduce runoff, and improve rain resistance. In other words, hit the target and stick to the target.

How Does Wasp Spray Work?

Wasp sprays will use those above chemicals to cause catastrophic damage to the wasp’s nervous system on contact, paralyzing them and then killing them. This is why a wasp will drop out of the air almost instantly after being sprayed.

When the spray comes into contact with any insect, the nerves and muscles of wasps all contract at once – causing an overwhelming stretch of energy.

So, actually, the substances inside wasp spray will cause paralysis to the wasps and other flying insects, which forces the insects to drop to the ground.

But consider the size difference, and you might understand why you shouldn’t use wasp spray for self-defense. It will take an awful lot of those chemicals to bring down an attacker.

Dangers Of Wasp Spray To Humans

Wasp and hornet spray is poison. It can be highly toxic to people and animals. But wasp spray isn’t capable of incapacitating human beings. The amount of those active ingredients in the spray itself (via the label) is 0.04% to 0.06%; the compound is typical to the chemicals I listed above: ‘pyrethrin or pyrethroids, which come from a species of the chrysanthemum plant.‘ This active ingredient is meant to disrupt a wasp’s nervous system. Not an oncoming attacker to any stoppable extent.

Also, some independent testing concluded that wasp spray would be minimally irritating to human eyes, so how could it be expected to stop an attacker?

Maybe slow him down, but not slow enough to get in the way of his goals.

You will piss that person off a little more and give that person more determination. Not a good idea for self-defense. As I mentioned in a previous post

Now, don’t get this wrong. It is still poison. Carelessly using wasp spray indoors would be a struggle, but it should not cause immediate problems for humans.

Of course, you should provide proper ventilation to get rid of and out of the way of the wasp spray as soon as possible. And have easy access to some soap and water to clean yourself up.

Pepper Spray vs Wasp Spray

So, I talked a little about wasp spray in the attacker’s eyes and the minimal effect it would have.

But designed specifically for use on humans, pepper spray will cause involuntary eye closure, swelling of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat, and nasal and sinus discharge.

It will also cause coughing, shortness of breath, drying of the eyes, and painful burning of the skin. That is pretty much what wasp spray will do to a wasp.

And don’t forget what else an effective defense will do to your attacker: the psychological effects such as fear, anxiety, and panic.

That’s how to stop someone in their tracks.

Get control of the body and mind.

Can You Go Blind From Pepper Spray?

The active ingredient in pepper spray, oleoresin capsicum, is a natural oil in many hot peppers.

It is an inflammatory agent that swells the eyes and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, causing pain and even temporary blindness.

After you spray an attacker, the immediate effects of spraying that person in the face with your pepper spray will include a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat.

Still, they can also cause difficulty breathing and temporary blindness when the eyes swell shut. The effects can last up to an hour and possibly days if not treated.

If you are lucky and your attacker has something such as an allergy to the ingredients in pepper spray, an asthma condition, or a pre-existing heart complication, that attacker may experience a more harsh reaction. Good for you, bad for that person.

So, how long can pepper spray blindness last?

The eyes tend to get better in about 30 minutes and usually will not require any medical treatment. A cough or shortness of breath can persist, especially in people with lung disorders (again, bad for them).

Feeling sorry for that person, or did you point that spray in the wrong direction?

Here is a treatment idea for you: Gently pour a saline solution, water, directly into the eyes, aiming away from the nose. Do not pour the solution over the person’s forehead; this can wash more chemical irritants into the eyes.

Have the patient blink like crazy as the solution flows over the eyes. But if it was an attacker, I advise to let the attacker suffer till help arrives.

Can Pepper Spray Kill You?

Pepper spray is a “nonlethal weapon,” or a weapon that cannot kill people. Pepper spray is entirely non-toxic and safe, according to the Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science

The effects of pepper are usually mild and temporary, lasting minutes to hours. However, more severe injuries can include corneal abrasions, wheezing, and skin blisters.

Complications are uncommon, but serious exposure can lead to more severe injuries to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

You should bring an exposed person to the hospital if their symptoms persist for longer than 30 to 45 minutes.

Death is rare, but several reports have involved pepper spray in fatal outcomes in people with asthma (again, bad for that attacker, good for you).

Home-Made Pepper Spray

Want to make your own pepper spray?

