That nest will not know what hit it!
Now that the sun is out, it is time for all your favorite outdoor activities: grilling, pushing the kids on the swing set, and tossing cornhole in the front lawn. But nothing is worse than reaching to grab your long-stowed equipment to discover a new pest has taken up residence in your yard: a wasp.
Of course, you want to get rid of the wasp and their nest, but no one wants to get stung or breathe in harmful pesticides. So what is a handyman to do?
Well, fortunately for us, a new TikTok hack has the answer. This DIY wasp killer is easy, quick, cheap, and—above all—will not expose you to harsh chemicals. Here is what you need to know to make it yourself.
How to Make the Natural Wasp Killer
TikTok handyman and entrepreneur Ceith Griffith (@ceithgriffith) developed a simple wasp-killing spray that uses just two ingredients: water and Dawn dish soap.
While this is not exactly a 100% “natural” wasp killer, it is not toxic to humans—especially in comparison to store-bought chemical pesticides.
Ingredients and Supplies
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Empty spray bottle | 1 |
| Water | 10 ounces |
| Dawn dish soap | 2 ounces |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Add 10 ounces of water to the spray bottle |
| 2 | Add 2 ounces of Dawn dish soap |
| 3 | Close the bottle and shake to combine |
Frothy bubbles are OK—they actually help the mixture cling to the wasp and nest.
How to Use the Natural Wasp Killer
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aim the spray bottle directly at the wasp or wasp nest |
| 2 | Spray thoroughly—saturate the nest completely |
| 3 | Continue spraying until the wasp is down and the nest is soaked |
Pro tip: In the video, Griffith sprays a tiny nest about 35 times. You want to really saturate the nest with the mixture.
What happens next: After handily spraying the wasp and nest, the wasp will die, and the nest will dissolve. Easy peasy!
Why This Works
| Ingredient | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Dish soap | Breaks down the wasp’s exoskeleton and clogs their breathing tubes (spiracles), causing suffocation |
| Water | Carries the soap into the nest and onto the wasps |
| Mixture | Weight of the solution weighs down the nest and makes it easier to remove |
This method is effective because soapy water penetrates the wasp’s body, breaking the surface tension and causing them to drown or suffocate almost instantly.
What If I Have a Huge Wasp Nest or Many Wasps?
Now it is time to pull out the big guns.
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Small nest | DIY soap spray |
| Large nest or multiple wasps | Consider professional removal |
| Bald-faced hornets | Follow specific instructions for dealing with aggressive species |
| Queen wasp | Spring is the ideal time to eliminate the queen and control the hive |
Important Precautions
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Spray at dusk or dawn when wasps are less active | Spray during the day when wasps are most aggressive |
| Wear long sleeves and pants | Wear shorts or open-toed shoes |
| Keep a safe distance | Stand directly under the nest |
| Have an escape route planned | Trap yourself in a corner |
| Confirm you are dealing with wasps, not bees | Harm beneficial bees |
How to Tell Wasps Apart from Bees
| Feature | Wasps | Bees |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Smooth, shiny, narrow waist | Hairy, rounder, wider waist |
| Color | Bright yellow and black, or black and white | Brown, golden, and black |
| Stinger | Can sting multiple times | Stings once, then dies |
| Nest | Papery, exposed, often in eaves or ground | Waxy, enclosed, often in cavities |
| Aggression | More aggressive | Generally docile |
Important: Honeybees are essential pollinators and should be protected. If you are unsure whether you have wasps or bees, consult a professional before taking action.
