Meth Users in Ohio are 'Wasping' with Meth and Bug Spray

Updated August 7th, 2025

News reports this week in Summit County, Ohio are documenting a new, dangerous drug trend called “wasping” that involves meth and bug spray. Drug users are combining methamphetamine with white, foamy wasp and hornet spray to achieve some kind of new high that has already sent several people in Ohio to the hospital.

Drug users are abusing the insecticide with their meth in various ways, such as spraying it onto the methamphetamine or crystallizing the spray with heat before shooting it up into their veins. This use of both substances simultaneously allows them to achieve the high they’re after, but not without dangerous consequences.

Alone, methamphetamine abuse can cause harmful short-term effects such as:

• Increased alertness/wakefulness
• Decreased appetite
• Faster breathing
• Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased body temperature
• Paranoia
• Violence
• Psychotic behaviors

When combined with an insecticide, methamphetamine poses even more physical risks. This new drug combination is especially dangerous, as it has been shown to cause some of the following side effects:

• Flushed appearance
• Hallucinations
• Agitation
• Body contortions
• Memory problems
• Disorientation

Vitals such as body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate may also be severely affected by this new drug combination.

Using insecticides as drugs causes immediate and long-term harm. These products are designed to kill bugs—not to be ingested or inhaled by humans. The side effects of wasp spray abuse can include:

• Seizures and psychosis
• Respiratory failure
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Brain damage
• Permanent organ damage
• Death

When combined with meth, the effects become even more volatile, leading to severe overdose risks and violent behavior. Users report extreme hallucinations, muscle convulsions, and long-term neurological complications.

Authorities in Ohio are urging residents not to attempt this dangerous new drug trend as it could be deadly. If you or a loved one is struggling with methamphetamine abuse or substance abuse in general, it may be time for an intervention.

Getting sober can be a very challenging life experience for many addicted people, but with the right support, drug detox, rehab, and sober living can lead to a fulfilling lifestyle of wellness and sobriety.

Medically-assisted drug detox is the first step to achieving sobriety and it provides a safe and effective way to stop all drug abuse before enrolling in rehab. Contact Briarwood Detox Center today to learn more about our personalized drug and alcohol detox programs or to enroll at our Austin or Houston, Texas detox center.

What is wasping in the context of meth use?

Wasping is a dangerous practice where individuals combine methamphetamine with wasp spray (pyrethroids) or other bug sprays to intensify the drug's effects. This creates a toxic mixture that can cause severe health complications, including respiratory failure, seizures, and death. The practice has emerged as users seek cheaper or more potent highs, but the combination is extremely hazardous.

Why do people mix meth with bug spray?

Some meth users mix bug spray with methamphetamine under the false belief it will enhance or extend the drug's effects. Others do so when meth is "cut" or diluted with insecticides by dealers seeking to increase profit margins. The practice is driven by addiction, misinformation, and the desperation that comes with substance use disorder. Regardless of intent, mixing these substances is life-threatening.

What are the immediate dangers of wasping?

The immediate dangers include severe respiratory distress, chemical burns to the lungs and airways, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, acute kidney failure, and sudden death. Bug sprays contain pyrethroids and other neurotoxins never intended for human consumption. When smoked or injected with meth, these chemicals attack the central nervous system and vital organs. Emergency medical intervention is critical for anyone exposed to this combination.

Can medical detox help someone who has used meth with bug spray?

Yes. Medical detox is essential for anyone struggling with methamphetamine abuse, especially if they have been exposed to contaminated or adulterated drugs. At Briarwood Detox Center in Austin, Texas, our medically supervised detox programs provide 24/7 monitoring, symptom management, and stabilization. Our team addresses both the acute toxicity of substances like bug spray and the withdrawal symptoms of meth, creating a safe foundation for recovery. Call (866) 710-7710 to start the conversation.

What happens after detox for meth addiction?

Detox is the critical first step, but lasting recovery requires ongoing support. After completing medical detox at Briarwood, clients are connected with comprehensive outpatient programs and community resources. Our outpatient services in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Colorado Springs offer continued care, behavioral therapies, and relapse prevention strategies. We help clients transition safely from detox to the next phase of treatment, building a sustainable path to sobriety.

If you or someone you care about has been using methamphetamine—especially if there is any possibility of contamination or adulteration with bug spray or other toxic substances—professional medical detox is not optional; it is essential. Methamphetamine withdrawal can be intensely uncomfortable, with symptoms including severe fatigue, depression, anxiety, intense cravings, and in some cases, suicidal ideation. When toxic chemicals like insecticides are involved, the medical complications multiply, requiring expert clinical oversight.

Briarwood Detox Center in Austin, Texas, specializes in medically supervised detoxification for individuals struggling with methamphetamine and polysubstance use. Our inpatient detox program provides round-the-clock medical monitoring, ensuring that any acute toxicity or withdrawal symptoms are managed safely and effectively. Our board-certified physicians and addiction specialists create individualized treatment plans that address both the physical and psychological aspects of withdrawal.

During detox, our clinical team monitors vital signs, administers medications as needed to ease discomfort, and provides nutritional support and hydration. We also offer therapeutic interventions to address the underlying drivers of addiction, helping clients begin to understand their substance use and develop healthier coping strategies. Detox at Briarwood is designed to be as comfortable and safe as possible, giving clients the stable foundation they need to move forward in recovery.

For clients who have stabilized and are ready to transition out of inpatient care, Briarwood offers outpatient detox and continued support in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Colorado Springs. Our outpatient programs allow individuals to receive ongoing medical care, counseling, and relapse prevention support while maintaining work, family, and other commitments. This continuum of care is critical for long-term success.