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All ant killers have the same function: to get rid of ants in your home and make it infestation-free. Depending on where you live, if you have pets or children, and where the infestation is, a certain killer may work best for you. For example, the methods to get rid of carpenter ants may vary from other ant removal methods.
To help you comb through these factors and more, The This Old House Team team has researched the best ant killers available. Typically, you can expect to spend anywhere from $5 to $40 or more on an ant killer, depending on its type, quantity, and application. Overall, we recommend the Terro Liquid Ant Baits for their easy application and ability to target ants outdoors. However, the specific ant killer for your needs will depend on your specific situation. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
Top 8 Ant Killers
- Best Overall: Terro Liquid Ant Baits
- Bet General Insect Killer: Raid Multi Insect Killer
- Best Ant Dust: Terro Ant Dust
- Best Non-Toxic Ant Killer: Mighty Mint Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil
- Best Lawn-Safe Ant Killer: Ortho BugClear Insect Killer
- Best Fire Ant Killer: Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer
- Best Ant Killer for Organic Gardens: Sunday Ant Adios Insect & Ant Killer
- Best Gel Bait: Syngenta Advion Ant Gel
Compare Top Ant Killers
| Product | Bait Type | Quantity | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terro Liquid Ant Baits | Liquid bait | 6 bait stations | Outdoor use |
| Raid Multi Insect Killer | Spray bait | 15-ounce container | Indoor and outdoor use |
| Terro Ant Dust | Dust bait | 1-pound container | Indoor and outdoor use |
| Mighty Mint Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil | Spray bait | 1-gallon container | Indoor and outdoor use |
| Ortho BugClear Insect Killer | Spray bait | 32-ounce container | Outdoor use |
| Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer | Granule bait | 3-pound bag | Outdoor use |
| Sunday Ant Adios Insect & Ant Killer | Granule bait | 2-pound bag | Outdoor use |
| Syngenta Advion Ant Gel | Gel bait | 30-gram tube | Indoor and outdoor use |
| Product | Bait Type | Quantity | Recommended Use |
Best Overall
Terro Liquid Ant Baits
- $25.49
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
In our research, we found that customers who liked these stations said that they were easy to use, collected a lot of ants, and prevented ants from returning once they were eradicated. However, we also noticed that those who were unhappy with this ant killer said that the stations leaked on occasion, and others said that the concoction didn’t always kill ants.
“Opened up 2 of them and put them where I saw ants. Looked at them a day later and saw ants crawling all over them. Looked again a week later and no ants. Haven’t seen any in that area in the weeks since.” — John R. Wilson via Amazon
“First of all, the content leaked into the packing box. The leaked content was very sticky, so boxes and the cartridges were all stuck together. Took a lot of effort to separate them and clean them up. I was not able to tell which one was leaking. It is quite easy to set up the bait. There are a total of 6 in the box. I set up 2 outdoor and 2 indoor, all of them in areas where I saw a lot of ant activities. The product didn’t seem to attract the ants because I saw ants moving around the baits but didn’t go into them. After a week, I set up the other two. Finally, ants went into one of them. Two days later, the number of ants dropped significantly. The ants disappeared after 3 days. It’s been a week, and I haven’t seen an ant. I assume the bait worked.” — HM via Amazon
Best General Insect Killer
Raid Multi Insect Killer
- $7.12
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers liked that this ant spray didn’t have an overbearing odor, was effective at killing multiple types of insects, and worked quickly. However, we did see some customers claim that they had to spray a lot of the product to kill pests. Even then, it sometimes struggled to kill large bugs.
