The 11 Best Ant Killers for Lawns 2023 + Buying Guide & FAQs

Ant infestation in your lawn can be challenging to control, not forgetting the damage these tiny creatures bring. But, with the best ant killer, you can get rid of a variety of ants, including black ants, acrobat ants, crazy nuts, etc.

Below, you will find reviews featuring the best ant killers on the market and a little buyer’s guide.

The 11 Best Ant Killers for Lawns 2023

Terro T300B Liquid Ant Bait Ant Killer

Starting off this list is this Terro Liquid Ant Bait. The bait comes as a sweet sugary liquid that the ants feed on. Initially, this bait attracts more ants but eventually kills them, eliminating the colony.

Once the worker ants consume the bait, they leave a pheromone that leads the rest of the ants to the bait. Since this killer has Borax, it interferes with the ant’s digestive system, eventually killing it.

The slow-kill method allows the ant to go back to the colony and share the dose. The cycle continues getting rid of all the ants.

Pros

Cons

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer

This one is a broad-spectrum insect killer and works well in eliminating ants from your lawn. It is designed to kill foraging fire ants, lawn ants, pavement ants, pyramid ants, carpenter ants, etc.

I find this an excellent choice for long-term eradication of ants and other lawn insects. It provides a long-lasting barrier against infestation, keeping your lawn in the best shape.

It is one of the top-rated insect killers, and this has to do with how effective it is. If you have plenty of ants amidst other lawn insects, this is the killer to use.

Pros

Cons

Amdro Ant Block Granule

The most frustrating thing with killing ants is not finding the entire colony. But, with a bait killer, ants lure each other to find the bait, eventually dying. This bait ant block granule works just like that.

It is designed to taste like food to entice the ants. And, once the worker ant eats the bait, they carry it back to the colony. Eventually, all the ants eat and die. It is slower than spray killers, but, in the long run, it is much more effective.

When using this killer, you might see more ants within the treatment period, and this is because it attracts ants from their hiding points.

Pros

Cons

Combat Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel

Finding an ant killer that you can use both indoors and outdoors can be challenging. Luckily, this killer comes in a formulation that is safe to use everywhere.

The thing I love about gel killers is that they kill ants at the source. Ants eat the gel and return to the nest, sharing it with the rest. This slowly kills the ants, eliminating the colony at the end.

The gel is pretty easy to use, and you only need to place it in areas that you suspect ant infestation. Within a few days, the entire colony will have consumed the gel.

Pros

Cons

MDX Concepts Home Pest Killer

Walmart.com

Another broad-spectrum insect killer works great if you want to clear ants and still use it for other insects. It comes as a spray for easy and quick application.

It is formulated using natural and non-toxic ingredients to suit use everywhere around the home. It is an ideal solution for clearing ants without the harmful effects of chemical baits and pesticides.

The killer spray is designed to act quickly and kill on the spot. It comes in handy to treat new infestations before they grow out of control.

Pros

Cons

Syngenta Optigard Ant Bait Gel

One thing I love about this ant killer is its wide coverage and the variety of ants it kills. It is designed to eliminate Argentine ants, carpenter ants, ghost ants, etc.

The formula is super strong yet safe to use on your lawn as well as indoors. It promotes the quick transfer of the active ingredient, ensuring the entire colony gets a dose of the killer. On this note, it knocks out workers, brood, and queens minimizing the chances of re-infestation.

I love that it is approved to use indoors and works in cracks and crevices where ants might hide.

Pros

Cons

Ortho Orthone Fire Ant Killer

If you are stuck at finding the best ant mound killer, I’d recommend this Ortho Orthene Killer. It is designed to kill the queen and destroy the mound. The good thing is you do not need to water-in for it to work effectively. Here is how to use it.

It comes in a 12oz bottle, which at first you might think is too little to treat your lawn. Surprisingly, it treats up to 162 mounds, so a little goes a long way. It is, therefore, an excellent choice for large yards with a high infestation of ants.

Pros

Cons

Safer Diatomaceous Ant Killer

I like trying a range of pest control products to measure how effective they are. And, on top of my list is this diatomaceous earth insect killer. I am drawn to it as it is super safe on the environment.

