The 9 Best Ant Killers of 2023

Best Overall

Amdro Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Killer Bait

4.7

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We chose the Amdro Ant Block as our best overall pick because it can provide a permanent fix by eliminating the ant colony and queen completely, as well as prevent ants from entering your home in the first place. To test this product, we used it to surround the entire perimeter of one of our houses in Portland, Oregon. While we saw an ant or two during two months of use, overall we were impressed by this product's effectiveness and ease of use.

You can choose from two options for pouring out the ant killer: a sprinkler-style side and a spout. We found that the sprinkler side is easier to control. But if spilled, we noted that unlike other ant killers we've used, this product doesn't have a strong smell and it's not sticky when poured. However, you will need to keep it far from pets. To create a bait barrier that will deter ants from entering your home, Amdro says to shake a band at least a foot wide around the outside of your property. However, it's worth noting that we found the instructions on how much was needed to be a little unclear, and had to resort to a trial-and-error approach.

Ants are lured to the granules because of their food-like odor and are killed after returning with the granules to the colony. According to the manufacturer, a single application can eliminate carpenter ants, fire ants, and over 20 other ant species for up to three months. A 24-ounce container of the bait covers 1,080 linear feet, which should be enough to cover the perimeter of an average-sized home six times.

The product can eliminate ants on lawns, landscaped areas, or around outdoor structures. If the ground is wet, rain is expected within 24 hours, or temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, do not apply.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Application: Granules | Approved Use: Outdoor | Pest Type: Ants}

Best Budget

Terro Liquid Ant Baits

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After testing for two months, we found that the Terro Liquid Ant Baits are a quick and affordable way of keeping ants from entering your home. In fact, we saw fewer ants in less than 24 hours. The bait stations, which are filled with borax, a slow-acting chemical also found in laundry goods, are designed to catch ants outside your home before they can get inside. They are also a useful tool for monitoring the current ant population. This bait is effective against all common household ants, including Argentine ants, ghost ants, and many others.

You can put them on the sidewalk or any other flat surface outside your home or use the included stakes to put them on your lawn. While testing, we found that the containers can be hard to open and may leak, so they are best kept out of areas frequented by children and pets. Also, although they come with stakes, we found them a bit tricky to install. We found that in some cases we couldn't get them to go into the ground and pushed them in so hard that the liquid bait spilled out. We had to either make sure the ground was soft enough to install them or place them on the ground without the stake. However, we found this extra effort was worth it for an effective product. Also, note that they should also be installed away from edible gardens to avoid contamination.

Price at time of publish: $10

_{Application: Bait stations | Approved Use: Outdoor | Pest Type: Ants}

Best Granules

Terro Outdoor Ant Killer Plus Multi-Purpose Insect Control

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When it comes to getting rid of ant and bug infestations in the great outdoors, nothing beats the effectiveness and convenience of Terro 3 Outdoor Ant Killer Plus Multi-Purpose Insect Control Granules. The granules are packaged in a 3-pound shaker bag, making it simple to spread them anywhere ants or other insects are a problem. Simply unzip the resealable bag, grab the bottom of the bag, and shake it around the perimeter of your home. The innovative packaging eliminates the need for a chemical spreader or broadcaster.

Granules offer long-lasting protection from pests like ants when used as a barrier around your home. The bait will draw the ants in, and once they eat it, they'll die. For best results, you’ll want to apply a 3 to 10-foot band of granules along your foundation. In addition to ants, this product also takes care of fleas, crickets, mites, and roaches.

Price at time of publish: $10

_{Application: Granules | Approved Use: Outdoor | Pest Type: Ants/cockroaches/fleas}

Best Spray

Raid Ant & Roach Killer Aerosol Spray

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Raid has been developing cutting-edge pest control solutions for decades, and their ant and roach aerosol spray is no different. According to the manufacturer, this product is safe for indoor use and effective against over 20 common household pests. The plant-based spray is formulated with the essential oils of lemongrass and rosemary, which, like the Aunt Fannies Ant Remedy, is considered safe to use around kids and pets. Insects like ants and roaches will think twice about making your home theirs because of its potent odor. Unfortunately, the spray is ineffective against either fire ants or harvester ants.

