To remove a wasp or hornet nest, it takes a combination of bravery, accuracy, and swiftness, along with a reliable product that ensures your safety. To accomplish this, you’ll require one or two cans of a pyrethroid insecticide that can effectively get the job done. Terro Wasp & Hornet Killer is an excellent choice to begin with.
Terro Wasp & Hornet Killer

To ensure the effectiveness of this product, a crucial factor is the presence of a pyrethroid active ingredient, which is not unique to any specific brand. Terro Wasp & Hornet Killer contains two such agents, which are delivered in a thick and sturdy foaming spray. This foam quickly envelops the nest, trapping the insects inside and reducing the risk of getting stung. The thickness of the foam also ensures that it adheres well to vertical surfaces, eliminating any drips that may leave residue on the side of a house. Terro can spray up to 15 feet (when shot horizontally), which is comparable to the spraying distance of most competitors. This distance is adequate to put some space between you and the nest, which is necessary for your safety.
The spray comes out of the can smoothly and is thick enough to withstand mild breezes. It also has a low odor compared to other sprays on the market. One notable feature of Terro Wasp & Hornet Killer is its safety. The large cap fits securely, making it difficult for small children to access the nozzle, and it also protects the nozzle if the can accidentally falls off a shelf. The 19-ounce can is larger than most and is usually available at Home Depot and Amazon, often sold as a twin pack.
If Terro’s spray is not available, there are two other brands that are equally effective and appear to be identical. With these three options, you should be able to find a suitable product at a local store in case of an emergency.
Spectracide Pro Wasp & Hornet Killer

Target audience Those who are dealing with wasp or hornet nests should consider purchasing the SpectracidePro.
Advantages The SpectracidePro wasp and hornet killer is an effective solution for exterminating wasps, hornets, and other similar insects. It features a jet spray that allows you to stand up to 20 feet away from the nest while still targeting the insects. This spray is also incredibly easy to use, as all you have to do is uncap it, aim, and spray.
Potential drawbacks The SpectracidePro wasp and hornet killer is intended for outdoor use only.
Other features The SpectracidePro wasp and hornet killer offers excellent value for money, as it is an affordable and highly effective product. Its potent formula can kill a variety of insects, including hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, caterpillars, and scorpions. This spray comes in an 18-ounce can with a jet spray that can penetrate nests from 20 feet away, making it best applied at sunrise or sunset. The SpectracidePro wasp and hornet killer quickly and effectively kills wasps, hornets, and their relatives. It also has a residual action that can last for up to four weeks after the initial application.
Product specifications Product Dimensions: 2.78 x 2.78 x 10.06 inches Weight: 1 pound Manufacturer: United Industries
Ortho Wasp Spray

This 16oz spray is a versatile solution that can be used to exterminate wasps and hornets, mud daubers, and yellow jackets. Its double-action entrapping foam works quickly and efficiently to eliminate pests. It is safe to use on various surfaces such as doorways, carports, under eaves, window frames, picnic areas, and play areas where food is not exposed. Additionally, it can also be used indoors on attics and any surface where nests are built.
Advantages: The jet spray of this spray can reach up to 20 feet above the ground, making it easier and safer to target pests from a distance. Its pinpoint foam accurately reaches tricky surfaces where nests may be hidden.
Disadvantages: One of the downsides of this product is that it sells out frequently on Amazon.
Raid Wasp and Hornet Killer, 17.5 OZ

Raid’s wasp killer is a powerful solution to eliminate wasp nests, even if they are located in hard-to-reach places. With a range of 27 feet, this 17.5-ounce can is capable of hitting high eaves and window casings, avoiding the need to climb a ladder and risking an injury. Furthermore, it allows you to stand at a safe distance from lower-level hives, reducing the chances of getting stung. Raid’s wasp killer contains 0.05% of cypermethrin, a potent neurotoxin that effectively eliminates wasps and hornets. This pack includes three cans, providing you with backup in case the pests return or another area of your home is infested. Apart from killing hornets and wasps, this pesticide is also effective against mud daubers and yellow jackets. It’s safe to use both indoors and outdoors, but avoid spraying it on eating surfaces and food.
Demon Max: the Best Professional Wasp and Hornet Insecticide

