Did you know that wasps can remember faces? These pesky insects are not just a nuisance; they're quite intelligent too. If you've ever had a run-in with a wasp, you're likely looking for effective repellents. You might have heard about using Pine-Sol to keep wasps at bay. But does it work? Let's dive in and find out!
Does Pine Sol Keep Wasps Away?
Pine Sol used to be quite effective as an insecticide (keeping wasps away) because it contained a significant amount of Pine Oil. However, in recent years, the general Pine Sol contains little to no pine oil content, making it ineffective for wasp deterrence.
Continue reading to learn about Pine Sol's effectiveness and the best alternatives.
What Is Pine-Sol Made Of?
Pine-Sol is a famous cleaning solution used in homes to clean different surfaces. The Clorox Company runs this household cleaning product.
When pine Sol was introduced to the market in 1929, pine oil was one of its primary ingredients. Studies support the fact that Pine has strong insecticidal properties.
So, back then, due to its pine oil content, Pine Sol also became popular for insect-deterring purposes, and it worked well.
However, in 2014, the Pine Sol manufacturing company Clorox announced that its products would no longer contain Pine Oil.
Why? Because the Pine oil had a limited supply. Also, the company wanted to cut costs to keep selling the Pine Sol product at an affordable price range.
And since then, Pine-Sol products sold in stores don't have pine oil. And therefore, Pine Sol available in stores nowadays is not that effective against keeping wasps away.
In 2008, the original Pine Sol Brand Cleaner had the following ingredients:
- Pine Oil: 8-12%
- Sodium Petroleum Sulfonate: 1-5%
- Isopropyl Alcohol: 1-5%
- Alkyl Alcohol Ethoxylates: 3-7%
Although the company ended the idea of using Pine oil in Pine Sol products in 2014, they promised to provide a product (available online) that includes around 8.75% Pine based on consumers' requests.
So if you want to let your Pine-Sol work effectively, you need to get the Original One that contains a significant portion of Pine Oil to function as a wasp deterrent.
How To Use Original Pine Sol To Keep Wasps Away?
To keep wasps away, you can use the original Pine-Sol version in any of the following ways:
- Use it entirely at full strength and spray it where wasp infestations generally occur.
- Or, mix 80% of Pine Sol with 20% water and spray the mix as an insect repellant in areas where you don't want wasps hanging around.
How Effective Is Original Pine Sol In Keeping Wasps Away?
Pine Sol (which contains pine oil) repels wasps effectively. In fact, it has the potential to kill wasps. So you can spray Pine Sol and see results in a matter of seconds.
Pine Sol is repulsive to wasps (Pine Oil is responsible for that). As a result, the wasps will not return to the same location.
However, it is important to note that the smell of Pine Sol spray, which deters wasps, does not last long.
In general, if you use a diluted Pine Sol spray, expect it to last only a few hours. However, using the raw and concentrated Pine Sol solution will last a little longer – about a day or two.
To keep wasps at bay, you will need to spray Pine Sol at regular intervals.
And here's a quick rundown of where you can and cannot use Pine-sol on the surface.
Pine Sol Safe To Use – Hard and non-porous surfaces like floors, counters, tiles,
Pine Sol Unsafe To Use – Aluminum, marble, worn wood
Is Pine Sol Safe To Use In Garden?
Unfortunately, Pine-Sol is unsafe to use in gardens or yards because it can harm the grass.
Pine Sol contains ingredients like Sodium carbonate and Alcohol Ethoxylates which are harmful to the grass in your garden.
After removing Pine Oil as the main ingredient in Pine-Sol, the product has now turned close to a detergent. And using any substances like detergents is not recommended in gardens or lawns.
So long story short, Pine-Sol is not suitable for use in your garden to keep wasps away.
Is Using Pine Sol Worth It As A Wasp Deterrent?
Using store-bought Pine Sol in recent days is not a good option simply because they don't have Pine oil in them. And even if you get the Original Pine Sol with considerable Pine Oil content, there are still many cons to using the product.
Pros
- Only the original product containing pine oil works
Cons
- The smell doesn't last longer
- Frequent application is needed.
- Not suitable to use in gardens
- So let's look at alternatives to solve the wasp issue.
Top 4 Alternative Hacks To Keep Wasps Away
#1. Apply Soap And Water Solutions Spray On Wasp Nests
If you have small wasp nests in your yard, you can try this hack as an effective defense against them.
