The Best Ant Killers in 2024 (Tested by Our Experts)
The best ant killers in 2024 are the Terro Liquid Ant Bait T300 (for indoors) and the Terro Liquid Ant Bait T1804-6C (for outdoors). They both come out on top every time, but there are other alternatives — depending on your needs. In this guide, we've highlighted the top 4 ant killers, along with their pros, cons and how they work.
Our top picks
What Are the Best Ant Killers in 2024? (Top 4)
The world of ant control has evolved over the years, making a bigger impact on our lives especially during spring and early summer. Let's investigate into five of the best-selector ant killers for 2024 and understand their benefits and drawbacks.
Terro Liquid Ant Bait T300
Our top pick for indoor ant problems is Terro's Liquid Ant Baits. These pre-filled bait stations lure common household ants with an irresistible Borax-based food source. Once the ants carry this liquid bait back to the nest, it disrupts their digestive system, eliminating the entire colony.
Efficiency | |
Affordability | |
Ease-Of-Use | |
Purpose | Indoor extermination |
Why we like it
✅ Highly effective at wiping out entire colonies
✅ Quick reduction in ant activity
✅ Easy and convenient use
What we don't like
❌ Potential for leakage and creating a sticky mess
How to use it?
- Location: Identify places where ants are frequently observed, such as near entry points, along baseboards, under kitchen appliances, or near food storage areas.
- Setup: The bait stations are pre-filled. Simply snap off the tab to open the bait station.
- Placement: Place the bait stations directly in the path of ant traffic. Ensure the stations are accessible to ants but away from pets and children.
- Observation: After placement, ants will enter the bait station and carry the bait back to their colony, sharing it with other ants.
- Maintenance: Monitor the bait levels and replace the stations when the bait is depleted or after it has controlled the ant problem. The process can take up to 2 weeks for complete eradication.
Terro Liquid Ant Baits T1804-6C (Outdoor)
If your home's exterior has been invaded by ants, we recommend the outdoor version of Terro's Liquid Ant Baits. The same Borax formula attracts and poisons a wide range of ant species.
Efficiency | |
Affordability | |
Ease-Of-Use | |
Purpose | Outdoor extermination |
Why we like it
✅ Effectively targets a variety of outdoor ant species
✅ Easily eradicates entire colonies
What we don't like
❌ Difficulty in inserting stakes into the ground
How to use it?
- Location: Identify outdoor places of ant activity, such as garden paths, near foundations, or around perimeter walls.
- Setup: The bait stations come ready to use.
- Placement: Insert stakes into the ground if applicable and place the bait stations near ant trails or where ants are numerous.
- Observation: Like with the indoor version of the Terro Liquid Bait, ants will take the bait back to the colony, effectively reducing and eventually eradicating the colony.
- Maintenance: Check and replace the bait stations periodically, especially after rainfall or irrigation, as the bait might be washed away or diluted.
HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth
Derived from fossilized diatoms, HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth is a powder that's both effective and safe to use around children and pets. It kills ants within 48 hours by dehydrating them.
Efficiency | |
Affordability | |
Ease-Of-Use | |
Purpose | Pet and children friendly |
Why we like it
✅ Kills variety of insects
✅ Safe and nontoxic for pets and children
What we don't like
❌ Can be messy to apply
❌ May require frequent reapplication
How to use it?
- Preparation: Wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling the fine powder. This product can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Application: Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth around areas where ants are found, or directly on ant hills.
- Coverage: Ensure a fine layer is applied. It should be barely visible to the eye. Avoid clumping.
- Reapplication: Reapply after cleaning or rain. The powder must be present on the surface to continue to be effective.
OnGuard Professional Residual Spray (P-22-RTU)
We opt for OnGuard Professional Residual Spray when it comes to deterring ants. Effective against a variety of ants, including pharaoh ants, this product acts fast and keeps insects away for about a month after application.
Efficiency | |
Affordability | |
Ease-Of-Use | |
Purpose | Prevention |
Why we like it
✅ Kills upon contact
✅ Long lasting; up to a month of effectiveness
What we don't like
❌ Absence of a wand applicator
❌ Strong odor
How to use it?
- Preparation: Either buy a wand applicator with your purchase, or transfer the contents to a bottle that allows for better application control.
- Application: Spray the product directly onto surfaces where you found ants.
