Best Ant Killers

Nobody wants to have ants crawling and nesting in their homes. Besides being silent home destroyers and a nuisance, they can potentially carry bacteria and viruses onto food. That’s why if you see signs of an ant infestation in your home, it’s best if you work to remove them fast. 

Getting rid of ants may seem like a piece-of-cake, but as unchallenging as this task may be, it actually comes with a few caveats. For starters, getting rid of a colony the wrong way can simply split it in half, which will result in more ant problems.

For an ant eradication mission to go well, you’ll need to get rid of the entire colony. This is to keep the ants out of your home permanently. One way to do this is to use the most powerful ant killer you can find.

Given the numerous options in the market, finding the right one can be incredibly tough. We’ve put together a list of the best ant killers available today and some tips to help you make a more informed choice.

Recommended

Buy on amdro.com

Amdro Ant Block

It’s a dual-action bait that attracts and kills carpenter ants and 24 other ant species. Ant workers think this is food and carry it back to their colonies, killing other ants, including the queen.

Features

• Targets entire ant nest
• It lasts up to three months
• For outdoor use only

Terro Ant Killer Granules

These fast-acting granules kill ants, cockroaches, fleas, and other insects. It can be used for treating building foundations, lawns, or anthills. 

Features

• Kill ants and other insects within 24 hours
• Easy to use with resealable shaker bag – no spreader required
• For outdoor and residential use only

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Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer

It’s a deep-reaching formula made with exclusive Accelerator II technology for faster release of active ingredients, killing the mound and limiting the new formation of mounds. 

Features

• Kill the fire ant queen and colony within 24 hours
• Prevent new mound formation
• For outdoor use on fire ant mounds

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BioAdvanced Ant and Termite Killer

It’s a liquid product that kills more than 75 pest species, including wood-damaging and home-invading insects like carpenter ants and termites. 

Features

• Kills on contact 
• Leaves long residual protection
• For outdoor use only

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Ortho Fire Ant Killer

It kills the queen of a fire ant colony and existing mounds in just 60 minutes. You can use it along with Ortho MAX Fire Ant Killer Broadcast Granules to prevent new mounds from forming. 

Features

• Treats up to 162 mounds
• Easy to apply- no watering is required
• For outdoor use only

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Terro T300 Liquid Ant Baits

These sweet and syrupy liquid ant baits trigger slow kill, targeting the ants you see and don’t see. 

Features

• Has snap-off tab that keeps ant bait fresh
• Two packs contain six ready-to-use liquid bait station
• Best for indoor use

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Syngenta Advion Fire Ant Bait

This fast-acting bait has an alluring formulation that can control fire ants within 24-72 hours.

Features

• Ensures fast total colony control 
• You can use it as broadcast or mound treatment
• For use in institutional, recreation, or private service areas

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Aunt Fannie’s Ant Remedy

This ant killer spray has an essential oil scent and is safe to use around children and pets.

Features

• Spray directly on the ant or infestation
• Free from harsh chemicals
• Intended for indoor use

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Raid Ant & Roach Killer Aerosol Spray

It’s an effective, plant-based formula that kills different types of ants, roaches, and other crawling and flying insects.

Features

• Kills insects quickly
• Easy to use ant spray
• Effective to use for indoors

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Best Ant Killers Features

Overview of Ant Infestation

There are more than 12,000 species of ants on the entire planet. Unless you live in icy places like Antarctica, Greenland, or Iceland, you’re likely to encounter them in and around your home.

A couple of ants crawling all over your kitchen counter may not raise the alarm. But the problem is, where there are one or two ants, there are hundreds that will soon follow. You might not even be aware that you already have a colony growing inside your house by the time you start spotting one.

Small infestations can grow out of control and become massive ones. However, these pests can leave unnoticeable signs at the beginning, so detecting the early signs of an ant problem is crucial.

To make sure you don’t miss any of these signs, here are some indicators that an ant problem is brewing in your home:

• Live ants: Seeing a large number of live ants indoors can indicate an infestation. But note that ants are constantly hunting for food, so even a few of them sneaking into your home in search of food can mean a colony or nest nearby.
• Ant pathways: Ants make a pathway between their nest and food sources. They leave a scent in their trail to help other ants locate the food they found in your home. It’s rare for ants to veer off this line to scout for new food sources, so always keep an eye out for these ants traveling in a line.
• Ant nests: Getting rid of ant nests can help prevent further infestations. While these nests can look like mounds of soil or dirt, some ant species choose to build their nests in cracks and spaces that are hidden from plain sight. Look for these hidden nests in rotten wood, damp areas, and in spaces between walls.
• Dirt: Ants usually remove dirt from their nests as they tunnel. They bring these out of their colonies and deposit them on surfaces in your home. If you notice a constant buildup of dirt on countertops and on your floorboards, chances are, there’s a colony nearby.