“Bought Raid Multi Insect Killer with Orange Breeze Scent, and now my house is not only bug-free but smells like it went to a tropical paradise. It’s like my home is on vacation, and the bugs are the uninvited guests getting the eviction notice with a side of citrus freshness. I sprayed this stuff with the determination of a superhero unleashing their secret weapon – only instead of capes, it’s the lingering aroma of a zesty orange grove. I half expected the bugs to start a conga line out of my house, singing “No bugs allowed, we’re on vacation now!” Who knew bug annihilation could come with a citrusy twist? Raid, you’ve turned my bug battles into a scented symphony of victory. Now, instead of fearing creepy crawlies, I’m here wondering if I can convince the spiders to tango their way out the door. Bug spray with a side of salsa – who knew.” — Abby B. via Amazon
“I think it does the job but not quickly. The smell is alright. Its nothing too crazy bad or good, but in terms of killing, I don’t know if it’s the batch I got, but it barely kills on contact. When spraying a NYC house, roaches, the small ones, they just seem to act drunk for about 5 minutes and then scurry off and hide. Fruit flies seem to be able to dodge them, so it’s hard to get them into contact, and when they do, it has the same effect. House flies are the hardest since, even with contact, they seem to just wipe themselves off. I am sure they die eventually, but instant death on contact with not the case for 3 different types of insects in NYC.” — Miguel via Amazon
Best Ant Dust
Terro Ant Dust
- $7.99
- $8.99
- 11% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
Our research showed that customers who liked this product said that it was simple to use, kept bugs away for a long time, and showed results quickly. However, we also found that those who didn’t like this ant killer claimed that it was ineffective against fire ants and was a hassle to clean up.
“I was told by someone that there was some ant powder that was good for out and indoors ..I just decided to try this. Not only has it impressed me, but also my neighbor who’s connected to my place says she hasn’t seen an ant since I put this all outside our steps and in front of both of our doors. I also put it all around the outside of my house. It has now rained hard three times and is still intact out there. So it’s right when it mentions it’s waterproof for a good period of time.” — Medusa Jeep via Amazon
“I had high hopes for this, when I had an ant problem but more so a carpenter ant problem, I used as directed and sprinkled it inside the house perimeter and the outside perimeter. It left a stain on my mulch outside and inside; it left caked-on stains of white powder I cannot seem to remove. Not to mention, it did not do the one thing I purchased it for, which was to help control ants getting into my home. I was not impressed.” — Rebecca Preisler via Amazon
Best Non-Toxic Ant Killer
Mighty Mint Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil
- $35.98
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers that we found said that this killer worked instantly, didn’t have an overpowering scent, and also removed spiders. However, we also noted that those who were unhappy with this spray claimed that the sprayer was difficult to operate and that ants sometimes returned once the smell died down.
“The Mighty Mint Gallon Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil spray is a true champion in natural pest control. This gallon-sized powerhouse has transformed the way I handle insect issues around my home and garden. The natural peppermint oil formula not only effectively repels pests but also leaves a refreshing aroma, creating a win-win for both pest control and a pleasant living environment. What sets Mighty Mint apart is the sheer volume you get with the gallon size, offering a cost-effective solution for long-term pest management. The easy-to-use spray nozzle ensures efficient coverage, and the natural ingredients give me peace of mind, knowing that I’m not exposing my living space to harmful chemicals.” — Sydney S via Amazon
“I was hoping that this would repel ants and spiders, yet after two sprayings, they seem undeterred. It is an overpowering mint smell which I strongly prefer to the chemical sprays, though alas, the chemical sprays seem to be the ones that truly work.” — Ian B. via Amazon
Best Lawn-Safe Ant Killer
Ortho BugClear Insect Killer
- $10.96
- $12.49
- 12% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who liked this insect killer said that it offered easy application, was odorless, and worked on a wide variety of pests. However, we found that those who were less pleased said that the spray didn’t cover as much ground as advertised and that the sprayer was poorly designed.
“I was hesitant to order this because it did not specify fire ants (unless I missed it somewhere). I took a chance and bought this product. I’ve used everything for fire ants in my yard (because Florida). I’ve used granules that supposedly kill the colony and the queen (it did not), I’ve used boiling water mixed with Dawn dish soap (seemed to kill, but did not kill the whole colony and killed my grass), and then the old wives tale of using dry grits. All failed. This product produced the carnage I was looking for without killing my grass. I had TONS of dead fire ants and some bonus bugs along my house, it was glorious.” — Jessica T. via Amazon
“The spray worked well one time but now won’t spray the chemical when following all the instructions. I’m not sure why, whether it’s a clogged hole or what else, but the product won’t spray and I wound up just watering all the weeds despite having the switch on the correct setting and following the instructions perfectly. If you do use this, you should use it all in a shorter time period than me as I only used half the bottle months ago and now I cannot get it to work. I think I will have to just grab a bucket to dilute the product manually and just put it in a spray bottle now.” — Crespo via Amazon
Best Fire Ant Bait
Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer
- $4.97
- $5.88
- 15% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who we saw that were happy with this product liked that it took effect quickly, was also helpful at killing roaches, and had easy-to-follow instructions. However, our research also found that others found that it had an overwhelming smell, and some said that it didn’t last as long as they were expecting.
