Bizarre Self-Defense

An email I received entitled "13 Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You" included a piece about one Val Glinka who teaches a peculiar self-defense tip at an Ohio public school. Apparently this story has been circulating for a couple of years but this is the first time I've seen it. Here's the gist of it:

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 protection, Glinka says look to the spray.

"That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out."

With a little research we find that this Val Glinka does exist and the story about insecticide as a crime deterrent may not be all hooey. There are, however, legal ramifications involving the use of a product controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for purposes other than its intended design. Interestingly, using a Louisville Slugger for purposes other than baseball doesn't bear exactly the same liability.

I'm not convinced bug spray would actually be more effective than pepper spray in a self-defense scenario such as a break-in. Actually, I have my doubts. Just keep your doors locked at night and keep that baseball bat handy.