Ants can invade your home at any given time. These pesky creatures can show up out of nowhere in your house one day and it is extremely frustrating to deal with them.
Usually ants are on the hunt for food, especially sugary and sweet treats. Ants love sweets. If you ever leave out a piece of cake without covering it properly, chances are ants will be crawling all over it in an hour or so.
Ants can also be attracted to humid and cool spaces in the house, such as bathrooms and kitchen sinks, generally any spots in the house that might be wet and damp
Source- modernpestcontrol.com
Ant killers or ant baits are usually sweet treats that are made with 100% Borax that mimics food. This tricks the ants into eating such treats and taking it back to their colonies. The baits work their magic and the ants are killed in a few days.
Below we have compiled a list of the Seven best ant killers and baits that you will find on the market.
The Seven Best Ant Killers on the market
TERRO T300B Liquid Ant Killers
Source- amazon.com
The TERRO T300B ant baits are liquid ant killers that are a great choice for killing those pesky ants and ant colonies. These can be used in households. at work or other personal areas. It is effective in killing ants that you see and the ones that you don’t.
The liquid baits are made from pure Borax, which is a powerful pest control ingredient. The liquid baits are easy to use, just top of the bait with a scissor and place it in the area where you’ve seen ants. The liquid bait is sweet and sugary, mimicking food, so it is easy for the ants to eat it up. Monitor the baits daily and replace them once they are depleted.
The baits come in a pack of three and must strictly be kept away from children and animals. The bait will take up to 2 weeks to effectively get rid of all the ants, but you will have to keep repeating the cycle every 3 months so the ants don’t come back.
Features
- Liquid ant killer baits for domestic use
- Made from pure Borax
- Liquid bait is sealed, prevents it from drying and stays fresh
- Kills the ants and their colonies and keeps them away
Pros
- Effecive against ants and their colonies
- Suitable for use in domestic areas
- Liquid bait mimics food and helps to attarct ants
- Works under 2 weeks
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Ratings
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
TERRO T1812 Outdoor Liquid Ant Killer Baits
Source- amazon.com
If you are looking to get rid of ants outdoors, without using a heavy pesticide, then the TERRO T1812 is the best pick for you. These ant killer baits are just like the TERRO T300B Liquid Ant Killers, but these are more effective in the outdoors. Again these must be kept away from children and pets.
The baits come in cups and are pre-filled with Borax that mimics food so the ants are easily attracted to them. The cups of bait come with small stakes or sTakes that help you secure them firmly on the ground. You can use them outdoors and indoors as well, in basements, garages, and kitchen. The baits are also water-proof, so you don’t have to worry about rain or any water ruining the baits
The box comes in a pack of 6. The baits are easy to use, just twist the ap off and fill in the cup. These baits can kill all kinds of ants such as Acrobat ants, Allegheny ants, Argentine ants, Big-headed ants,
Features
- Excellent outdoor ant killer baits
- Come in pre-filled cups that can be secured firmly in the ground with stakes
- Made from pure borax
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Pros
- Made from pure borax
- Can be secured firmly in the ground with stakes
- Waterproof
- Can be used both outdoors and indoors
Cons
- Be careful while opening the baiting; it s prone to spillage
Ratings
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings )
Raid Ant and Roach Killer
Source- amazon.com
Raid is a household name for providing excellent pesticides and insecticides. This multi-functional spray from them can be used not only to kill ants, but also roaches and 20 household pests. The formula is made from essential oils so it can mask the unpleasant smell of the insecticide.
The spray contains Geraniol synthesized from pine trees, which is an adequate insect repellant that kills almost every insect. The formula also has lemongrass extract, that can help mask the pungent smell of geraniol. The spray can safely be used around children and pets, but make sure they or you don’t inhale it directly.
This spray is one of the best from Raid’s range of repellents. It is advised that the repellant be used at least 15 to 18 inches away from the insects.
Features
- Ant and roaches repellent spray from Raid
- Can be effective against 20 household insects
- Lemongrass extracts help to mask the unpleasant smell
- Can be used in front of children and pets
Pros
- Effective agianst ants, roaches and 20 household insects
- Lemongrass oil helps to mask any pungent odours
- Can be safely used around children and pets
Cons
- None- overall a great product.
Ratings
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 12 oz.
Source- amazon.com
Fire ants are an aggressive species of ats that are found in open grounds in colonies or mounds. These tend to invade domestic areas such as lawns, backyards and sometimes basements. Fire ants are very hostile and their bites are very dangerous, resulting in painful swelling and even allergic reactions in children. These can even attack pets. They are very hard to eradicate on one’s own. Enter Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer.
Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer is a very potent liquid ant killer that must be handled only by adults. It is tested to treated 162 mounds in total. Simply pour some of the liquid into a fire ant mound and leave it for a while. The liquid ant killer works by attacking the queen of the mound and slowly killing the rest of the ants.
The brand guarantees the product will work or you get your money back. There is no need for watering it down or diluting the liquid. This product is part of a 2 step remedy for fire ants, to be used along with Ortho Max Fire Ant Killer Broadcast Granules, which work to prevent the growth of fire ants mounds.
Features
- Liquid fire ant killer baits
- The formula targets the queen and destroys the mound
- No watering-in required for the liquid.
