FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS USE WASP SPRAY
SOCIAL MEDIA WOES
Wasp spray is not for self-defense, and yet every 2 or 3 days, I’ll see a post pop up on social media advising someone to use it in lieu of OC or pepper spray. They allege you can buy it in places that outlaw OC or pepper spray. They also claim it will shoot further, is cheaper, and you can tote it in places where the law would frown on OC or pepper spray.
The problem with advice like this, ignoring for a moment the poster has never been involved in non-consensual violence in their life, is that it’s wrong. The other problem is that stupid people read it and take it to heart because, on the surface, it sounds viable.
IT DOESN’T WORK
Number 1. It doesn’t work. Go check out this video on youtube of a guy who gets sprayed in the face with both to compare their efficacy. Why does it work on wasps and not people? Because it’s pyrethrin which is harmless to humans. It affects the wasp by affecting the nerves, which in turn causes paralysis. Basically, the chemicals – not going to list them here because it’s not a science lesson – cause the insect to have a seizure and fall to the ground. Compare what happens to him when he volunteers to be sprayed with the OC instead.
POSSIBLE LEGAL ISSUES
Number 2. This is another reason wasp spray is not for self-defense. Legal ramifications. Anyone who’s attended my classes, read my blog, or read my book knows how big we are on understanding the legal ramifications of using what we learn. It’s no good winning the fight against the bad guy only to end up losing one of the subsequent legal battles. Watch this interview with an attorney about it.
Wasp spray has something on the label that says, “It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.” There are also jurisdictions that prohibit the use of any spray other than those manufactured specifically for self-defense.
CASE STUDY NOT RELEVANT
Some people advocating its use cite a case where robbers used it to hold up some Amish folks. If you read the case, though, and not just the headlines, they threatened the Amish people with it and baseball bats, who handed over their stuff. They didn’t actually use it, or they would have found out it doesn’t work.
STREAM VS SPRAY
The other reason people claim it’s better than OC is that it streams out 20 feet. Some OC does that, too though I’ve always maintained a cone is more effective anyway.
BOTTOM LINE
- To recap: It doesn’t work on people.
- It could get you in legal hot water.
- The fact that it jets 20 feet is not necessarily an advantage.
- The product designed for the purpose is far more concealable.
So, do us all a favor. Anytime you see this gibberish raise its ugly head, please jump on it. Let the well-meaning know that wasp spray is not for self-defense. You might just save someone’s life.
Thank you, I’ve been preaching this too. Besides pepper spray, the new Presidia Gel of Reflex Protect is also a good choice. It doesn’t cross contaminate like pepper spray and has been approved to be used in hospitals and schools, and now churches and other places are using it too. Keep up the good fight!
Is that the stuff that can be neutralized so quickly that makes it great for training as well as real world use?
I also point out not just the “not meant to be carried” aspect, but that the can and spray button are impossible to orient by feel and the spray button itself is fragile.
I’d never seen the “doesn’t work,” aspect, assumed it would have some impact. Good info, I’ll lead with that.
The idea of using wasp spray, a phillips screwdriver, or an umbrella, etc is valid where the victim wants to maintain the posture of not being “prepared” and to use the means at hand to repel an invader/attacker. A rolled up magazine, tableware, even a closed water bottle is rigid (light pressure vessel) if capped and is easy to explain when you strike someone in the throat (fatal) and you find yourself face to face with an investigator. Pretty hard to argue a ‘real weapon’ or designated defense item, ie firearm, knife, expandable baton, or Mace, etc.
IMO, the mind is the best offensive weapon, used in defense. Do unto others before they do unto you.
I agree with you Will except, in the case of Wasp Spray, it isn’t a valid weapon unlike the others you mentioned. Rolled up magazines are brilliant, so are umbrellas and phillips head screwdrivers. Wasp Spray just doesn’t work…unless you’re a wasp.
Any type of weapon, unfortunately, can easily be taken away from the owner/carrier and used against him/her.
Absolutely right. The other problem is that you need them in your hand a lot of the time.