“Have used this for years and it takes care of the ant beds. Way cheaper here than in the big box stores. We don’t have fire ants but the small black ones and really big black ones. I sprinkle whenever I see a bed developing or even on big ones I had missed. I don’t disturb the mound or pour water on it. I ride my Husqvarna lawn tractor and pull a wagon around the property most every morning to refill my critter feeders (Deer, birds, squirrels, rabbits etc. I don’t hunt, we watch them). The next morning the mound is deserted. My only complaint is the white color as it shows up, wish it was green, but then I might step in it. But that’s a very small complaint as this stuff works. Hint, make sure to be upwind when you sprinkle it on the mound.” — John S. Ivey via Amazon
“I’m assuming the product works, haven’t seen ants for a while, but the smell makes it not worth it for me. I had two huge ant piles near my front door, and used an entire bottle. The smell was horrible! It smelled like sewage, and anyone walking up to my door could get a whiff for almost a month! So embarrassing. I tried everything I could to eliminate the smell, but it just wouldn’t go away. It has finally started to dissipate after almost a month but I can still smell it a little if the wind blows just right.” — Nikki via Amazon
Best Ant Killer for Organic Gardens
Sunday Ant Adios Insect & Ant Killer
- $17.6
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who liked this product liked how easy it was to use, that it killed a variety of different ant types, and that it set quickly. However, we read some other reviews that found it to be ineffective on fire ants, while others said it didn’t last as long as they were hoping, leading to the ants returning.
“I have two toddlers and, of course, a plethora of crumbs all over my house at any given moment. Despite vacuuming like my life depends on it, we end up with ants in the house from May to October every single year. Not just a few, not just ten, HUNDREDS OF ANTS. I’ve been afraid that they will one day cart my children back to their underground ant world. This year, we started both the Sunday lawn care and pest control programs, and, I kid you not, not a single ant in the house. We sprinkle the ant adios every time a new ant hill pops up and it’s gone within a day or two. It’s absolutely incredible and no chemicals inside my home! I recommend it to everyone I know whether they ask about it or not!” — Emily via Sunday
“We have fire ants here in South Carolina, so I was super excited to get to try this in exchange for my opinion. This product was simple to use, just shake it out where you need it. Since it’s organic, I didn’t have to worry about my daughters or my dog being harmed by getting near it. It did work well for about three weeks. Unfortunately, thRead more about review stating Works, for a little while ants have returned now. I need something that will last a little longer. So, if you’re okay with reapplying every two weeks or so, this is a safe option for you.“— Rachel M. via Sunday
Best Gel Bait
Syngenta Advion Ant Gel
- $13.49
- $16.99
- 21% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
Our team found that customers who were pleased with this product liked that it was easy to apply and was highly effective at getting rid of large ant infestations. Others liked that it helped control the population so they did not return. However, there were some reviewers who felt this bait took a long time to get rid of ants, and others said it became less effective over time.
“I noticed a couple of carpenter ants outside, so after much research, I found this product. As soon as it arrived, I applied some to the areas I had seen the ants, and within minutes, several more appeared. I also noticed some ants in the bathroom. I applied this stuff, and sure enough, the whole army was there eating this stuff. Didn’t see any for a couple of days, but then smaller ones showed up. So it killed off the adults, and I believe these were recently born ants. It wiped them out as well. No more ants. I highly recommend this stuff if you have any ants.” — 407 Reviewer via Amazon
“Worked great when we first got it. Ants loved it and then died out. Had a new batch of ants enter the house a few months later, and it wasn’t nearly as effective despite efforts to keep the product well sealed during storage, ants came, but after the first day, didn’t seem so attracted to it anymore, so I kept putting out more daubs, but while the ants came around less, they didn’t cease either. Ended up buying another bait (different brand) and that did the trick finally. Either the original gel bait simply lost its effectiveness over time, or it didn’t tempt them enough to take home and share with their queen.” — Sharon Dressen via Amazon
What Do You Need To Know When Buying Ant Killers?
To help ensure you’re finding the right ant killer for your home, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind before making a purchase. Take time to think about the type of ant killer you want to focus on, and the main type of ant, or other insect you’re having an issue with. From there, consider the toxicity of the ant killer and how it could affect other animals or humans in your home, as well as the specific application of the product.
