Wasp Spray???

[JimmyC4]

This morning I received an e-mail encouraging use of wasp spray for self defense, the message is below.

Anybody have experience with this idea? Good?

----------------------------------------------------------

"Wasp Spray"
> A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was
> Concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them.
When
> They were counting the collection. She asked the local Police Department
> About using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can
Of
> Wasp sprays instead.
>
> The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a
> Lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too
Close
> To you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an
> Attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can
> On her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people
> Like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for
> Home protection.
> Thought this was interesting and might be of use.
>
> On the heels of a break in and beating that left an elderly woman in
> Toledo dead, self defense experts have a tip that could save
> Your life.
>
> Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High
> School. For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet
Spray
> Near your door or bed.
>
> Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."
>
> Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than
> Mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so
> If someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says "spray the
> culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades.
>
> It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for the best
> Protection, Glinka says look to the wasp spray.
>
> "That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get
> out of the house." Maybe even save a life
------------------------------------------------------------------

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Joeface]

Here is what Snopes has to say about it. It would work but there are other things to consider.
snopes.com: Wasp Spray

[searcher 45]

Our local county sheriff and county judge recommended wasp spray for defense after a serious of rapes occurred in our county.

[lacrosse50]

I would be worried about long term damage giving the assailant a viable chance of suing you. As in partial blindness and a "jury of your peers" awarding the dirt-bag damages because you could have used some purpose-made OC spray, etc. But now he/she has to be compensated for their suffering.

If there was no other option, or if someone in a official capacity suggests you do it, great. Otherwise go with something made for the purpose.

And to that end, might I suggest a lead injector? Aim center of mass and pull the injection actuator until the threat has ended. Be sure to wash your hands after each use.

[C9H13NO3]

I agree...too much chance of being sued for long term damage or something. I'll stick to my trusty can of bullet spray.

[JD]

From another thread:

I'm sorry your wife is being a little stubborn. Hopefully you can help her come around.

I would, however, switch that can of wasp spray to real OC spray. In many jurisdictions it can be illegal to use wasp spray as a means of self defense especially since you've made it clear that is what you are using it for. Check your local laws. I'd certainly hate for you or your wife to go down in flames for ignoring the warnings on the back of the can indicating it to be a federal offense to use the spray other than how the instructions indicate.

[BkCo1]

I used to carry wasp spray when I worked in Washington DC.
That stuff is potent. As far as being sued you could be sued by a perp that survived a "lead injection".
Semper Fi

[C9H13NO3]

I used to carry wasp spray when I worked in Washington DC.
That stuff is potent. As far as being sued you could be sued by a perp that survived a "lead injection".
Semper Fi

Easy solution to that...be sure to inject a lethal dosage of lead.

[booyah]

I used to carry wasp spray when I worked in Washington DC.
That stuff is potent. As far as being sued you could be sued by a perp that survived a "lead injection".
Semper Fi

Not in my state :) lets hear it for castle doctrine!

[lacrosse50]

I used to carry wasp spray when I worked in Washington DC.
That stuff is potent. As far as being sued you could be sued by a perp that survived a "lead injection".
Semper Fi

True, but at least you were using the appropriate tool for the job. I'd fight that fight, maybe even hope to set a precedent. But defending yourself for using a pesticide as a self-defense tool is a bit of a stretch.

[10thmtn]

I accidentally walked into a cloud of my wife's hair spray...once...

ouch!

[dakeypoo]

It's sad that we have to worry about what method we use to defend ourselves, for fear of being sued. I'm glad my wife chooses to carry an XD sub.

[booyah]

so the thing with wasp spray, vrs OC as I see it is sorta like this

OC is generally considered to be less than lethal. Voiding a major allergy and encephalitic shock, its extremely unlikely to kill someone.

Wasp spray though, has nearly killed at least one person I know who ended up handling a large amount of it not knowing that it was wasp spray.

I do see a possible situation for a lawsuit using wasp spray as its not an intended use and has potential to be a lethal weapon, and may cause permanent vision damage. If this is used in a case where lethal force would be called for, I don't see much of an issue. If lethal force is called for though, well, that's where the lead injection is best suited.

[lacrosse50]

It's sad that we have to worry about what method we use to defend ourselves, for fear of being sued. ...

That is the big takeaway I have. Pesticide may work better or worse than OC, but we have to worry about all of the knock-on effects of our choice of self defense. (Good on your wife, my wife is still on the fence)

In a perfect world we would be a much less litigious society. In the real world, can you sue someone for a crime against your person/property. As in, taking the guy you defended yourself against to court for mental anguish, property damage (it was a perfectly good round(s) before you had to fire it at the perp), etc?

[REVMAN]

Neither is a 2X4 intended for self defense but guess what.....if it's handy............self defense is self DEFENSE.