About Ant Killers

You can eliminate ants in many different ways. But if you don’t want ants in your home at all, you shouldn’t wait for an infestation. Prevention is better than a cure, after all, and it  can spare you from costly repairs and eradication headaches. The list below can help you minimize the possibility of ants infesting your home:

• Dispose of food waste appropriately
• Clean up spills straight away
• Store food in airtight containers
• Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight
• Seal any small gaps around windows and doors
• Store firewood in a shed and raise it off the ground
• Remove dead tree limbs or those nearest to your home

If you’ve already seen some early signs of an infestation in your home, the best thing you can do is to get rid of them as soon as possible. The first thing is to not panic and to consider any of the following methods for ant removal: 

• Find The Ant’s Nest: This is the first step to eliminating ant infestations in and around your home. Consider searching for colonies in damp places like gutters and canals. They may also build their nest under trees or bushes. Once you locate the ant’s nest, you can put together a plan for eradication.
• Wash Away The Scent Trails: As mentioned earlier, ants leave a scent trail. Once you find one, wash it away with soap and warm water. Doing this will coat their bodies and suffocate them. You may need to do this several times to eliminate the scent trails. 
• Spray Vinegar: You can spray vinegar directly on the ants to get rid of them, but this may only work if the ants drown in vinegar. A much better use for vinegar is as a repellent. Because of its strong smell, vinegar can overpower their scent trails and can stop ants from coming back inside. 
• Apply Essential Oils: Another solution you can use as ant repellent is essential oil. With their intense smell, you can create an invisible barrier that deters ants from entering your house. 
• Use Ant Killers: The methods mentioned above can only kill visible ants. If you’re looking to get rid of ants permanently, using a safe ant killer product is your best option.

How do Ant Killers Work?

Unlike other home remedies, ant killers can help address the root of your ant problems. They contain chemicals that will target and eradicate an entire colony of ants. Below is a list of the most common types of ants killers and how they work.

• Ant Bait: It is a mix of scents and tastes that attract worker ants hunting for food. Since it contains a dose of toxins with a delayed effect, ants can carry them back to the entire colony without dying immediately.
• Ant Killer Spray: This is a type that kills ants fast on direct spray. Its active ingredients can destroy the nervous system of individual ants. But since they don’t carry it back to the colony, this may only be effective if the nest is visible.
• Ant Nest Killer: This also kills off an entire colony within minutes after application and prevents the development of new nests. One downside is it cannot treat ant infestations indoors.
• Ant Powder: This type of ant killer is one of the fastest ways to combat an ant infestation.  It’s highly efficient and easy to apply. You can just put the fine dust of this ant powder on nest mounds and it will kill crawling ants with its residual effect. If the nest is inaccessible, however, it may be challenging to destroy the colony with the ant powder entirely. 
• Ant Gels: These ant killers come in packed in tubes. Like ant bait, they also attract ants and have a slightly delayed killing action. The good thing about ant gels is they are easier to use on cracks and holes since they are shaped like syringes.

What to look for in an Ant Killer Product

Not all ant killers are created equal. To help you make the best choice for your home, here are some features you should look for when shopping for ant killer products:

• Active Ingredients: Ant killers, depending on their active ingredients, can either work instantly or have a delayed effect. Both an instant killer and delayed-onset poison can eliminate live ants and their nests. If you have serious infestations, you might want to look for a product with these results. 
• Benefits: Every ant killer works differently. Some are only effective for indoor use, while others are suitable for both the outside and inside of your house. So make sure to check out what they can do to your ant problems and where they can be used effectively.
• Application Methods:  Ant killers have different application methods. Some are easy and safe to use, while others require more safety precautions. Always choose what will work best for your specific situation. Be sure to get a thorough inspection of your ant problems so you can select the right application method. Note that some infestations are located in inaccessible areas.
• Price: You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money on ant killer products. Note that the most effective ant killer doesn’t need to be expensive. If you’re patient enough to shop around, you can find something cheaper that works effectively.
• Safety Concerns:  Eliminating ants should not cause more damage to your home and health, but some ant killers have high toxicity levels. As much as possible,  look for products that are safe to use around children or pets.

Product Reviews: The feedback of other consumers can give you an idea as to whether the product is effective or not. While you may have different ant problems, reading the product reviews of other users can help you decide which one may suit your home best.

Addressing an ant infestation requires a strategic approach. For professional treatment of ant infestation, contact Pestguide now!

Reviews of the Best Ant Killers

Amdro Ant Block

This ant killer has hydramethylnon, an active ingredient designed to control insects. It is effective even when you can’t find the nest. Due to its delayed effects, the worker ants can share the poison with other ants, killing the queen and the colony within a week. But be patient in using an AMDRO ant block. Its slow-acting ingredients may affect its response time in killing the colony.

The product is easy to use with no discernible smell. Since it is dry, there’s no mess when you’re applying it. It also retains its potency for up to three months, providing long protection to your home. There’s no need to reapply an AMDRO ant block every time it rains. However, you would have to figure out by yourself how much of the product you need to sprinkle. Overall, it’s an excellent infestation remedy.

