Hot Shot vs Raid Wasp Killer
Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets building nests around homes can pose safety risks. Hot Shot and Raid offers ready-to-use aerosol insecticides formulated to kill these stinging pests and eliminate their nests quickly.
Raid vs Hot Shot Wasp
This comparison table will help you quickly understand the differences between the options.
| Hot Shot | Raid |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Active Ingredients is Prallethrin, Lambda-Cyhalothrin | Active Ingredients is Prallethrin, Cypermethrin |
| It Kills wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, scorpions, mud daubers and tent caterpillars | It Kills paper wasps, yellow jackets, mud daubers, bald-face hornets, and more |
| Yes, non-staining to most siding | Yes, non-staining to most surfaces |
| Applicator Range Up to 27 feet | Applicator Range Up to 22 feet |
| Outdoor Use only | Outdoor Use only |
| Available Sizes 14 oz | Available Sizes 14 oz, 17.5 oz |
| Avoid runoff into waterways | Avoid runoff into waterways |
| Has Residual Action | Has Residual Action |
| Time to Remove Nest after 24 hours | Time to Remove Nest after 24 hours |
| Best time to Use is Early morning or evening | Best time to Use is Early morning or evening |
The main difference between Hot Shot and Raid wasp killers is that Hot Shot contains Prallethrin and Lambda-Cyhalothrin, while Raid contains Prallethrin and Cypermethrin as the active ingredients.
What it Kills
Both Hot Shot Wasp & Hornet Killer3 and Raid Wasp & Hornet Killer33 are designed to kill wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, mud daubers and eliminate their nests.
In addition, Hot Shot claims effectiveness against scorpions and tent caterpillars. The powerful sprays provide contact kill and residual action against the target insects.
Active Ingredients
The active ingredients in Hot Shot Wasp & Hornet Killer3 are Prallethrin (0.025%) and Lambda-Cyhalothrin (0.010%).
Raid Wasp & Hornet Killer33 contains Prallethrin (0.02%) and Cypermethrin (0.05%) as the active ingredients.
Both products rely on pyrethroid insecticides for the quick knockdown and kill of wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets.
Non-Staining
Hot Shot Wasp & Hornet Killer3 and Raid Wasp & Hornet Killer33 are both designed to be non-staining formulas suitable for outdoor residential use.
Hot Shot states that their product is non-staining to most home siding, while Raid claims their formula will not stain most outdoor surfaces.
Both recommend testing the spray in an inconspicuous area first to check for potential staining or damage to sensitive surfaces.
Applicator Range
A key difference between the two products is the applicator range. Hot Shot Wasp & Hornet Killer3 can spray up to 27 feet, allowing users to stand further away from nests during treatment.
Raid Wasp & Hornet Killer33 has an applicator range of up to 22 feet. The long-range application helps target hard-to-reach nest locations while maintaining a safe distance.
Outdoor Use
As ready-to-use aerosol insecticides, both Hot Shot and Raid wasp and hornet killers are intended only for outdoor use.
The products should never be applied indoors or in enclosed spaces. Treating nests outdoors reduces the risk of exposure and allows the residual spray to work effectively.
Available Sizes
While both brands offer wasp and hornet killer aerosol sprays, the available sizes differ slightly. Hot Shot Wasp & Hornet Killer3 comes in a 14 oz can.
Raid Wasp & Hornet Killer33 is sold in both 14 oz and 17.5 oz cans, providing more flexibility in the application volume preferred.
Safety Precautions
Using caution and following all label precautions is advised when using either Hot Shot or Raid wasp and Hornet sprays. Both warn about drift and runoff into waterways, which can be hazardous to aquatic life.
Users should avoid application before rain and take measures to prevent contamination of ponds, streams, or storm drains in the treated area.
Standing away from nests during treatment and waiting until evening when insects are less active also reduces the risk of stings.
Residual Action
In addition to killing on contact, both Hot Shot and Raid wasp killers advertise a residual effect that continues working on insects returning to the nest during the days after treatment.
This lingering action helps eliminate any wasps or hornets that were away from the nest during the initial spray application.
Removal of Nests
The product labels recommend waiting at least 24 hours before attempting to remove treated nests. This allows time for the active ingredients to penetrate the nest and kill any remaining insects inside fully. Removing nests too soon could risk getting stung by any surviving wasps or hornets.
Application Time
For best results, both Raid and Hot Shot advise applying the wasp and hornet sprays in the early morning or evening when the insects are least active.
This increases the likelihood of catching them inside the nest and reduces the risk of being stung during application. The residual spray will continue working when they return later.
Our Observation
After reviewing the key differences between Hot Shot Wasp & Hornet Killer3 and Raid Wasp & Hornet Killer33, we recommend Hot Shot as the superior product.
With its extended spray range and inclusion of Lambda-Cyhalothrin, Hot Shot appears to be the more powerful formula for quickly knocking down visible nests on contact.
The raid may be a suitable option for spot-treating smaller nests. Still, the cypermethrin may not provide the same lasting residual control.
For safely treating nests at a distance and preventing re-infestation, Hot Shot Wasp & Hornet Killer3 is the better choice. With its strength and reach, Hot Shot is our top pick for controlling wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets around the home.
James E. Butkovich, Pest control maven with a knack for eco-friendly & Chemical solutions. Blogger with a mission to make homes pest-free, one post at a time.
