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Every summer I find that my deer blinds have been infested with red wasps, and other creepy crawlies. When this happens, I find that the best way to get rid of wasps in a deer stand is to deploy an insect fogger and come back a couple days later. Once eradicated, you can keep them at bay by using something like Hot Shot No-Pest Strips in your stands over the summer.
Will A Bug Bomb Kill Wasps In A Box Stand?
A “bug bomb” most certainly will kill wasps that have taken up residence inside enclosed deer stands. Foggers work particularly well for stands that have windows which can be closed while the fogger does it’s thing.
I like to buy the ones with the active ingredient Cypermethrin, which is known to kill wasps. Just because the side of the box doesn’t say the fogger is for wasps does not mean it won’t work.
I will not enter a box stand in late summer until a bug bomb has been deployed. Just know that if you set off a bug bomb too early, you may have to apply a 2nd round of treatment closer to deer season.
If you have open windows, it may take 2 foggers to thoroughly get the job done.
Why Use An Insect Fogger In A Deer Blind
While it depends on the style of deer stand, there are typically all sorts of places for wasps to hide, particularly in a box stand. I’ve had them hide in the rafters where the tin is attached, and some even hide under the carpet that I have on the floor. That’s why I use foggers. The cloud will seek them out wherever they hide.
Be careful deploying foggers in an elevated stand. The fall could be nastier than a sting!
3 Best Bug Sprays For A Hunting Blind
Even after fogging a stand, it’s possible to get a residual wasp in there later on. This is particularly true down South where the fall temps are rather mild.
I like to keep some sort of bug weapon on hand just in case. The best bug spray for your deer stand is actually not a bug spray at all. In fact, all you need is some diluted dish soap in a spray bottle. Just add enough water so that it sprays easily. That’s all you really need to quickly drown wasps. Check out a couple other effective options listed below.
- B-12 Chemtool
- Bengal wasp spray
- Dish soap and water
1. B-12 Chemtool Spray
I’ve heard people swear by B-12 Chemtool for taking out wasp nests very quickly. However, I don’t prefer spraying something quite so harsh up in my deer stands.
2. Bengal Wasp Spray
Even though commercial wasp sprays are not as effective as in past years, I still use Bengal as my go-to option. This brand of wasp spray is still pretty effective.
3. Dish Soap And Water In A Spray Bottle
As mentioned, dish soap and water is very effective at killing wasps. This is certainly the best smelling and least offensive spray option to eradicate wasps from your stand.
Be careful climbing any stand in the summer. Spiders and wasps love the underside of deer stand steps.
3 Ways To Keep Wasps Out Of A Box Blind
After the eradication of wasps from your deer blinds, you can take additional measures to keep them out. Below are 3 ways to discourage the establishment of nests in your deer stand.
- Seal your stand
- No-Pest Strips
- Cow ear tags
1. Seal Up Your Stand
Assuming you have a stand that will seal up, that should always be your first line of defense.
Close the door and windows for the year to keep pests to a minimum throughout the summer. Use spray foam to close in any small gaps that could serve as entry points to wasps and other pests.
2. Use No-Pest Strips To Keep Wasps Out Of Deer Blinds
Obviously most hunting blinds won’t seal up tight enough to physically keep wasps out. So, another option is to hang a Hot Shot No-Pest strip. They last for several months, so you will have to refresh them at some point.
3. Insecticide Cow Ear Tags
While I’m not personally endorsing them, I have heard that cattle ear tags will keep wasps out of your hunting stands. I have not tried using them myself, but there seems to be a definite following of people that stick tags in their box stands and deer blinds to successfully keep pests at bay.
What About Spiders?
You guessed it! The same bug bombs that kills wasps will definitely get rid of any spiders in your box stand or deer blind.
Deploy foggers when it’s cold or at night when wasps are less active and on the nest.
How To Deploy A Bug Bomb To Kill Wasps In A Deer Stand
The Approach
If at all possible, approach your stand on a cool morning when bugs are less active. That’s certainly not always possible. Doing it at night is another good time.
The warmer the weather, the more careful you’ll need to be when opening the door of your stand. I know I’m always nervous I’m going to be eye level with a snake more than anything else.
Correct Placement
Assuming you can get the door open safely and quietly, place your bug bomb on the floor in the middle of the stand, if possible, and press the activator. Close the door and enjoy the view of your chemical cloud creeping out any openings. Sometimes you’ll spot insects as they attempt to make their escape.
Follow Any Instructions
The instructions will tell you not to use a fogger in a room smaller than 5×5. So, if you have a more sealed box stand, you’ll probably want to leave the door cracked a bit. Follow the directions on the package and you’ll be fine.
Air Out And Cleanup
I like to let the stand air out quite a while before I re-enter for final cleanup. You can expect that there will definitely be insect corpses to dispose of. I keep a tent broom and dustpan in my box stand that works great for this task.
Don’t throw a fogger into a deer stand window grenade-style, unless you want to risk burning down your stand.
Conclusion
This year, instead of battling wasps and other bugs that have overstayed their welcome, just bug bomb your deer blind before the season. Late summer, or early fall, pick a cool morning to deploy a fogger, or you can do it at night.
Once you get rid of them, stick a No Pest Strip in there the following spring and summer to keep them away.
Happy Hunting,
Augustus Clay