Read our buying guide below for more information on the most important factors to consider when buying a product for ant control.
Type of Ant Killer
Ant killers can be divided into two categories—bait and kill-on-contact.
- Baits: These products slowly poison ants. By the time they take their full effect, the ant has already returned to its colony and spread the poison to other ants.
- Kill-on-contact: This type of ant killer eliminates ants right away. While kill-on-contact works quickly, it can’t tackle widespread infestations.
Depending on the size and severity of your infestation, you’ll want to choose your ant killer wisely. Larger infestations will likely call for bait, while just a few ants can often be treated by kill-on-contact methods.
Type of Insect
Most ant killers target several household ant species as well as other common pests. It’s not uncommon for a single product to kill:
- Carpenter ants
- Cockroaches
- Fire ants
- Flies
- Fleas
- Gnats
- Mosquitoes
- Pavement ants
- Spiders
- Ticks
- Wasps
- Other crawling and flying insects
Toxicity
Many ant killers can’t be used around pets or children because of their poisonous formula. This is especially true for baits because they’re placed on the ground where they can be easily accessed.
If you have pets or children, put your ant traps in hard-to-reach places, or use a non-toxic spray.
Application
The form an ant killer comes in affects how it’s applied. Popular forms include various forms of bait and topical pesticides. The most common types are:
- Dust-based insecticide
- Ant gel bait
- Granular bait
- Liquid bait
- Spray-based insecticide
Types of Ants
To understand how to make your home ant-free, you must first understand what types of indoor ants you’re dealing with. The four species of ants you will likely see around your home are:
- House Ants: These ants are typically active in the summer and drawn by sugary foods.
- Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants are a type of worker ant that’s active near wood, making them dangerous to your home’s structure. They excavate wood in order to build their nests, which, over time, could damage the structure of your home.
- Fire Ants: Bright red fire ants are the most threatening type of ant. If they feel that they’re in danger, they will sting you, leaving you with a spot that burns, swells, and itches.
- Pavement Ants: Pavement ants are most active near concrete. They will eat almost anything and can contaminate foods.
If you can identify the type of ant that’s causing your infestation, make sure that the ant killer you choose targets this species.
The Best Areas To Put Ant Traps
Once you’ve found the best trap to eliminate ant activity in your home, the next question you may be asking is where you should place it in your home.
The smartest areas to keep traps are:
- Basements
- Behind appliances
- Closets
- Corners of rooms
- Doorways
- Home entry points
- Near food and water sources
- Near trash cans
- Underneath cabinets and furniture
- Windowsills
Frequently Asked Questions About Ant Killers
How do ants get in my house?
How did your infestation start? All homes have holes, cracks, and gaps that ants are adept at finding and climbing through if they have the motivation. You can try to seal these gaps, though this is likely a losing battle. Instead, focus on taking measures to prevent your home from being attractive to ants. The following tips will help you do this.
- Clean counters and floors to eliminate particles that could be a food source.
- Empty your trash regularly.
- Keep food sealed in your pantry, cabinet, or fridge.
- Ensure gutters move rainwater away from your home.
How do you use an ant killer?
It depends on what type you have. For baits, set them in the corner of a room where you have seen ants. For spray bottles, simply spray the killer directly onto an infested area or onto an insect itself. Be sure to read your killer’s use instructions, as the manufacturer will provide you with more details that pertain to your specific product.
What’s the best way to get rid of ants in my kitchen?
To get rid of ants in the kitchen and keep them from coming back, you need to target the entire colony. The best way to do this is with bait, as this gets carried back to the rest of the ants.
When should I contact an exterminator?
You should be able to eliminate even larger ant infestations with frequent use of the right ant killer. However, if your ant problem isn’t going away, it may be best to let an ant exterminator handle it.
Who This Ant Killer Guide Is For
If you’re a first-time homeowner, a seasoned homeowner, or somewhere in between, the right insecticide can be key to returning a bug-infested corner to a space to be lived in and enjoyed. Our team considered a variety of ant killers, from edible baits to topical solutions.
How We Selected the Best Ant Killers
To provide our readers with the best ant killer recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of ant baits and pesticides with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews from trusted publications and drew insights from subject matter experts.
Final Product Selection: We then pared the list down further by comparing each product’s benefits as well as drawbacks and then selecting the best options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our small team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