It comes in a powder foam that you apply anywhere you suspect ant infestation both indoors and outdoors. Not to worry, it does not stain the surface nor kill plants in your lawn.

If you are struggling to eliminate ants and other insects, I recommend trying this powder. It is a safe option, and you can use it around pets, kids, and plants.

Pros

Cons

Amdro Fire Ant bait Granules

The best ant killer for lawns should be strong enough to clear fire ants. They are some of the most aggressive, and most ant killers on the market are not as effective to eliminate them.

When using this ant killer, it is advisable to use the two-step method. First, you need to apply the bait over the entire lawn to kill the ants in hidden and visible mounds. This first step is also essential to protect after treatment.

Secondly, apply on target mounds- with active infestation to control spread. Once you follow the two steps, you should have an ant-free lawn in a few days.

Pros

Cons

Harris Ant Killer Spray

I love the convenience that sprays bring. You do not have to prepare anything, and you can treat a specific spot with just a gentle spray on the infested area. This Harris ant spray is a top consideration if you are struggling to find the best ant killer spray for lawns.

The formula has clove and cottonseed natural plant oils as the active ingredients. It is, therefore, ideal to use around children and pets. It is super active and kills ants in minutes.

Its quick killing action makes it ideal for spot treatment at the start of an infestation. And, since it comes in a spray, a little pump of the killer might be all you need.

Pros

Cons

Ecoraider Ant Killer

It is hard to find an effective ant killer that is generally safe for humans, pets, and the environment. Luckily, this one from Eco Raider is lethal on ants but mild to affect plants, pets, etc.

It comes in a plant-based formulation consisting of ingredients that are generally recognized as safe. You can use it alongside weed killers to treat your lawn.

This ant killer comes in a pack of two 16 oz bottles fitted with spraying nozzles. They are easy to use, and a little goes a long way in killing ants.

Pros

Cons

Factors to Consider when Buying the Best Ant Killer

When it comes to choosing a specific ant killer for your lawn, there are a few factors you should keep in mind. You want to pick one that will not only kill the ants but also keep them away altogether. Here are things to consider when buying an ant killer.

The Type of Ants

The thing is, a particular type of ants can be attracted to what another type deems useless. For example, fire ants, carpenter ants, and thief ants like protein-rich meals. Others, like sugar ants, love sugary food.

It is essential to check the ant killer description to ensure it is the right one for the type of ants you have. A good idea is to test the ants you have in your lawn. You can do this by placing different foods and substances to see the type of ants you get in your yard.

For example, if you suspect sugar ants on the lawn, place sugary food to see if the numbers increase. In this case, you can then get a killer that is specific to this kind of ants.

Check the packaging and make use of other users’ reviews to see which ant type the killer is most effective on. If you get confused, go for broad-spectrum ant baits and start from that.

Type of Ant Killers

Ant killers, like most pest control products, come in different forms. Each applies and works differently. The main types of ant killers are ant bait stations, sprays, gels granular ant bait, and Diatomaceous Earth.

Ant Bait Stations

Ants like hiding in between window panes, behind walls, beneath the floor, and other hidden areas. It can be tough to treat these if the killer you have does not penetrate these areas. The good thing is that liquid ant bait stations work in such a situation by penetrating crevices and corners.

These work by influencing the ants’ digestive system. Later, once the ants ingest the bait, they carry it to their hiding places and feed it to the others. Eventually, the entire colony eats the bait and dies.

Ant bait stations are gradual but are some of the best ant killers on the market. They work slowly but eventually get rid of large infestations. However, you should be careful using these as they come in a powerful formulation, not safe around kids and pets.

Sprays

If you deal with ants occasionally, sprays are an excellent option. Sprays work well to destroy the ants you can see. On this note, they are more of a quick-fix than a permanent solution. As long as you identify the infestation in its early stages, sprays can keep your lawn ant-free for a few weeks.

Sprays are super convenient but come with a few disadvantages. One, the treatment only lasts a short time. Two, most ant killer sprays come with hazardous chemicals. Therefore, you should keep them away from kids and pets.

Ant Gels

Ant gels come in convenient tubes fitted with syringes. Like sprays, these are super easy to use and work well to target ants directly. If you notice a trail of ants into your home, you can use a gel to repel them back and keep them away from your lawn.

