Is there an ant infestation in your home? There are a variety of pest control products on the market, from granules and sprays to traps and gels, some more effective than others
We spent several weeks researching and testing various ant control products. We considered factors such as effectiveness, ease of use and formulation.
What Is An Ant Killer?
Most people have had to deal with the frustration of an ant infestation. It’s frustrating when you try to get rid of these pesky bugs, only to have them keep coming back despite your best efforts. When looking for an effective ant control product, you need to consider a few factors.
First, you need to find out what type of ant it is. There are different types of ants, and each of them requires a different strategy. If you know the ant species, you can choose an ant killer that will be most effective against them.
There are also chemical and natural ant killers, so you can choose the method that works best for you. Consult an expert if you need help choosing the right ant killer.
9 Best Ant Killers
1. Mighty Mint Insect & Pest Control
Need a natural remedy that will not harm your furry friends? Mighty Mint is the most reliable option available to you. This effective spray is completely natural and relies on Mother Nature to control ants, spiders and other pests.
Peppermint essential oil is the active element that acts as both a repellent and a killer against these insects indoors and out. Plus, the 128-ounce jug provides enough ant killer for multiple applications, which is a big plus.
2. Terro 1806 Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits
When it comes to protecting your outdoor space, Terro’s liquid ant baits are another option worth considering. You can either place the baits in your lawn with the included stakes, or place them on the sidewalk or other flat surface outside your home.
You get six individual feeding stations, each containing an ounce of the liquid bait that marchers find irresistible. You return it to the queen, who then dies, taking the rest of the colony with her.
3. BioAdvanced Carpenter Ant and Termite Killer Plus
Trouble with carpenter ants? With BioAdvanced Carpenter Ant and Termite Killer Plus, you can finally put an end to these pesky pests. The concentrated pesticide in this 40-ounce jug can be diluted with water and sprayed on as needed.
It not only kills carpenter ants, but also spiders, ticks, termites, crickets and even scorpions. The fact that it can be used both indoors and outdoors is a big plus in our eyes.
4. Max Double Control Ant Baits
There are two types of bait in these raid ant traps. Wang claims that the ant baits are the most effective ant killers because they destroy the entire colony at once.
First, individual ants are killed when they eat the bait. They take the bait back to the colony and feed it to other ants, effectively wiping out the colony’s food supply. The ants are attracted with food items such as peanut butter, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, peanut oil, and powdered sugar, and then take the bait back to the colony where it is eventually eaten by the ants, killing them all.
The ant-killing agent, avermectin B1, is a recognised developmental toxin. However, because it is trapped in the baits, it is unlikely to harm humans or animals.
The baits are best applied to flat surfaces adjacent to walls and corners. The brand promises that the ant population will decrease within a few days and that the baits will work until you need to replace them and put out new ones.
5. COMBAT Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel
With this ready-to-use syringe, you can easily apply the gel ant killer to hard-to-reach places where ants hang out, such as cracks and crevices.
The ants take the gel bait back to the colony where they all die. This is similar to the other baits Wang suggests and explains why they are effective: Brand proponents explain that the bait has a higher water content to encourage faster feeding, so it takes effect in just a few hours.
Fipronil, an insecticide, is included; use with caution if and only if directed. “This ant killer works fast, after 12 hours there were heaps of dead ants,” wrote one satisfied Amazon customer. Put a few drops of the gel in any cracks or crevices where ants have been spotted or have resided in the past.
6. TERRO Ant Killer Liquid Baits
Wang claims that “borax can be used to kill most urban ants” and that this chemical is contained in Terro’s Liquid Bait Ant Killer. The ants that eat it die, but the survivors have time to take it back to the colony and eat it there.
He warns, however, that boric acid ant killers are ineffective against carpenter ants, odorous wood ants and fire ants, all of which live in huge colonies and are more common in suburban and rural areas.
All you have to do is remove the cap and place the baits in the areas where you have seen ants, because they are already filled and ready to use.
Terro claims that the proprietary design keeps the baits moist for an extended period of time, which is beneficial since ants are usually picky eaters. Nearly 50,000 reviewers have given this ant killer a perfect score, praising its effectiveness in attracting and killing the pests.
7. ZEVO Ant, Roach and Spider Spray
Good Housekeeping has certified that Zevo ant, cockroach and spider spray is effective against ants. Its active ingredients are the bio-insecticides geraniol and cinnamon oil, which are effective in contact with these pests.
The manufacturer recommends spraying ants directly until they are fully saturated for best results. Anywhere ants are a problem, indoors or outdoors, you should use it. It can be used around people and most pets, but should be handled with care and always kept out of the reach of children. Remember not to spray it near aquatic or avian animals.
8. ECORAIDER Ant Killer & Crawling Insect Killer
Essential oils, including lemongrass, geraniol and cedarwood oil, are the active ingredients in this citronella-flavoured ant killer spray. According to the manufacturer, it is effective against all types of ants, including odorous house ants and fire ants. Wang claims that this spray can be used to both kill ants and keep ants out of a specific area. Wang recommends using ant bait in addition because, like most contact ant killers, the spray only kills ants that come into direct contact with the spray.
