Wasps can be a real nuisance, especially in late summer when their colonies have grown large. Getting rid of wasp nests is important to prevent stings, which can be painful and even dangerous for those allergic. Many people use soapy water as an effective and environmentally safe method to kill wasps. But how fast does soapy water work to eliminate these pesky insects?
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using soapy water as a wasp nest treatment.
Understanding why soapy water is such a reliable wasp killer can help you use this simple solution effectively in your own yard.
Why Soapy Water Kills Wasps Quickly
The reason soapy water is so deadly to wasps is that it destroys the insulating and waterproofing properties of their exoskeletons. Wasps, like all insects, have outer skeletons covered in a waxy, water-repelling substance. This coating allows wasps to stay dry and keeps their bodies at the proper temperature.
When you mix a little bit of soap with water, it reduces the surface tension of the liquid, so it can penetrate into an insect’s protective outer layer more easily. This compromises the waterproof and insulating abilities of the wasp’s exterior.
As a result, the insect’s cells are exposed to too much water and lose necessary moisture. At the same time, the wasp can no longer regulate its internal temperature. This combination of dehydration and temperature stress very quickly kills wasps exposed to soapy water.
Choosing the Most Effective Soap for Wasp Control
While any mild detergent mixed with water can work to eliminate wasps, some types of soap are more effective than others.
Insecticidal soaps designed specifically for pest control can provide very fast knockdown and kill times for wasps and other unwanted insects. However, plain dish soap or laundry detergent dissolved in water works nearly as well.
Liquid castile soaps made from vegetable oils are a great natural option. Avoid using harsh antibacterial soaps or cleaners like bleach, as these can actually repel insects.
A good rule of thumb is to mix a ratio of about 2 tablespoons of mild liquid soap per gallon of water. Use warm or room temperature water for the fastest results.
How Long Does It Take for Soapy Water to Kill Wasps?
On contact, soapy water begins destroying the protective coating and dehydrating wasp bodies immediately. However, larger wasp nests take more time for the soapy mixture to thoroughly penetrate and kill the entire colony.
Here is a timeline of what to expect:
– On contact: Soapy water begins compromising wasps’ waterproof shell and dehydrating bodies within seconds. Wasps exhibit signs of stress and disorientation.
– Within 1 minute: Direct contact with soapy water renders wasps flightless. They fall from nests and vegetation and struggle to move on the ground.
– Within 3-5 minutes: Most adult wasps are completely immobilized and die quickly without the ability to fly, drink, or regulate body functions.
– Within 10 minutes: Any remaining adult wasps are dead. Larva and pupae nesting cells begin drowning with extended exposure.
– Within 1 hour: Entire wasp nest saturated, including larva and pupae. The nest is safe to remove without risk of remaining wasps rebounding. Monitor for and treat any newly emerging wasps.
For fastest kill times, spray nests directly for several minutes using a pressure sprayer on jet setting. This allows soapy water to fully penetrate nest cavities.
Step-By-Step: How to Apply Soapy Water to Wasp Nests
Before treating any nest, put on protective clothing like coveralls, gloves, and goggles to avoid stings. Work at night when wasps are less active and unlikely to fly.
Here are the basic steps:
1. Mix 2 tablespoons mild eco-friendly liquid soap per gallon of water in a bucket. For larger nests, prepare 2-3 gallons of soapy water solution.
2. Fill a pressure sprayer or pump garden sprayer with the soapy mixture. Adjust nozzle to a narrow, forceful jet spray setting.
3. Slowly approach the nest at night. Thoroughly spray jet streams of soapy water directly into nest openings, completely soaking interior areas.
4. Continue spraying the length of the nest for at least 5-10 minutes or until no more movement from adult wasps.
5. Allow the nest to fully soak for at least an hour before carefully knocking it down with a pole or pruner.
6. Seal remnants of nest in a plastic bag and dispose to prevent reestablishment.
7. Check the location periodically for 1-2 weeks to treat any newly emerging wasps quickly before they start rebuilding nests.
Tips for Effective Soapy Water Wasp Treatments
– Always wear protective gear in case angry wasps escape the nest during treatment. Avoid spraying nests on windy days when dripping soapy water may blow onto your clothes and skin.
– Use warm water for faster absorption and insecticidal action. Insecticidal soap mixed at double-strength also provides more potent wasp knockdown.
– Direct jet spray nozzles deliver soapy solutions with extra force to penetrate deep and saturate entire nest cavities.
– Treat at dusk afterwasp activity has calmed but some remain in the nest for maximum kill rate. Late night works best for giant nests to eliminate the entire mature colony.
– Prune back any vegetation like branches and vines growing around nests to improve spray contact and visibility of the area for future monitoring.
– Be extremely cautious when spraying nests located high in trees, near power lines, or hard to access areas. Getting soaked with soapy water 20+ feet in the air on a ladder creates dangerously slippery conditions. Consider hiring a professional instead.
When to Call for Professional Wasp Control Services
If you discover exceptionally large umbrella-shaped paper nests with thousands of wasps coming and going, it is best to have a licensed exterminator treat these. Giant perennial nests often house multiple queens and require professional-grade products for elimination.
Here are some other instances when expert help is recommended:
– Nests situated in tricky locations like roofs, holes in the ground, utility boxes, or high in trees where risk of injury prevents DIY treatment.
– Unknown allergy risk when nests are located right next to human activity areas like doorways.
– Repeated new nest formations over several weeks despite your best efforts to treat activity. This indicates large reproductive hives nearby.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, soap and water really do make an excellent, non-toxic wasp killer that works quickly to eliminate these unwelcome pests from your yard. Just be sure to use protective equipment and take proper safety precautions when attempting your own treatments.
Professional exterminators have access to fast-acting chemical insecticides and proper tools to remove nests in tricky areas. Don’t hesitate to call for backup when a nest is too challenging or downright dangerous to tackle on your own.