- Coverage: Ensure to cover all necessary areas but avoid over-saturation. Focus on cracks, crevices, and other potential ants hiding spots.
- Safety: Allow the area to dry completely before allowing pets or children to return to the treated space. Ventilate indoor areas well after application.
- Reapplication: Monitor the effectiveness and reapply as necessary, especially after heavy rain or in high traffic spots. The residual effectiveness should last several weeks, but user experiences may vary.
Why trust pest agent?
Our Founder & CEO, Ismael Girard, reviewed these products firsthand. With the help of pest control experts, he was allowed to test more than 7 different ant killers, and evaluate each of them based on efficiency, affordability, ease-of-use, and purpose, ensuring you are learning from a trustworthy and experienced pest control expert.
What we considered in testing anti-ant products
To help you make the best choice, we looked at various properties when testing anti-ant products.
Efficiency
The level of effectiveness was our top priority when testing anti-ant products. We took into consideration the method of killing and how quickly the products acted. In particular, we focused on how swiftly the baits could draw ants in and eliminate them. We also examined how successfully the products target the entire nests and hills, not just the ants in plain sight.
Affordability
Yet another factor that was considered during the testing phase was the pricing. We understand that affordability is key to many homeowners when purchasing an ant killer. Our focus was on products that gave the best value for the price, considering the amount of product needed to tackle a typical ant problem, and how many uses one could get out of a single bottle, pack, or trap.
Ease-of-Use
The complexity of using an anti-ant product can often sway a decision. Hence, ease of use was another vital factor in our testing process. Items that were straightforward to apply scored higher in our assessment. We also evaluated whether the products are mess-free and whether they can be easily placed in hard-to-reach places such as window frames and near food sources.
Purpose
Lastly, we considered the purpose of each product. Some are designed specially to be used indoors, while others work best outdoors, creating a perimeter around your property to keep ants away. We further looked at the ingredients of each product to determine if they are safe to use around pets and children.
How to choose the best ant killer for you?
Solving an ant problem often boils down to choosing the right ant killer. Here are a few factors to consider in your selection process.
Type of ant killer
Understanding the different types of ant killers on the market can make your choice easier. Liquid baits like Terro Liquid Ant Baits are suitable for targeting entire nests. You apply the liquid close to the trails, and the ants carry it back to their nests, slowly killing the colony.
On the other hand, sprays like the OnGuard can be employed to create an invisible barrier around your home, preventing ants from entering.
Gels and powders, like the HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth, work well for small, hard-to-reach spots. For large infestations, granular baits can be spread around the perimeter of your home to target nests situated inside and outside. There are also natural homemade solutions involving things like vinegar, dish soap, and boric acid if you prefer a more eco-friendly approach.
Active components
Examine the active components used in the ant killer. Look for products with substances proven to be effective against ants; for example, Borax, a common component, contains properties that disrupt the digestive system of ants, leading to their elimination.
But remember, safety first. If you have pets or young children, you might want to opt for products with natural components that are still effective but pose less risk, such as Diatomaceous Earth.
Long term effectiveness
A good ant killer should not only eliminate the ants currently in sight but also provide long-term control. Products with long residual effects, like sprays or granular baits, can continue killing ants for weeks after the initial application. They can effectively deter new ants from setting up colonies in the treated areas.
Pricing
Consider the cost of the ant killer and weigh it against the size and severity of your infestation. While some high-end products may pack a powerful punch, not all expensive options guarantee better results. Some budget-friendly options may work just as well for less severe infestations.
Application
Lastly, consider the ease of application and whether it fits your lifestyle. Some products may require you to mix them with water or other substances before use or might involve complicated application procedures.
Those who prefer hassle-free solutions might benefit from ready-to-use ant traps or baits. Always remember to carefully follow the product instructions to ensure maximum effectiveness while prioritizing safety, especially around pets and children, thus getting the best results from your ant killer without undue risk.
Homemade ant killers (cheaper but less effective)
For those of you who aren't convinced into buying more professional products yet, there's still a way to try and fight your ant infestation. The DIY ant control solutions below are a cheap alternative to eradicate ants, but it's a lot less efficient.
⚠️ There is a high chance these solutions won't work, and in such cases, you can always come back and try out one of the products in the list above.