The spray is dermatologically and toxin free safe for use around children, dogs, birds and fish, but it is still advisable to be cautious when using it in such close proximity. Some users have noted that the spray has a strong odour that dissipates quickly.
9. ORTHO Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter
This bottle comes with a spray wand, so you can easily apply the pesticide to the outside and inside of your home without having to pump the bottle or pull a trigger. You can start spraying as soon as you attach the included wand and press the power button.
Ortho claims that its product can kill ants and other insects on contact for up to a year, so you will not have to buy another spray for these pests.
Other insects the product is effective against include cockroaches, spiders, fleas, ticks, scorpions, beetles, silverfish, centipedes and millipedes.
A word of caution: this product contains the stronger insecticides bifenthrin and zeta-cypermethrin. Therefore, use it only as directed, away from children and pets, and always with protective clothing.
Are Ant Killers Worth It?
If you have ever discovered an ant in your home, you were probably also startled by how quickly it seemed to multiply. There are few pests as prevalent in your home as ants, and getting rid of them can be a hassle.
It’s easy to see why ant sprays are such a common choice for pest control. Should you spend your money on ant spray?
Before you decide on a course of action, consider the following:
- If ants come in contact with an ant killer, they will die. But they will not prevent more ants from entering your home.
- If not used properly, they pose a danger to children and dogs. If you decide to use an ant killer, read the label carefully and apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- You should choose the most effective ant killer for your situation from the various ant killers available. One scenario in which an improvised remedy might work is if the problem is relatively minor. If the infestation is severe, a stronger treatment will be needed.
- Before buying a remedy, ask a professional at a home improvement store or an exterminator in your area.
Who Are Ant Killers For?
You will understand how frustrating it is to have ants in your home if you have ever encountered ants. Although ants are very inconspicuous, they can quickly become a major problem if they are not controlled.
Fortunately, there are several ant killers available for purchase that can be used to reduce ant populations.
Boric acid is the active ingredient in ant killers, which makes them safe to use around children and pets. Boric acid is a naturally occurring chemical that is toxic to ants but harmless to humans and most other animals.
It is important to keep boric acid out of the reach of children and pets, as it can be dangerous if swallowed.
Look for a product that contains fipronil if you need an ant killer that is effective against many different ant species. Fipronil is a highly effective pesticide that can be used against the most common ant species.
Although it is versatile, it should be used with caution as it can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals.
Regardless of which ant killer you choose, you must always keep it safe and out of reach of children and pets. Besides, you can permanently eliminate the pesky ants with a minimum of work.
How To Shop For The Best Ant Killer?
The best ant killer is something you will undoubtedly think about if you have an ant problem. There is a wide range of products to choose from, so it is hard to choose.
The first step is to figure out what type of ants you are dealing with. Make sure you buy the right ant killer, because some products are only effective against certain types of ants. Once you know what type of ants you are dealing with, you can choose an appropriate ant killer.
When looking for an ant killer, it is important to consider the size of the area you are treating as well as whether you have pets or children. For example, if you have a small home and only a few ant nests, a bait trap might be sufficient. If the infestation is more severe, a spray or gel ant killer may be necessary.
Strictly follow the treatment instructions and keep at it until the ants are completely eliminated, whichever method you choose.
FAQ
Is ant killer poisonous to humans?
To ensure maximum efficacy and minimal risk to human health, choose an ant killer that carries the appropriate labeling. Be sure to read the labels on ant killers before purchasing a product, as some contain substances that can be dangerous to humans if consumed.
Ant killers should be stored in a place that is out of reach of children and animals. And if you have any questions about a particular ant killer, you should contact the manufacturer.
In the end, you should be able to find an ant killer that will completely eliminate your infestation without endangering the health of your loved ones.
How long does it take an ant killer to exterminate a colony?
Although ants are widespread, getting rid of them from your home is notoriously difficult. Conventional ant killers, unfortunately, only eliminate the pests individually and not the colony as a whole.
This is because ants have a sophisticated social structure in their huge colonies. Even if a single ant dies, it is often replaced by a similar worker. Nevertheless, there are ant killers on the market that are made for the destruction of an entire ant colony.
These so-called “colony killers” can be applied once and eliminate the ants for several weeks or months. So if you want to get rid of the ants for good, consider buying one of these remedies.
How do I know if an ant killer is working?
Fighting ants can seem like a never-ending ordeal. Despite your best efforts, it seems that new ants keep popping up shortly after you have eliminated the current population. So how can you permanently eliminate an ant infestation?
Products designed to kill ants are one option, but it can be difficult to determine whether or not they work. Ant killers are generally effective because they either poison the ants or prevent them from reproducing. To prevent ants from entering your home in the first place, you can use a product that contains an ant repellent.
If you want to get rid of ants efficiently, look for a product that is specifically designed to kill the type of ant you have. Do not use a product without first checking the label or consulting an expert.
How We Chose The Best Ant Killers
To make sure we know all the brands that are out there, we research extensively on the Internet and with the industry’s leading online retailers before making a final decision.
We consider many factors, such as customer feedback, star ratings, brand philosophy, production methods, raw materials, and ease of access. We take the time to think through the pros and cons so you do not have to.