$19.99

Terro Ant Killer Granules

This outdoor ant killer has a slow-acting poison that kills pests within twenty-four hours. It’s best to apply these granules as a perimeter treatment around the foundation of your house to keep ants, fire ants, cockroaches, fleas, and other insects from gaining access to your home. Ideally, you should apply a rate of 2 lb to 3lb for every 1,000 sq ft. But it still depends on the ant mounds. 

The design of this powerful ant killer allows the granules to spread quickly in a three-to-five-foot band around an average house. Plus, you don’t have to use a spreader at all. It also comes in a resealable bag, so you can just reseal it if you don’t use the entire content. TERRO Ant Killer Granules is perfect as a component of a two-step ant control process. If you want to get optimal results, apply TERRO Liquid Ant Baits afterwards.

Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer

The deep-penetrating formulation of Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroy allows you to eliminate the queen and the colony in 24 hours. You can use it as a spot treatment for outdoor areas, like sidewalks or driveways, and structural surfaces, such as windows and doors. Its granules can infiltrate even larger nest complexes and prevent the development of new nests.

For this type of ant killer, it’s highly recommended that you apply the product in the morning or evening hours when fire ants are near the surface. But practice caution when doing so since the high-pressure spray may alarm the ants, causing them to move to another location. This will render the product less effective. Note that Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroy cannot treat indoor infestations unless you can find the home of these unwanted ants.

$3.78

BioAdvanced Ant and Termite Killer

This liquid concentrate kills ants, termites, and other wood-destroying pests on contact. It also creates a protective barrier around the home and treats up to 21,000 sq ft. You can apply BioAdvanced Ant and Termite Killer through sprinkling-can pump-style sprayers or water hose-end sprayers. With the sprayer, this ant killer leaves long-lasting residual protection for up to four months. However, it’s best to locate and treat nests and surrounding areas for optimal control.

The product also comes with a measuring cup, making it easier to measure the solution you need. Plus, unlike other products, you don’t need to wait for dry weather to apply BioAdvanced ant and termite killer. You can use it even during the early morning or even after the rain.

• $29.99

Ortho Fire Ant Killer

This fire ant killer uses acephate. It’s an active ingredient that kills the ant queen as fast as 60 minutes. Plus, with a single 12-ounce bottle, you can treat up to 162 mounds. It can also easily penetrate the soil since the product comes in powder form. Note that applying ORTHO fire ant killer during periods when the ants are active will yield better results.

The product has a convenient design, making the application safer and easier. It also has a long residual production of up to six months, hindering any efforts of the ants to rebuild the colony and have a new queen.

• $12.47

Terro T300 Liquid Ant Bait

TERRO T300 liquid ant bait has a borax-a safe compound that you can apply as a laundry detergent. Borax has a long track record of being lethal to different kinds of indoor ants. When combined with a sweet, syrupy liquid, it makes a meal that attracts and kills ants.

Many homeowners recommend TERRO T300 liquid ant bait because of clear and easy-to-monitor bait stations. This liquid bait ensures mess-free protection since it’s stored red in a small and convenient bait station. Since it only comes with the liquid, you only have to snap off a piece of plastic. Then you can place it along window sills, doorways, or anywhere indoors that you see ants gathering or entering.

• $9.34

Syngenta Advion Fire Ant Bait

This product also uses a bait and kill technique. It has methoxycarbonyl, a poisonous chemical that smells like food, attracting ants and other small insects. Due to its slow-kill and transfer effects, ants can share the bait with other ants and eventually wipe out the colony

Syngenta Advion fire ant bait offers fast colony control, treating all the ants within the mounds in one application. You can see results within hours of applying. However, a second application might be necessary on well-established mounds.

Note that you would need an approved supplemental label if you apply Syngenta Advion fire ant bait on sod farms and pastures grazed by horses and other companion animals. Consult with your local extension service to secure registration and proper use of Syngenta Advion fire ant bait.

• $41.30

Aunt Fannie’s Ant Remedy

This essential oil-powdered ant killer is a natural remedy for combating ant infestations. It doesn’t contain petrochemical propellants and other harsh chemicals. Plus, it smells good, and you can use it indoors without having to worry about your pets’ or kids’ safety. 

Aunt Fannie’s ant remedy kills most ants on contact. However, it doesn’t leave any residual effects, making it hard to keep ants out of your home. Since it doesn’t work on ant nests, this product may not do much to stop a full-blown infestation. Still, it’s a viable choice for those who prefer a natural solution to their ant problems.

$8.99

Raid Ant & Roach Killer Aerosol Spray 

Intended for use indoors, you don’t have to worry about safety when it comes to RAID ant and roach killer aerosol spray. Just keep in mind that this may cause irritation, headaches, and severe sneezing. Since it’s specifically designed for ants and roaches, it won’t help you much with other pest problems. This product should last for up to 4 weeks and is expected to kill ants and bugs on contact.

RAID ant and roach killer is an excellent option as a short-term fix for indoors. However, many users reported that it’s unreliable and has a slow response time in killing these bugs. You might need to spray more often, though, to maintain its protection.

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We hope this guide to the best ant killers can help you effectively deal with your ant infestation indoors and outdoors. If you want to get professional help, use our online contact form and drop us a message here. 

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