We Tested the Most Effective Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killers for Your House and Yard

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$21.20 at Amazon

Terro Pre-Filled Liquid Ant Killer II

$21.20 at Amazon

For minimal fuss, pre-filled liquid bait stations like TERRO PreFilled Liquid Ant Killer II are an effective and popular DIY ant killer. Simply place stations in and around your home and leave them.

The containers have tiny openings to keep paws and little hands from coming into contact with the bait. And because ants consume liquids easier than solids, they’re more likely to bring the bait back to the nest, wiping out the entire colony in less than a week.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Liquid ant bait formula
• Safe for countertops
• Reasonable price point

Cons

• Reviewers share that this will spill easily and not easy to clean

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$65.99 at Amazon

Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait

$65.99 at Amazon

One advantage of ant baits is that they’re formulated for a certain type of ant, so they have little or no effect on non-targeted insects and organisms. A top pick for killing menacing fire ants that’s also safe for pets is Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait.

Strategically lay down the granular bait near mounds or wherever you see fire ants congregate. Expect elimination of the colony in a few days.

Pros

• Easy to follow instructions
• Effective formula to target fire ants

Cons

• Reviewers share they do not like the smell it leaves when they apply it in areas
• Price

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$14.20 at Amazon

Terro Outdoor Liquid Ant Bait Stakes

$14.20 at Amazon

Bait stakes are an excellent defense against outdoor infestations. Placed directly into the soil, bait stakes zero in on ants you can see and those you can’t. Fast-acting TERRO Outdoor Liquid Ant Bait Stakes attract ants straight to the bait’s sugary liquid.

To use, snap off the activation tab and push the stake into the ground. Don’t forget to put a few near your home’s entrance for extra protection against interlopers. Here are nine myths about ants you need to stop believing.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Most-effective to removing ants from indoors and outdoors

Cons

• Liquid formula can spill on hands
• Not easy to open

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$29.89 at Amazon

Syngenta Optiguard Ant Bait Gel

$29.89 at Amazon

Beyond being effective in killing ants, the fast-acting Syngenta Optiguard Ant Bait Gel comes in a plunger-style dispenser so you can spread the potent insecticide precisely where ant activity is heaviest.

No need to track down the nest. Insert the gel into cracks and crevices where it will be eaten by workers and later shared with the rest of the colony. It knocks out the workers, brood and queens. For indoor and outdoor use. Plus, these tips will help you to keep all pests away from your home.

Pros

• Highly effective formula
• Transfers easily to area

Cons

• Reviewers share that it starts off as a watery material until it forms as gel
• Messy application

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$17.36 at Amazon

Terro Liquid Ant Killer II

$17.36 at Amazon

If you have a big property or a large infestation, Terro Liquid Ant Killer II, like the pre-filled Terro ant stations above, combines the power of borax with the convenience of a gel.

All you need to do is squeeze generous amounts of gel near scent trails and let ants go to town. In some cases, the entire colony will be dead within 48 hours.

Pros

• Leaves an scent on area
• Easy application and removal
• Great price

Cons

• Leaves a mess after ant colony arrives in area
• Dries off quickly

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$14.99 at Amazon

Amdro Ant Bait

$14.99 at Amazon

Prevent more than 14 species of ants from taking over with highly-rated AMDRO Ant Bait—we’ve tried it! Sprinkle the small pellets on your lawn and around the perimeter of your property. We recommend using a broadcast spreader to distribute bait evenly.

The all-weather granules are water-resistant so there’s no need to reapply every time it rains. Be patient! AMDRO is slow-acting and can take up to a week or more to kill the colony.

Note: AMDRO is toxic and should not be applied around children, animals or in vegetable gardens.

Pros

• Application last for a few months
• Easy to pour
• Great price

Cons

• Small bottle which can run empty after a few uses

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$25.99 at Amazon

Harris Diatomaceous Earth Ant Powder

$25.99 at Amazon

Made from fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms, diatomaceous earth in its purified form is considered “food grade.” When ants ingest it, however, they become dehydrated and die.