Vinegar
Harnessing the strong scent and acidic quality of vinegar, this simple killer not only repels ants but kills them, simultaneously disrupting their trails and making it harder for these insects to find their way back to their food source.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vinegar
- 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- Water
- Spray bottle
Instructions: Mix the vinegar, dish liquid, and baking soda powder in a bowl and stir the ingredients together. Pour the solution into the bottle, and add enough water to the mixture to fill the bottle.
Dish soap
Soap and water – the good old combo, finds its way into our list as a semi-effective ant killer. The trick lies in the soap’s capacity to disrupt the waterproofing abilities of the ants leading to dehydration.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces dish soap
- 32 ounces water
- Spray bottle
Instructions: Combine 2 ounces of dish soap and 32 ounces of water in the bottle; use it to apply on the ant spots.
Baking soda and sugar
The combination works by using the sugar as bait, while the baking soda kills the ants. But, this solution must be replenished frequently, and it needs some time to work, making it less effective for problematic infestations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons boric acid
- Small plastic container with a lid
Instructions: Stir these ingredients together in the container, ensuring that they are thoroughly mixed. Add a sprinkle of baking soda to the trap to make it more effective. Once the solution has been created, set up your trap. Carefully poke multiple little holes in the lid of the plastic container. These holes act as an entry point for the ants. Place the trap wherever you see ant activity.
Lemon juice
The strong citric scent disrupts the olfactory senses of the ants, making it harder for these pests to communicate and find their food sources.
Ingredients:
- Lemon juice
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Lemon peels
Instructions: Mix together your 1 part lemon juice to 3 parts water in the bottle. Then, apply the mixture at entry points and where ants have congregated. And don't toss away the peels when you're done. The rinds contain d-limonene, which kills ants on contact; place the peels near known entry points to exterminate the pests before they can track further into your home.
Why are DIY ant killers less effective than pesticides?
Pesticides or commercial ant killers typically contain non-repellent insecticides, meaning they're undetectable by ants, allowing the poison to be unwittingly carried back to the nest, infecting and eliminating the entire colony.
DIY ant killers, although cost-effective and easily constructed from common household items, often target visible forager ants, leaving the colony intact.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective ant killer?
When it comes to eradicating those persistent pests, we recommend Terro Liquid Ant Baits as a top choice among ant killers, especially against common household ants and not Fire ants. This powerhouse product works by attracting ants with a sugary treat they can't resist. The active ingredient, Borax, interferes with the ants' digestive system, eventually eliminating the entire colony. Terro Liquid Ant Baits are highly effective against common household ants and offer longevity, often continuing to work long after the bait is gone. But, they might not be as potent on Carpenter and Fire ants, requiring more specialized solutions.
What is the best way to permanently kill ants?
If you're trying to permanently rid your household of ants, it's crucial to target the nest or colony directly. Starting with ant baits such as Terro or OnGuard can help in this respect. Ants are attracted to the bait and carry it back to the colony, effectively acting as a vector that spreads the killer to their fellow ants, including the queen. One method to up the ante is to ensure multiple bait stations are available near the ants' regular trails.
But, for an extensive infestation, combining the baits with a professional-grade killer like OnGuard Professional Residual Spray can be one of the most effective ways to cover larger areas and ensure perimeter protection. They can kill on contact, making them perfect for covering larger areas and perimeter protection. Remember, always keep these products out of reach from children and pets for safety.
What do professionals use to kill ants?
Professionals turn to a combination of tools to tackle ant infestations effectively, according to the severity and scope of the infestation. Typically this includes gel baits, sprays, and powders. Ants are attracted to the gel, take it back to the colony, and share it, eventually killing off the entire population. For stubborn or large infestations, Professionals may apply products that not only kill on contact but also offer continuous protection as ants crossing the treated areas later will also be exterminated, particularly if they infiltrate inside the home. Diatomaceous Earth, a naturally occurring powder, is a non-toxic alternative used by pest control to deal with ants effectively. It works by piercing the exoskeleton of the ants, causing dehydration and death. It's excellent for hard-to-reach nests and areas where children or pets are present, as it's safe around them.
Meet your expert
Ismael, our dedicated pest control expert, is the backbone behind our informed recommendations and insights. He's the founder and CEO of Pest Agent, which was founded based on Ismael's own pest issues. Ismael's unique strength lies in his ability to decipher the specific needs of both clients and exterminators. His holistic understanding of such nuanced requirements guarantees harmonious yet powerful solutions that address the core of the problem.
