The 3 Best Wasp and Hornet Sprays of 2025

For aerial nests, the best option is a pyrethroid-based foaming spray that can shoot at least 15 feet. These are quick and effective against the insects that are currently in the nest, and they typically leave a residue that will kill returning insects. We looked for sprays that were:

Pyrethroid-based: Our experts all recommend a pyrethroid (a synthetic pesticide modeled after a compound found in the chrysanthemum plant) as an active ingredient. There are many pyrethroids in use, and we saw a number of different ones across the various brands. All of our experts agreed that there is not going to be much difference in hornet sprays. “They’re all about the same,” Russell told us. “They’re all going to be toxic to wasps,” Merchant said.

There are very few options beyond pyrethroid-based sprays. We found some that use essential oils as an active ingredient, but those have downsides. Merchant explained that though they may kill wasps, they don’t contain any killing residue, “so you’re probably going to have to respray a nest with some of those plant-based oils more than once. Where you might not have to do that with a pyrethroid.”

Foaming: Merchant told us that foaming sprays can help protect you against the wasps and hornets. “If you’ve ever disturbed a wasp nest, they come out pretty quickly,” he said. According to the Clemson Cooperative Extension, foaming sprays “expand within the nest to spread the insecticide, minimizing the number of wasps escaping the nest.” The foam also serves another useful purpose: “just to let you know that you actually hit it,” Clark said.

Non-staining: Paper wasps often build their nests under the eaves of a house, so a spray is likely to get all over the siding. In our tests, all of the foaming sprays left residue, but nothing that couldn’t be washed off with a garden hose. What’s even more important, though, is the thickness of the foam. Some brands have a very watery foam that immediately starts running down the side of the house, increasing the residue left behind. Others have very thick foams, which, during testing, held their shape and simply dissolved like a handful of bubble bath.

Able to spray a good distance: A can of wasp and hornet killer should have a good spray distance, to keep you as far away from the nest as possible. Most available sprays list a range of 20 to 22 feet. Terro’s Clark explained, “Realistically, we’re looking at 15 feet on most of these aerosol cans.” Our tests showed exactly that. Most were right around the 15-foot mark.

Safe to use: Pyrethroids are extremely effective against insects. They’re also very toxic to fish. As for humans, the CDC explains that “[e]xposure to very high levels of these compounds for a short period in air, food, or water may cause dizziness, headache, [and] nausea,” among other symptoms. The amount that causes these adverse effects is much higher than the exposure from a properly used wasp and hornet spray, but still, anyone spraying these products should take common-sense precautions, including wearing gloves and a mask and washing any exposed skin after each use. Also, take into account who is nearby and where they are, and do not spray into the wind or straight up at a nest.

Due to these general safety concerns, we looked for products with focused and clean sprays that didn’t leave insecticide all over our hands. We also preferred products that had some kind of cap or safety latch on the spray — really anything that might deter a curious child. Finally, some sprays are designed not to conduct electricity. We tested two and had very poor results.

We did set different criteria for dusts: For a ground nest, or one that is in a wall cavity, a dust is a better option. Our experts told us that, like the sprays, the majority of the available dusts are going to be effective. Our research and interviews turned up three prominent names: Tempo Dust, Sevin Dust, and Delta Dust. “All of them will work,” said Clark. “It really comes down to the application. You definitely want one that will puff it out.” Separate bulb dusters are available, but the better squeeze bottles allow you to skip this additional purchase.