Harris Diatomaceous Earth contains no harmful chemicals and is generally considered safe for pets. But because the dust can irritate nasal passages and lungs as well as exposed skin, it’s best to wear a mask and gloves when treating an area.

Pros

• Powder form
• Easy to use application
• Listed by the Organic Minerals Research Institute (OMRI)
• Not toxic to pets

Cons

• It takes time, doesn’t work right away

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Orange Guard Home Pest Control Spray

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Using biodegradable D-Limonene (orange peel oil) as its active ingredient, premixed Orange Guard Home Pest Control Spray not only kills ants but a whole host of other bugs, including fleas and cockroaches.

Water-based and organic, it’s safe around food, children and pets, plus it can be used inside and out. The downside: It’s not effective in destroying the colony. For that, baits are your best bet. Do you have flying ants or termites? Here’s the difference.

Pros

• EPA registered
• Long-lasting
• Leaves a orange citrus scent

Cons

• Strong scent that may affect those with sensitive noses
• Doesn’t kill all types of ants

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$12.81 at Amazon

Raid Ant & Roach Killer Spray

$12.81 at Amazon

Exterminating insects since 1956, Raid Ant & Roach Killer Spray kills ants on contact using a pair of strong chemical insecticides: imiprothrin and cypermethrin.

It’s a good option as a short-term fix for indoors. The manufacturer claims a residual effect that goes on killing for up to four weeks, but the jury is still out on that. Raid is straight-up poisonous and should be kept far away from food, children and pets. Plus, here’s how to ant-proof your hummingbird feeder.

Pros

• No chemical odor
• Apply to all surfaces
• Can use to kill a variety of insects
• Price

Cons

• Shoots a stream
• Doesn’t kill fruit flies

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$21.03 at Amazon

Terro Outdoor Ant Killer Spray

$21.03 at Amazon

For a rapid way to knock down garden pests including carpenter ants, fire ants, cockroaches, spiders, boxelder bugs, etc., try TERRO Outdoor Ant Killer Spray.

Intended for outdoor use only before ants make their way into your home, it’s a great spot treatment for surfaces like foundations or garbage bins, or directly on trails and anthills. Apply it around the perimeter of your home to create a reliable barrier of protection.

Pros

• Two bottles in one set
• Easy to spray in hard to reach places

Cons

• Spray leaves a foam in the area
• Expensive

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$9.99 at Amazon

Cinnamon

$9.99 at Amazon

Cinnamon is a natural ant remedy. In its ground structure, the odor of cinnamon repels ants. However, in its essential oil form, it actually kills them. The effectiveness of cinnamon as an extermination method depends on several factors, such as the potency of the oil and how and where it’s delivered.

A 2014 university study found that certain concentrations of cinnamon oil killed ants. With a little trial and error, so can you.

Pros

• Comes with a dropper to apply the oil on surfaces
• Great scent

Cons

• Leaves a strong scent
• Small bottle

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$11.89 at Amazon

Borax

$11.89 at Amazon

Borax is a natural ant remedy. The active ingredient in many commercially produced ant killers, borax can be found wherever cleaning products are sold.

Take the necessary steps to apply it safely and you can create homemade baits. Combine borax, sugar and water into a paste and place it inside sealed containers. Cut narrow openings on the lids to protect kids and pets from exposure. Hide the bait in corners of the house and yard and see results in less than a week.

