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Homemade Wasp Spray

By DEBBY MAYNE

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Commercial insecticide contains chemicals that may be harmful to humans, and it

can also be expensive. Wasp spray is easy to make from household items, and you
won't have to worry about risking your family's health. In addition to spraying, you
can prevent wasps from building nests around your house, car and play areas.

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Spray Bottle

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Find a plastic spray bottle that will hold enough of the homemade spray mixture for
several uses. Using a permanent marker, write "wasp spray" on the side and include a
list of ingredients you've selected, in case you need it for emergencies.

Basic Detergent Wasp Spray

Remove the spray attachment from an empty plastic spray bottle. Fill the bottle half
full of tap water. Squirt approximately 1/4 cup of liquid dish detergent into the bottle
then add more water until it reaches the "fill" line. Another formula that works
quickly is 1 tbsp. of peppermint extract and 1 tbsp. of baby shampoo, then fill the rest
of the bottle with water. Replace the spray attachment. Shake the mixture carefully
then let the suds settle before using. When you see a wasp or other flying insect,
spray it directly with the solution. It won't harm most flowers, plants or painted
surfaces.

For a Larger Outdoor Area

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In a mason jar, combine strong smelling roots, such as ginger, cayenne, hot peppers
and horseradish. Pour boiling water over the roots and allow them to steep
overnight. In a bucket with a lip, combine 2 tbsp. of liquid soap with a quart of
water. Mix the root brew with the soapy water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray
directly on flying insects or on outdoor areas where you want to keep them away.
Leftovers of this spray will rot if left out for more than a couple of days. Freeze it if
you plan to use it again.

Wasp Invasion Prevention

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Wasps don't care for fabric softener, so try prevention first. If they try to make nests
in your mailbox or under the eaves of your house, strategically place fabric softener
sheets in hidden locations. However, if they still swarm, spray them with a mixture
of liquid fabric softener and water. You may also tuck fabric softener sheets around
screens to provide a repellent barrier where wasps swarm.

Hairspray

If you don't have any of the other ingredients, squirt them with a strong shot of
cheap hairspray. That will freeze them in their tracks. However, hairspray has fumes
that can be harmful if inhaled.

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Debby Mayne
Debby Mayne started writing professionally in 1992. Her work has appeared in regional parenting magazines and
she has been managing editor of the magazine, "Coping with Cancer." She was also fashion product information
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