Final Verdict
Our top pick is Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer With Comfort Wand for its affordable price, convenient wand applicator, indoor and outdoor capability, and effectiveness in killing a variety of insects, including ants. If you’d like an even more budget-friendly choice, we recommend Raid Ant and Roach Killer 26.
How to Shop for Ant Killers Like a Pro
Type
There are a few different types of ant killers including sprays, liquid or gel baits, powders, and granules. Other natural methods, like neem oil, can work when using them on plants or other delicate surfaces. Adnan says that the type of ant killer you need will depend on your preferences and the severity of the infestation. “Some people may prefer natural or plant-based remedies, while others may opt for chemical-based products,” he says.
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Ease of Use
Adnan says that the convenience of an ant killer is crucial since some may require complex setups or special equipment. Others, like sprays and baits, are quite easy to use, but may need some level of monitoring and maintenance.
Effectiveness and Duration
If your ant killer is not effective or powerful enough to eliminate your ant infestation, ants will keep coming back. As for duration, Adnan recommends considering this factor carefully since some products may provide immediate results, but only last for a short time. However, some ant killers may be effective, but take a few days to take action.
Safety
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It’s always important to check an ant killer’s label for its level of safety, types of risks, and how to properly use the product. Some ant killers can only be used outdoors while others should only be used indoors with proper ventilation.
“Safety is of utmost importance, as using toxic products can pose health risks to humans and pets, as well as harm the environment,” says Adnan. The Mighty Mint Insect & Pest Control Spray, for example, is made without chemicals—but its main ingredient, peppermint oil, is harmful to pets. For something truly pet-safe, we recommend the Raid Essentials Ant, Spider, & Roach Killer 27.
Questions You Might Ask
What kills ants instantly?
Sprays usually kill ants on contact, but don’t always get to the source of the issue, while ant baits don’t work immediately, but are better at eradicating the colony. You can also vacuum ants if your infestation isn’t too severe.
What do professionals use to kill ants?
Before using any type of product to kill ants, you should positively identify the type of ant to know what kind of product you need to use.
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“Different species will have different behaviors and varying preferences in food and habitats,” says Thomas Dobrinska, board certified entomologist for Ehrlich Pest Control. “Additionally, your professional will recommend how to best make your home less attractive and accessible to ants.”
Ant baits in any form are most commonly used by pest control professionals since their active ingredient is taken back by ants to their colony to wipe it out. In other instances, Dobrinska says, professionals may use repellents that will prevent ants from getting into the home in the first place.
What is the safest way to get rid of ants?
If a chemical-based ant killer is not right for you, Adnan and Dobrinska recommend trying natural remedies to get rid of ants including vinegar, lemon juice, cinnamon, peppermint oil, and diatomaceous earth.
“In addition to carefully reading an ant killer’s label, you can also take preventive steps to stop ants from coming in your home like remove excessive vegetation and debris buildup in gutters; prevent trees and shrubs from touching your home; diverting water away from your home; cleaning up excessive food debris; sealing cracks and crevices properly; and replacing water-damaged wood around doors and windows,” says Dobrinska.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, she spent hours researching ant killers. She also received tips on how to choose the right ant killer from Thomas Dobrinska, board certified entomologist for Ehrlich Pest Control, and Zahid Adnan, gardening expert and founder of The Plant Bible.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