Product Specifications:
- Active Ingredient: Cypermethrin 25.3%
- Form: Liquid
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimensions: 2.05 x 4.35 x 8 inches
- Target Species: Ants, Ant Mounds, Asian Cockroaches, Bark Beetles, Bees, Borers, Boxelder Bugs, Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, Centipedes, Chiggers, Chinch Bugs, Cockroaches, Crickets, Earwigs, Elm Leaf Beetles, Fire Ants, Firebrats, Fleas, Flies, Ground Beetles, Gypsy Moths, Millipedes, Mole Crickets, Mosquitoes, Pillbugs, Scorpions, Silverfish, Sowbugs, Spiders, Ticks, Wasps, Wood Infesting Beetles, and others.
Demon Max contains a high concentration of active ingredients that quickly knock down wasps and hornets. Its most significant advantage is its long-lasting residual effect. This spray controls hundreds of different insects and is one of the most effective solutions for wasp and hornet nests. It is safe for use indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile product.
Before using Demon Max, make sure to wear protective clothing such as long cloth, safety masks-respirators, and chemical-resistant gloves. To start, mix 1.3-5.0 fluid ounces per gallon of water using the measuring reservoir on top of the bottle. Be careful not to over-apply the spray, as it may be harmful. Fill the sprayer with the mixture, shake it, and you’re ready to use it.
Pros:
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Easy to use with a measuring bottle
- Immediate knockdown effect
Cons:
- Not suitable for raw wood material.
Buyer’s Guide
What makes wasp spray so effective?
When it comes to killing wasps, the go-to solution is often a wasp spray. But why is it so effective? The secret lies in its composition. Unlike natural remedies, wasp sprays contain highly toxic chemicals, such as pyrethrin and pyrethroid. These chemicals are released in high concentration and pressure from robust aerosol bottles, which upon contact with a wasp, penetrate its body and paralyze its nervous system. This immediate paralysis causes the wasp to drop down, after which other toxic agents work their way to the vital organs, ultimately killing the insect. However, these chemicals can be dangerous to humans too, so it’s essential to clean everything thoroughly after using the spray.
Factors to consider when choosing a wasp spray
If you’re in the market for a wasp spray, there are a few features to consider before making a purchase. Wasp sprays come in various formats, including aerosol bottles, liquid concentrates, and foam, each with its unique application method. Bottle size and longevity are also critical factors to consider, depending on how frequently you encounter wasp nests. It’s crucial to check the expiry date of the product, as chemicals can lose their effectiveness over time. The strength of the spray is another important factor, as some diluted compositions may require multiple applications to terminate the whole nest. Finally, the distance the spray can travel before hitting the target is a crucial factor, as spraying the nest from too close can be dangerous. Most quality wasp sprays offer a range of 20 to 29 feet, which is ideal.
FAQs
Q. When is the best time to use wasp spray?
A. Wasps are least active early in the morning, just before sunset, and when temperatures are lower. These insects are extremely active in the middle of the day when temperatures are high. Using a spray when the wasps are less active is safer for you because wasps that escape the spray will be less likely to attack you.
Q. How do I know if a wasp nest is active?
A. If you see wasps crawling around a nest, it’s active. Sometimes wasps start to build a nest in a certain spot before giving up and moving to a new location. If you don’t see wasps actively crawling on an unfinished, open nest, you can knock it down without having to use spray. Treat any enclosed, finished nest as active even if you don’t see wasps.
Q. How far away should I stand from the nest?
A. Any can of consumer-level wasp spray should indicate the distance over which you can safely use it. The farther away you stand, the less accurate you will be. On the other hand, swarming wasps are more likely to sting you if you’re closer to the nest and you miss them with the spray. Stand near the limit of the recommended distance.
Q. How dangerous can wasp spray be to people and the environment?
A. Wasp spray is an insecticide, meaning it contains poisonous chemicals and should be treated with care. Don’t use it around pet food or water. Move potted plants away from the area. If any of the spray contacts your skin, wash the area thoroughly. If you’re worried about residue near the sprayed nest, wash the area a few hours after application with warm water, soap, and a sponge or scrub brush.