Pros

• Powder form
• Multi-purpose cleaner
• Unscented
• Dissolves easily

Cons

• Reviewers say this comes in poor packing and can’t reseal the box

What to Look for in Home and Yard Ant Killers

There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution to ant killers. To find the one that suits you best, consider the following factors:

Location

If the ant infestation is outside, your options are wide-ranging—especially if it’s in an area you and your family do not frequent. However, many of these ant killers include harsh chemicals you may not want your family (or pets) to get near. Higher-trafficked areas, like inside your home, require a gentler touch and perhaps less harsh solutions. Ensure you’re not getting an industrial outdoor ant killer for an indoor living room job. That goes both ways: an indoor ant killer might not get the job done for a large-scale infestation in your yard.

Kinds of Ants/Severity of the Job

Most ants you encounter will be harmless—likely searching your home for food and being little more than a visual nuisance. Even fire ants, so long as you don’t disturb them enough to cause an attack, are relatively harmless in the long run. However, some varieties of ants could be a much larger problem for you and your home. Like termites, carpenter ants can cause structural damage to your home and require a swift, effective response (I’d recommend professionals for such a job).

Consider Professional Pest Control

As mentioned above, some jobs are too dire and large-scale for a simple ant spray. If you have an out-of-control infestation, I highly recommend contacting a professional pest control service to deal with it, as these folks are experienced in all sorts of infestations and might know things about your particular case that could save you time, money, and maybe even your home.

Other Solutions

Even with a chemical barrier, the ants won’t be gone forever. Your best defense against the ants returning is actually going to be things you can do around your own home, like cleaning up food waste and other sources that attract ants. Sure, it’s not a definitive solution 100 percent of the time, but keeping your home and yard clear of food sources can contribute to staving off future infestations.

How We Found the Best Ant Killers

To ensure I’ve given a complete picture of the options on the market, I started by casting a wide net—searching for various pest management solutions across a range of brands, budgets and more. Then, using my personal experience and the guidance of professionals and consumers alike, I looked at the ant killers’ effectiveness (both immediate and over time), their approachability, safety, environmental impact, etc. Finally, I narrowed it down to only the top options available while still trying to provide various options across styles and prices.

Why You Should Trust Us

I’m a longtime journalist in the home improvement and DIY space—with my work appearing in trusted publications, including The Telegraph, Fodor’s, Italy Magazine, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, and Orvieto or Bust (as well as Family Handyman, of course). My experience, both personal and professional, gives me an edge regarding this particular subject matter, and—especially as a homeowner—I take the advice I’ve shared in this article very seriously.

FAQ

Is vinegar an ant killer?

Yes and no. Vinegar can repel ants for a small amount of time (as can black pepper or peppercorns), but it isn’t a permanent solution and doesn’t actually kill ants in the same sense as other chemical bug sprays. It can drown the ants, but that is not quite the same thing (water can drown ants, too). It is, however, a more natural and less chemical-loaded solution, even if it’s less effective.

Why shouldn’t you squish ants?

Smashing ants might seem like the simplest solution to getting rid of them, but it might actually draw more ants to that location. This is because ants, when squished, release pheromones that attract other ants from their colony—it’s a form of self-defense, like sending up a signal flare. We highly recommend not squishing ants if you can help it.

How do you get rid of ants permanently?

Sadly, the answer is not one you’ll probably like: You can’t. While it’s possible to stave them off and even kill entire colonies, ants are a persistent bunch of pests that can’t be permanently stopped (roughly 2.5 million ants per person on the planet). Your best bet to defend against ants is to stay vigilant. Keep your home and yard clean and clear of anything that ants might consider edible, and stick to the solutions you find here. In extreme cases, we recommend hiring professional pest control services, as they can offer longer-lasting solutions.

Does cornmeal or baking soda kill ants?

There are quite a few ant-killing myths. Contrary to popular belief, cornmeal does not kill ants or make them explode. In fact, ants LOVE cornmeal, so spreading it around the house is an open dinner invitation. Plus, here’s how ants know there are crumbs on your floor.

In reality, baking soda is food to ants, plain and simple. But just because baking soda doesn’t repel and kill ants doesn’t mean it isn’t useful in other ways. Check out these 14 clever uses for baking soda at home.