Although it’s not difficult, it will not be as ‘lethal’ as an over-the-counter brand.

But it will be a good ‘go to’ defense tool ’till you get to the store. Before making your pepper spray at home, you should take some precautions.

Ensure you do it in a well-ventilated place to prevent severe breathing problems; you don’t want to be on the wrong end of this recipe. By all means, protect your eyes.

You will need:

6 of the hottest chile peppers you can find dried with an air fryer or dehydrator
2 crushed garlic
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
12 oz rubbing alcohol
Mix all the above using a blender and pour through a cheesecloth-lined funnel into a spray bottle. Mix in another 12 0z alcohol, and you good to go after you screw on the sprayer top. The longer it sits, the stronger it becomes. It should last about 4-6 months. Keep out of reach of children. Duh!

Do It Yourself Wasp Spray

Why you shouldn’t use wasp spray for self-defense but for killing wasps only.

So, let’s get back to those pesky wasps.

Although we learned why you shouldn’t use wasp spray for self-defense, we still do not want those things flying around us.

So unless you know how to train them to attack the attacker, let us just kill them. Here are a couple of homemade effects just for that quest. I should mention that dealing with wasps can be difficult and potentially dangerous to you.

Wasps are hard to hit, even with commercial sprays with their far-reaching propellents. Wasp stings pack quite a punch, hurting badly and possibly leading to redness, swelling, and itching.

Or worse if you happen to have allergies.

Liquid Dish Soap such as Dawn mixed with water (25% soap to 75% water) will quickly suffocate the little buggers. The soap helps the water get into their breathing tubes. It is not a good condition to be in if your a sprayed wasp.

Lemon Extract: Three tablespoons of lemon extract in one cup of water will effectively kill a spray to rid yourself of those pesky wasps. You could also use a little stronger solution to spray the nest. The resulting dousing will prevent them from returning to their home. Just be careful. They will not be too happy about giving up their real estate.

Peppermint Oil is another type of deterrent. A tablespoon to a cup of water mixed up in a spray bottle will keep wasps away from areas. This solution must be reapplied once a week until the wasps know they are not welcome here.

Please be careful when using these homemade remedies. They will not act as fast as those commercial products you can purchase.

Use this instead of wasp spray:

This will work too!:

FAQ

Is using wasp spray for self-defense effective?

Using wasp spray for self-defense is not recommended as it may not be as effective as purpose-built self-defense tools. Wasp spray is designed for insects and may not incapacitate an attacker effectively.

What are the potential dangers of using wasp spray on humans?

The potential dangers of using wasp spray on humans include severe eye and skin irritation, respiratory distress, and allergic reactions. It can cause serious harm or discomfort to the person sprayed.

Are there any legal consequences for using wasp spray as a weapon?

Yes, there can be legal consequences for using wasp spray as a weapon. It may be considered assault or using a harmful substance, leading to criminal charges and legal penalties.

What are safer alternatives to wasp spray for self-defense?

Alternatives to wasp spray for self-defense include personal alarms, pepper spray designed for humans, self-defense classes, and non-lethal weapons like tasers or stun guns.

There have been cases where individuals used wasp spray for self-defense, but the outcomes were often unpredictable, and injuries occurred to both the attacker and the person using the spray. These incidents highlight the risks involved.

Are there any myths associated with using wasp spray that need debunking?

Yes, there are myths, such as the idea that wasp spray has a longer range or is more potent than pepper spray. These myths need to be debunked to ensure people make informed choices for self-defense.

What do experts say about the use of wasp spray for self-defense?

Self-defense experts generally discourage the use of wasp spray for self-defense. They recommend using products specifically designed for personal safety, which are more effective and less harmful.

How can I protect myself without resorting to lethal means?

You can protect yourself without using lethal means by learning self-defense techniques, carrying non-lethal self-defense tools, and being aware of your surroundings. Self-defense classes can teach you valuable skills.

What are some personal safety tips to consider?

Personal safety tips include staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding risky situations, walking confidently, and having a safety plan. It’s essential to trust your instincts and be prepared.

What should I do if I’ve used wasp spray for self-defense in the past?

If you’ve used wasp spray for self-defense in the past, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential legal consequences. Consult with legal authorities or an attorney if necessary and consider safer alternatives for future self-defense situations.

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