The best ant control product in our test is one that kills the ants as well as their nest. For this, we looked for baits or gels that contain ingredients that target the ant colony and don’t just spray on contact. We also wanted low-impact, easy-to-use insecticides. We also tested bait stations, as they tend to be less messy than granules or sprays.
Using a combination of natural extracts, this product aims to fight “nature with nature.” It’s made with geraniol and lemongrass oil, which are effective at killing ants, cockroaches, fleas, and other insects while being safe for people, pets, and plants (when used as directed). It’s an ideal option if you don’t want to use chemical formulas in or around the house, and it smells nice, too.
This ant killer contains an active ingredient called indoxacarb maurmiddel best i test, which works as a pheromone disrupter to lure worker ants to the bait and then kills them quickly on contact. It can be used indoors and outside on lawns, landscaped areas, and around outdoor structures. It has a low phytotoxicity, which means it’s safer for plants than other chemicals and can be applied without damaging your garden. It also has a pleasant citrus scent.
While the company doesn’t claim this ant killer can completely wipe out an ant colony, it does say it will reduce their number significantly. The odorless gel bait contains defatted corn cob granules that are both an attractant and a delivery system for the active ingredient. Foraging ants carry the poisoned granules back to their colonies, where they share them with their brethren, leading to slow death and eventual colony collapse. This formula targets a variety of ant species, including pharaoh ants, black garden ants, carpenter ants, and Argentine ants.
If you’re not looking for a liquid or gel bait, try this product from Terro, which is formulated to be used inside the home and claims to kill ants and other common household pests. Its granules are coated with borax, which makes foraging ants pick up the poisoned food and then take it back to the nest to be shared. This eventually leads to the entire colony’s destruction, says Terro.
If you’re looking for an ant killer that works fast, try this spray by Raid. It dries almost instantly and kills on contact, which is especially helpful when it comes to a sudden infestation. It also kills other crawling and flying pests, too, such as cockroaches, fleas, small moths, and flies. It has a mild fragrance and is safe for kids and pets when used as directed. It’s available in a can or a ready-to-use trigger-style bottle, both of which are convenient for quick indoor use. However, it’s not recommended for use in vegetable gardens because of its toxicity to plants.