DIY Zone: A Simple Dawn Spray for Temporary Pest Relief
When pests show up unexpectedly, most homeowners want to do something immediately. Whether it is ants along the baseboard or a wasp hovering near the porch, waiting for service can feel uncomfortable.
One simple DIY option that can help reduce visible activity is a diluted dish soap spray. It is not a long term solution, and it will not eliminate a colony, but it can provide temporary control while you wait for professional treatment.
The Simple Recipe
To make the spray, mix:
1 tablespoon of Dawn dish soap
1 gallon of water
Stir gently so the solution blends without creating excessive foam. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle or garden sprayer for easier application. The key is dilution. Too much soap can leave residue or create slippery surfaces, while the proper ratio keeps it effective without being excessive.
Why It Works
Dish soap affects insects on contact. It breaks down the outer protective layer of their exoskeleton and disrupts surface tension, which causes them to dehydrate and suffocate quickly. This is why it works best when sprayed directly onto the insect. It does not create a lasting barrier. It does not travel back to the nest. It simply eliminates the insects you spray.
What It Can Help With
This solution can be effective for temporary knockdown of:
Ants traveling along trails
Roaches that are exposed
Spiders on contact
Wasps when sprayed directly
Soft bodied insects outdoors
For wasps, it is always safest to spray in the evening when activity is lower and they are less aggressive. Safety should always come first.
What It Will Not Do
It is important to understand what this spray cannot accomplish.
It will not eliminate an ant colony inside the wall.
It will not prevent new ants from entering tomorrow.
It will not remove a wasp nest from the eaves.
It will not solve structural entry points.
It is simply a way to reduce visible activity and give you some peace of mind until proper treatment can be performed.
When to Call for Professional Help
If you are seeing consistent activity in the same location, that usually means there is an access point or nesting area nearby. Professional treatment focuses on identifying the species, locating the source, and applying targeted solutions that address the colony, not just the insects you can see. Using a Dawn spray in the meantime is completely reasonable for short term control. Just understand that it is a temporary measure, not a full pest control plan.
If pests continue to return, a professional inspection can determine exactly why and build a treatment strategy that solves the problem at its source.