A recent TikTok trend showcasing a "gas in a glass" method for eliminating wasps has gained significant traction. This involves partially filling a glass, jar, or bucket with gasoline and placing it against a wasp nest, effectively trapping and killing the wasps inside.
While seemingly effective, this method raises serious safety and legality concerns, according to entomologist Ben Hottel, Orkin's technical services manager. Hottel cautions against this practice for several reasons. Primarily, using gasoline as an insecticide is illegal according to EPA guidelines. Pest control professionals are required to use EPA-registered products, and gasoline does not meet these standards.
Furthermore, handling gasoline poses significant safety risks, particularly during the summer months with increased firework usage. The flammability of gasoline creates a substantial fire hazard. Additionally, gasoline is classified as hazardous household waste, presenting disposal challenges. Pouring gasoline remnants onto lawns or down drains is environmentally harmful, leaving users with a hazardous waste disposal problem.
The EPA's regulations ensure extermination products are safe for humans and the environment, a principle bypassed by the "gas in a glass" method. Hottel also advises against handling wasp nests directly due to the risk of stings. Safer, EPA-registered products are available for wasp nest eradication, and professional exterminators are best equipped to handle these situations.
