How Purell Surface Sanitizer Can Kill a Wasp: Understanding the Chemical Mechanism

In an unexpected turn of events, Purell Surface Sanitizer was used to eliminate a wasp, highlighting its potent chemical components. This article delves into the details of the chemicals responsible for the fatal effects on the wasp, explaining the scientific principles behind it.

The Chemical Makeup of Purell Surface Sanitizer

Purell Surface Sanitizer is a powerful disinfectant designed to eliminate germs and bacteria on surfaces. Its effectiveness in killing wasps is due to the combination of several key chemicals:

1. Alcohol

Many sanitizers contain isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, which are potent dehydrants and suffocants. When sprayed directly on an insect, the alcohol disrupts the cellular membranes, leading to the insect's death.

2. Surfactants

These compounds lower the surface tension of liquids, allowing the sanitizer to spread and penetrate more effectively. This ensures that the solution can coat the wasp thoroughly, making it vulnerable to the alcohol.

3. pH Adjusters

Some formulations include substances that alter the pH, which can be harmful to insects. This component plays a role in weakening the insect's body, making it more susceptible to the other chemicals.

Chemical Mechanism Explained

Using a product like Purell to kill a wasp is not its intended purpose, but the combination of these chemicals can indeed be effective. As mentioned by a pest control professional, the alcohol in the sanitizer acts like a solvent, rapidly degrading the insect's cell walls. This solvent effect is similar to that of wasp killer sprays, such as JET FREEZE.

Surfactants and the Waxy Body Coating

The surfactants in Purell Surface Sanitizer serve an important function in the killing process. They attack the wasp's waxy body coating, emulsifying it and enabling water to penetrate the body, instantly smothering the wasp from breathing and removing its protective layer. This simplistic explanation translates to saying that the detergent-like properties of the surfactants wash off the wasp's waxy protection, incapacitating it within seconds.

Homemade Wasp Killer

A homemade wasp killer spray can be an effective alternative to commercial products. A simple recipe involves mixing one cup of liquid laundry detergent with a gallon of water. Pour this mixture into a hand pump pressure spray container and apply it to the wasp nest in the early morning or late evening when the wasps are sluggish.

Role of Ethanol in Insecticides

For the specific case of using Purell, the ethyl alcohol is the primary active ingredient. This alcohol functions as an embalming solution, significantly better than water at dissolving organic compounds. It would disrupt the delicate chemistry of life, potentially even partially dissolving cell walls. This detailed mechanism explains why the wasp was effectively eliminated by the product.