- Treats up to 162 mounds
Pros
- Effective for fire ants
- Can kill upto 162 mounds
- Results in under a few hours
- Guaranteed results or money back
Cons
- Only meant for fire ants
Ratings
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Amdro Ant Block Granule, 24 Ounce
Source- amazon.com
Amdro Ant Block Granules are perfect for protecting your home from an infestation; killing them before they get into your home. The granules are effective against fire ants, carpenter ants, and 23 other ant species.
The granules can be poured around the perimeter of your home or even indoors at the window seals, in the kitchen pipings and any other possible outlets for the ants to come int the house. The granules can last up to 3 months.
The bait granules can take up to 2 weeks to completely kill an ant colony by targeting the queen first. The baits are made to look like food, so they are enticing to the ants and attract them.
Features
- Outdoors and indoors ant killer granules
- Can protect your home from ants getting in by acting as a barrier
- Can work up to 3 months after initial application
- Kills all the ants and the colony under 2 weeks.
Pros
- Prevents ant infestation from invading your home
- Can work for 3 months
- Effectively kills all the ants and the colony in 2 weeks
- Kills fire ants, carpenter ants and 23 other ant species
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Ratings
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Advion Ant Gel Bait
Source- amazon.com
The Advion Ant Bait is in the form of a gel and is great for indoor use. The gel formula comes in a pack of 4 tubes with one plunger that makes it easy for precise application. The main ingredient in this gel bait is Indoxacarb, a non-repellent insecticide that ensures the nats take the bait back to the entire colony.
The gel bait works on all major ant species such as the common Argentine, Big Headed, Carpenter, Cornfield, etc. The pointed tip of the plunger is useful for putting the gel in concealed points where the ants may be foraging such as cracks, crevices of the walls, behind or under equipment or appliances, under tables, within the framing of tables or furniture.
The gel bait is non-repellant, meaning it ensures that the ants take it as food and spread in the whole colony. This makes it easy to kill the whole colony in a shorter period of time.
Features
- Gel ant killer non-repellant baits
- Pack of 4 tubes with a plunger for easier application
- Kills all the major species of ants
- Gets into tough places such as cracks in the wall, underneath the furniture, behind appliances.
Pros
- Convinent to use plunger gets into tiny spaces
- Kill all major species of ants
- Safe to be used around pets and children
- Non-reppleant ant killer baits
Cons
- None- overall a great product
Ratings
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
Zap-A-Roach Boric Acid Roach and Ant Killer
Source- amazon.com
This is the best boric acid pest control product you will ever need. Not only does it fight ants and roaches, but also bugs, fleas, ants, and silverfish. It comes in a powder form and is convenient to sprinkle anywhere you might spot these pesky creatures.
Another great feature of the Zap-A-Roach Boric Acid Roach and Ant Killer is that it is completely odorless, so you do not have to deal with the unpleasant chemical smell that some pest control products tend to have. It is also non-staining, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up afterward. Simply swipe the powder away after use.
The powder is finely milled. and can easily be inhaled. It is recommended to be kept away from small children and pets. The powder works in under a week and it is better to keep using it every 3 months till the whole infestation is gone.
Features
- Pure boric acid ant and roach repellant powder
- Finely milled powder, non-staining and can be easily swiped away
- Completely odorless, no pungent chemical smell
- Works for bugs, fleas, ants, and silverfish
Pros
- Pure boric acid powder for roaches and ants
- Non- staining
- Odorless
- Works in under a week
Cons
- Keep away from children and pets as it can be easily inhaled
Ratings
4 stars out of 5 stars (average customer ratings)
What to look for in an ant killer
- Indoor or outdoor- There are baits on the market that are meant for either indoor or outdoor usage. In the case of outdoor usage, these baits help to prevent the ants from invading the home, killing them on the spot before they infest the house. There is also an added advantage of safety; no pungent smell in the house and no risk of children or pets accidentally eating the bait.
- The population- If you see a few ants scattering around, chances are they are hunting for food to bring back to their colony. If there are only a few ants, and you live in apartments and smaller spaces, you could be better off with powder or gel or liquid baits. If you live in a big property, chances are the ants are widespread and could be fire ants.
- Type- Carpenter and Argentine are the most common household ants. These can be killed by any ant bait you can find. There are specialized baits for different kinds of ants, especially fire ants that are quite dangerous.
What are some meaures on how to prevent ant infestation?
Ants will suddenly appear in your house if they have found access to sugar or other such sweet savoury food in your kitchen or outside. Food that is kept out in the open can attract ants in no time. It is advisable to clean the kitchen thoroughly after use and cover all the food. You can also find the spots and opeings from which the ants are coming in and seal them.
What are the differnt kinds of ants that can infest homes?
The most common kinds of household ants are carpenter and argentine. These are attracted to sugary, sweet food. They can also be attracted to moisture, o they can be found in bathrooms as well. Black ants can be found in walls as they eat wood and scarps of wood. Fire ants can be found outdoors in big mounds. These two speies of ants can also sting and bite.
Are ant infestation dangerous?
Ants that commonly nvade homes are generally considered a nuisance. They can not bite or sting. They dont transmit or cary any diseases. They do not cause any structural damage to the house. There are however species of ants that can be dangerous, especially fire ants, that are dormant usually but once disturbed can cause painful stings.
Summary
Ants can be very frustrating to deal with. These pesky creatures can get into anything and anywhere in your home. Ants are generally harmless but some ants can cause painful stings and burns such as fire ants. In our list of the top 7 best ant killers, you will find ant killers for every type of ants available on the market.
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