- Take a spray bottle.
- Add a few tablespoons of dish soap to it.
- Then water inside the spray bottle to prepare the mixture.
- Finally, after a bit of shaking, spray the resulting solution on the wasp nests.
This soap solution will patch all the breathing pores, and thus wasps won't be able to breathe – causing them to die instantly!
#2. Hang Wasp Traps Outdoors To Trap Them
Setting up wasp traps is another way to keep wasps away from your garden and outdoors. The liquid in these traps attracts wasps. The wasps drown and die as soon as they enter the trap.
The only drawback to this method is that you must discard the dead wasps at regular intervals. And it may look odd. That said, it can be an effective way to eliminate wasps, especially in outdoor areas.
#3. Seal All The Cracks Where Wasps Could Take Shelter
Finally, seal and patch any cracks or crevices where wasps can hide. Avoid giving wasps a place to build their nests by sealing up any openings in the autumn.
Apart from these, you can follow general guidelines such as not leaving unwanted food outside and keeping trash bins sealed to avoid attracting wasps to your yard.
#4. Simple Essential Oil Mix Wasp Repellent
Simple Essential Oil Mix Wasp Repellent: This is a great essential oil mix to keep wasps away!
- 10 drops of citronella essential oil
- 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil
- 5 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Method: Add all the essential oils to a small bottle or container and mix well. Then, use a cotton ball to apply the mixture around your home, especially near doors and windows. If you have a variety of oils, Great! You're all set. If not, we recommend the bundled essential oil kit; it's a great start.
Another essential oil mix
Mix one teaspoon of lemon oil and eucalyptus oil in a small bowl, and then add ten drops of lavender oil. Pour the mixture into a small plastic bottle and shake well. Spray it around your patio or deck area to keep wasps away.
Got Gnats? Check out: Fungus Gnats: Top 17 Ways To Kill Them And Protect Your Plant
Safety Precautions When Dealing with Wasps and Using Repellents
Dealing with wasps can be dangerous, and using chemical repellents requires care. Follow these safety tips to protect yourself and others:
1. Wear Protective Clothing: Always wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a hat when dealing with wasps or their nests. This helps minimize the risk of stings.
2. Avoid Aggressive Behavior: Wasps can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Move slowly and avoid sudden movements when near a nest. Do not swat at wasps as this can provoke them.
3. Time Your Actions: The best time to approach a wasp nest is early morning or late evening when wasps are less active. This reduces the chances of getting stung.
4. Ventilate When Using Chemicals: If you're using chemical repellents like Pine-Sol, ensure the area is well-ventilated. Avoid inhaling fumes and always follow the product's safety instructions.
5. Keep Children and Pets Away: When spraying repellents or dealing with wasp nests, keep children and pets at a safe distance to prevent accidental exposure to chemicals and stings.
6. Know When to Call Professionals: If you have a large wasp infestation or are allergic to stings, it's best to call professional pest control services. They have the expertise and equipment to handle the situation safely.
7. Dispose of Nests Carefully: Once the wasps are neutralized, carefully dispose of the nest. Use a sealed plastic bag to contain the nest and place it in an outdoor trash bin.
8. First Aid for Stings: If you or someone else gets stung, wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold pack to reduce swelling, and take an antihistamine if necessary. Seek medical attention if there are signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat.
FAQ
Can I use other cleaning products with pine oil to repel wasps?
Yes, other cleaning products containing pine oil may also work, but make sure to check the ingredients list to ensure they have a significant amount of pine oil.
How often should I apply Pine-Sol to keep wasps away?
For best results, reapply concentrated Pine-Sol every day or two. Diluted solutions may need to be applied more frequently, especially after rain or cleaning.
Are there any natural alternatives to Pine-Sol for repelling wasps?
Yes, essential oils like citronella, peppermint, and eucalyptus are effective natural wasp repellents. You can mix these with water and spray around your home.
Conclusion
While the modern Pine-Sol might not be your go-to wasp repellent due to the lack of pine oil, there are plenty of effective alternatives out there. From soap and water solutions to essential oil mixes, you can keep those pesky wasps away without breaking the bank.
Have you tried using Pine-Sol or other home remedies to repel wasps? Share your results and tips in the comments below. Your insights could help others tackle their wasp problems effectively!
Happy gardening and stay wasp-free!
