Wasp Spray

Using wasp spray for women's self defense purposes has been recommended by a recent email from my sister.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of wasp spray for women's self defense.

The Claim

The claim is that it has a range of 20-25 feet. It will incapacitate your attacker until they can get to the hospital to obtain the antidote. According to my research this claim has not been tested. I guess there aren't a lot of people who want to volunteer to get sprayed in the face with insecticide and, since even the shampoo I use states that "no animals were used to test this product", I’m guessing that's not happening either.

The Facts

A medical summary states it "may cause transient irritation in eyes; may cause irritation and defatting of skin. Inhalation may cause nausea, nervousness, symptoms of anesthesia. High concentrations may cause headaches, giddiness, nervousness or blurred vision".

A gentleman claims he was spraying a wasp nest and accidentally received a "good splash" in his face and one eye. He wrote, "I panicked and started to run to a source of water, only to find there was no adverse reaction at all, no more than being squirted with a water pistol". Disclaimer: I do not know the gentleman's name- just read the same story on a few web-sites- ya, now mine

The Law

One of the pesticides in wasp spray is pyrethin, a neurotoxin. Federal law prohibits its use for anything other than its intended purpose, to kill wasps- maybe bees too, but you may want to consult a lawyer first about that. In some jurisdictions it is against the penal code to use any self defense spray but 2% oleoresin capsicum.

Vs. Pepper Spray

Many of the most verbal opponents of using it for self defense are, understandably, venders of pepper spray. To read more about pepper spray please go to mace/pepper spray.

Pepper spray is designed for this purpose and is proven effective. It is smaller and easily carried in pocket, purse or hand, therefore ideal for women. You may purchase pepper spray disguised as cell phones, flashlights, lipstick cases and some come on key chains.

Wasp spray has an innocent, non-menacing look, so as not to draw attention, therefore you can leave it by your bed/door/desk without appearing paranoid. It has a reach of 20-25 feet, so can be used at a distance to provide extra escape time.

So before using wasp spray instead of pepper spray women must consider the consequences. Of course the same holds true for not using it if it’s the only thing available: women must consider those consequences as well.

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