Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation.
They can also benotoriously difficult to get rid ofbecause you better kill the queen to eliminate the entire colony.
The Spruce
Youll find that there are two main types of ant killers on the market: bait and contact killers.
Each uses a different method to control oreliminate existing ant populations.
Contact killers are applied directly to insects and kill them immediately.
PHOTO: The Spruce
Baitproducts are designed to lure ants into them.
We found that sprays are ideal for targeting specific areas and killing insects instantly.
The ant killer has a spout and a sprinkler-style side for easy dispensing.
PHOTO: The Spruce
We found that the sprinkler side is easier to control.
However, you will need to keep it far from pets.
The product caneliminate ants on lawns, landscaped areas, or around outdoor structures.
Its important to note that Amdro should not be used in vegetable gardens or on any edible plants.
You should also keep pets away during the initial system.
The bait stations are loaded with borax, a chemical widelyused in laundry detergent and other household products.
Worker ants will return the bait to the colony, eventually eliminating the entire population.
The bait is contained in clear plastic housing, which is useful for monitoring ant activity.
All you have to do is snap off the tab and place the trap on a flat surface.
Note that it can take up to two weeks to get rid of the ants completely.
One caveat to this liquid formula is that it can leak easily and leave behind a sticky residue.
Keeping them away from children and pets is also a good idea.
If the bait does spill or leak, we recommend just cleaning up with a sponge and dish soap.
In fact, we saw fewer ants in less than 24 hours.
Like ourbest indoor pick, this bait contains borax that will interfere with their digestion system.
This bait is effective against allcommon household ants, including Argentine ants and ghost ants.
Also, although they come with stakes, we found them a bit tricky to install.
However, we found this extra effort was worth it for an effective product.
PHOTO: Amazon
Also, note that they should also be installed away fromedible gardensto avoid contamination.
Thats because the active ingredient is U.S.-farmed peppermint oil, which is a tried-and-trueinsect repellentand killer.
For those dealing with minor ant problems, its also available in a16-ounce spray bottle.
PHOTO: The Spruce
For that reason, you should eradicate the infestation as quickly as possible.
This formula relies on cyfluthrin to kill carpenter ants instantly.
To use it, mix it with water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to the ants.
PHOTO: The Spruce
Since this is a concentrated product, it is limited to outdoor use.
Just know that a contact spray is an effective method for eliminating small populations.
However, you should avoid spraying it near children or pets.
It contains acephate, atype of insecticidethat affects the nervous system and begins killing fire ants within an hour.
No watering is required, and one bottle can treat up to 162 ant mounds.
Many ant species, including fire ants, are polygynous, meaning they have more than one queen.
This ant killer kills the queens and destroys the entire mound, eradicating the infestation at its source.
We think targeting the entire colony is important to eliminate your current ant population.
Just killing a few ants on contact will not defeat the queen, who stays back at the nest.
For the best results, apply this product when ants are active and treat new mounds as they emerge.
You also dont want to apply it during heavy dew or before it rains.
Therefore, the lack of noticeable pests post-tool was a huge improvement.
However, this gel contains indoxacarb, a chemical specifically formulated to attract worker ants.
While bait strategies take longer to work, they are the best option for thoroughly wiping out a colony.
Since its odorless and non-staining, its ideal for indoor use.
This ant killer is somewhat pricey, especially considering its relatively small 8-ounce size.
Despite this, it can target the nest and wipe out the entire colony.
As an added benefit, it works on most species of ants.
Intended for indoor use, this product is effective on over 20 household pests, including ants and roaches.
Note that you should hold the can about 18 inches from the bug or surface you intend to spray.
While this spray is an effective contact killer, it wont eliminate an entire colony in an unseen nest.
With 15,000 species of ants, removing them requires a tailored solution.
For this reason, they work best when applied directly to the ant.
The residue can act as a repellent, as most insects are not fans of strong-smelling herbal oils.
PHOTO: The Spruce
Our best overall pick,Amdro Ant Block, provides protection against ants for up to three months.
Like any granular bait, exposure to rain or low temperatures can reduce its effectiveness.
Exterminators use perimeter treatments to eliminate pests and prevent new ones from coming into your home.
PHOTO: The Spruce
They may choose to utilize fog as a treatment if they find your infestation particularly severe.
Why Trust the Spruce?
Our Experts:
Borax for Ants: An Effective DIY Treatment.
Terminix Pest Control
Cyfluthrin General Fact Sheet.National Pesticide Information Center
Acephate General Fact Sheet.National Pesticide Information Center
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Amazon
The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight
The Spruce / Jake Shi