Keep in mind that you want to be around 18 inches from the bug or surface you intend to spray. Make sure the spray nozzle is pointed at the insect or its hiding place before pressing the button down. While some ant killers are effective as a preventative measure, just spraying this product into a pest-free area will not provide long-term protection.

Price at time of publish: $10

_{Application: Spray | Approved Use: Indoor | Pest Type: Ants / Roaches}  

Best for Mounds

Ortho Fire Ant Killer Mound Treatment

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Striking ants where they live may be the best course of action if you have fire ant mounds in your yard. Ortho Fire Ant Killer provides an effective treatment for eliminating fire ant infestations and their colony structures. Many ant species, including fire ants, are polygynous, meaning they have more than one queen. It is necessary to eliminate all of the queens to eradicate your ant problem. You will need to hit all the mounds in your area to see the best results possible.

Ortho Fire Ant Killer contains the active ingredient bifenthrin, which targets the ants' nervous system and results in death. The 4-pound bag of granules is easy to use. All you have to do is sprinkle it on the lawn and add some water. In just 15 minutes, this product will kill ant queens and their mounds. Although it's not the longest-lasting product on this list, it's great at targeting pesky ant mounds that you would rather get rid of, and may be able to prevent them from returning to. the same area.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Application: Granules | Approved Use: Outdoor | Pest Type: Colony killer, fire ants}

Best Gel

Combat Max Ant Killing Gel

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Combat Max Ant Killing Gel kills the whole colony by providing an irresistible gel bait to ants in your home. Unlike granules or spray ant killers, the gel comes in a syringe-like applicator that is designed to be injected into crevices and hard-to-reach spots where ants may be lurking around. Within 3 to 5 days of application, you will no longer have to worry about those pesky ants. 

The active ingredient in the gel, fipronil, is one of the insecticides that work the fastest and can be used to kill all the ants in a few hours. Fipronil, like bifenthrin, kills insects by interfering with their central nervous systems. Due to the toxic nature of the bait, it should be used in areas that are inaccessible to children and pets.

Price at time of publish: $7

_{Application: Gel | Approved Use: Outdoor/Indoor | Pest Type: Ants}

Best Natural

Mighty Mint Insect & Pest Control

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Made of plant-based ingredients, Mighty Mint is an all-natural, effective spray that fights ants, spiders, and other insects. Peppermint essential oil is the active component, and it is responsible for both warding off and eliminating those creepy crawlers, regardless of whether they are found inside or outside.

Not only is it an effective pest control method, but it also leaves a pleasant, refreshing peppermint aroma in your home. We particularly like that the 128-ounce jug includes enough ant killer to last you numerous treatments.

Price at time of publish: $36

_{Pest Type: Ants/spiders | Application: Spray | Approved Use: Indoor/outdoor}

Best for Carpenter Ants

BioAdvanced Carpenter Ant and Termite Killer Plus

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Carpenter ants are notorious for finding and making use of any pre-existing tunnels or other weak spots in your home. Although they can be challenging to eliminate, the potent pesticide concentrate found in Bioadvanced Carpenter Ant Killer makes short work of these pests. Just add it to water in a spray bottle and spray it wherever you see carpenter ants. It's effective against various insects, including termites, spiders, and scorpions. 

This product says it can be used indoors and outdoors, but it works best when you can directly spray the ants present in and outside of your home. Avoid spraying in the presence of pets or children, as the chemicals are toxic.

Price at time of publish: $23

_{Application: Concentrate | Approved Use: Outdoor/Indoor | Pest Type: Ants/termites/ticks/spiders/fleas/mosquitos}