The good thing about gels is that they are ideal to use indoors and outdoors. Most are non-toxic and suit use around kids and pets. They have a slow-acting poison with a strong food attractant to lure ants into eating. Later, they carry some back to the nest; other ants eat the gel and die eventually.

Granular Ant Bait

Of all the types, this is the best as it targets the ants from the source. Also, it is suitable to use both indoors and outdoors hence work for different situations. Like other types of killers, ants eat the bait and carry it back to the nest. Eventually, the entire colony eats it and dies.

Diatomaceous Earth

This ant killer is an excellent choice if you are hunting for one that is safe around pets, kids’ plants, and the environment in general. It resembles talcum powder and occurs naturally.

It is super easy to use as it comes in powder form. You only need to sprinkle it by hand in problematic areas such as the yard, cracks, holes, doorways, etc. I prefer this as it is suitable to use indoors.

It is a good repellant and a killer; however, it can be messy and needs cleaning up after use. Here you can learn more about how diatomaceous earth works to kill insects.

Coverage

How big is your lawn? Also, what is the extent of infestation? If you have a huge yard, then you should choose an ant killer that covers the entire area. Additionally, if the area is heavily infested, then you might need to get strong and killers.

Most ant killers indicate how big an area they can cover to guide you in choosing the best for your lawn. Therefore, it is essential to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions to ascertain if a specific ant killer is suitable for your yard.

Safety

It is important to note that most ant killers are formulated using chemicals. In some cases, these can be harmful to use around kids, pets, and even humans. Therefore, it is crucial to check the ingredients list to ensure the ant killer you use is passed as safe to use.

Also, check if you need to prepare the ant killer before application. If necessary, then use personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and masks. Also, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it as a little mishap can result in harmful effects. Here is a comprehensive guide.

FAQ

How should I use ant killers for effective treatment?

You should first ensure you use the right ant killer for the type of ants you have. Also, you should point out where ants are coming from, where they have mounds, and where they often visit. That way, you get an idea of how to use the killer.

It is also essential to follow the instructions that come with the specific ant killer you have. This will ensure you use the right amount of treatment and protect the surrounding environment.

Are ant bait stations better than spray ant killers?

There is no definite measure of which one kills better as each applies to specific situations. But, from the point of long-term treatment and eradication of ants, ant bait stations carry the day. They protect against infestation in addition to killing already-existing ants.

Do I need safety equipment when handling ant killers?

Most ant killers on the market are safe to use without needing protective equipment. But it is advisable to use the basics that are safety glasses, masks, and gloves, especially if they are chemical. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the ant killer and ascertain if safety equipment is necessary.

How long do ant killers take to be effective?

Ant killers come in different strengths depending on the ingredients, type, and overall formulation. That means a particular ant killer can work in a day while others will need a few days to be effective. Also, there are slow-acting formulations and instant killers, and your choice depends on the intensity of infestation.

Do I need to use an ant killer frequently?

The number of times you will need to use an ant killer will depend on its strength, type of ants, the intensity of infestation, and type of ant killer. Generally, most ant killers are designed to use once, but, in some cases, you might need to reapply, especially when controlling heavy infestations.

Should I use ant killers with other treatments?

It is common to have more problems on your lawn other than ants. In such a case, you might have to delay one form of treatment and solve one first. But there are ant killers that are safe to use with other treatments; say, weed killers. I advise checking with the manufacturer and reading the instruction to ensure safety during use.

How can I prevent ants from the lawn?

One of the things you can do to prevent infestation is sealing trash and removing open garbage regularly. Also, keep your gutters clean as they provide a warm environment for ants. You could also plant plants that repel insects.

Clear vegetation on your lawn and remove woodpiles. Leaving rotting wood on your garden provides a favorable environment for ants to reproduce. Also, ensure trees and shrubs are well-maintained and dispose of the offcuts properly.

Summary

The best ant killers for lawns are effective and easy to use. But it is essential to assess the situation beforehand, buy the right formula, and follow the instructions for use.

The above reviews can be a great starting point, but my top recommendation is the Combat Ant Killing Gels. It is super powerful on a variety of ants and is safe to use around pets and kids. Let me know in the comments the one you prefer and why. Let’s Interact.