The Best Outdoor Ant Killers
Ants can get super annoying when you can’t get rid of them.
People use sprays or liquid ant killer to eliminate them, but not all of them are effective.
Just like that, there are different types of ants such as little black ants, pavement, crazy ants, etc.
Therefore, the killers’ product should target specific ant species.
However, the best ant killers are effective against all ant types.
To help you get rid of these insects, we formed a list of top ten ant killers on the market.
Also, you can check our buying guide for more information about the effectiveness of the ant killers.
Highest Rated Outdoor Ant Killers (by Customer Reviews)
- 1TERRO-PCO Ant Killer
- 2Bayer Advanced 502832 Fire Ant Killer
- 3Cutter Backyard bug control spray
- 4TERRO PreFilled liquid ant killer
- 5Spectracide Triazicide insect killer
- 6TERRO T600 ant killer
- 7Ortho home defense MAX insect killer
- 8TERRO T1812-2 outdoor liquid ant killer
- 9Ambro ant killer
- 10TERRO 1806 outdoor liquid ant killer
1
TERRO-PCO Ant Killer
This ant killer from Terro comes in liquid form and ready to use.
It is safe to use in hospitals, schools, at home, kindergartens, etc.
The product attracts ant and eliminates them using Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate (borax).
This ant Terro ant killer has long-lasting effects and minimal mammalian toxicity.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy application
- Comes ready to use
- Effective
Cons
- Small packaging for the price
Jake's TakeThis Terro ant killer is very effective and can remove ants in less than 24 hours.
On top of everything, they won’t come back so the results are almost permanent.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Bayer Advanced 502832 Fire Ant Killer
This BioAdvanced ant killer comes in convenient packaging and ready to use.
The bottle has a shaker top, so you easily sprinkle it on the spots where you need it.
It is capable of killing the entire and colony, as well as the ant queen.
This ant killer doesn’t need watering to start working
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Pros
- Shaker top application
- Immediate start
Cons
- Outdoor use only
Jake's TakeThis BioAdvance ant killer is highly effective and has an immediate reaction.
Just keep in mind not to use inside the house.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Cutter Backyard bug control spray
This product from Cutter eliminates ants, but also other insects such as fleas and mosquitoes.
It comes as a concentrate and the application is via spray.
The product is effective for up to 12 weeks and can cover 5000 square feet of lawn.
It contains Lambda-Cyhalothrin, an active ingredient with a fast reaction.
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Pros
- Easy application
- Covers large area
Cons
- Outdoor use only
Jake's TakeYou can attach this concentrate to the garden hose and spray the entire backyard.
Repeat the process after three months and you might eliminate ants for good.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
TERRO PreFilled liquid ant killer
This Terro product contains a fast-acting borax formula that is highly effective.
You can use it both indoor and outdoor.
One pack has six bait stations that attract the ants and remove them.
The packaging prevents the product from drying.
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Pros
- Convenient packaging
- Easy to use
Cons
- You need more product to be effective
Jake's TakeTerro produces some of the most efficacious ant killers on the market.
This one is excellent for indoor use.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Spectracide Triazicide insect killer
This Spectracide ant killer is intended for lawn use.
It is suitable for more than 100 insect species, both above and in the ground.
The formula is effective and kills on contact, with fast effects.
The granular formula requires watering after application.
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Pros
- High effectiveness against numerous insects
- High coverage
Cons
- Only for use between July and October
Jake's TakeIf you have more insects problem, this Spectracide insect killer is an excellent solution.
Water it sparsely and the formula will be active.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
TERRO T600 ant killer
This Terro ant dust contains waterproof formula suitable for use indoor and outdoor.
It is effective up to eight months after first use.
You can use it for ants, cockroaches, spiders and other insects.
The ant dust is suitable for use in cracks and crevices.
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Pros
- Shaker use
- Long-lasting insects control
Cons
- A bit messy
Jake's TakeIf you need a durable control of various insects, pick this Terro ant dust.
One packaging contains one pound of formula, which can be enough for smaller areas.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
Ortho home defense MAX insect killer
This Ortho Home Defense ant killer contains non-staining and odor-free formula.
It comes in a bottle with a convenient handle for easier application.
With the bottle, you get an extended wand, which allows you to reach distant places and tricky to apply the product.
It provides up to 12 months of insect protection.
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Pros
- Long-lasting protection
- Comes with the extended reach wand
Cons
- A bit pricier
Jake's TakeOne packaging of the Ortho ant killer contains more than 10 pounds and the effects last a year.
It is an excellent product and very practical.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
TERRO T1812-2 outdoor liquid ant killer
This Terro ant killer is water-proof and borax-based.
It comes ready to use out from the box, and it kills all household ants quickly.
One pack contains 16 bait stakes.
The formula contains water, sugar, and borax and comes pre-filled.
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Pros
- Waterproof
- Easy to use
Cons
- Complete control may take two weeks
Jake's TakeIf you take your time to properly place and monitor the ant killing process, this Terro product comes as a long term solution.
It is easy to use and effective against all ants.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Ambro ant killer
This Amdro ant killer comes in a bottle with 24 ounces of product.
It is suitable for outdoor use and provides 3-months long ant protection around your house.
You can use it against 25 ant species, including fire ants and carpenter ants.
The product features dual-action – attracts the ants and kill the whole mound.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- One bottle sufficient for several uses around the house
- Kills the entire colony including the queen
Cons
- Not suitable for use when it is raining
Jake's TakeThis product is both cost-efficient and effective against ants.
It has a delayed action, which makes it suitable for killing the entire colony.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
TERRO 1806 outdoor liquid ant killer
This Terro patented station is a convenient way to kill ants for a long time.
It is excellent for outdoor placement, but you can use it inside the house as well.
The packaging includes one patented station and six prefilled bait units.
It is easy to use, just push and twist the bait cup.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Works for a variety of ant species
- Long-term solution
- Both indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Baits should be replaced every three months
Jake's TakeThis Terro product is a revolutionary solution against boring ants.
Just remember to change the bait every three months to preserve the effectiveness.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Outdoor Ant Killers Buying Guide
Almost everyone has had to deal with ants one point in their life.
Unfortunately, the ant problem is frequent, and finding a permanent solution is almost impossible.
Whatever you do, the ants will come back.
Therefore, finding a proper ant killer is almost as impossible as getting rid of the ants.
Our buying guide will sort out the main ant killer types, the advantages, the disadvantages, the performance, the indoor and outdoor use, etc.
Ants usually live outside in our lawn and they are attracted to sugar.
So, they can go inside the house, and that is when killing them may be even harder.
That is because not all indoor formulas are useful.
There are many ant types but the most common people face in their houses or yards is fire ants, Pharaoux ants or Odorous ants.
Some products work for all ant types, but some can be more suitable for one specie.
The effectiveness of the formula can depend on the application type as well.
Therefore, always read the guidelines about the proper application of an ant killer.
The Ant Killer Forms
The products for killing ant come in various form and features different formulas.
Some are bait-based and have slower, but effective performance.
Others can kill on contact, and the best example is a spray.
Choosing the appropriate form depends on your preferences, location of the colony and size of the ant problem.
Let’s have a quick overview of each ant killer option on the market.
Ant Traps
Ant traps are in the form of a small container that holds the ant trap.
The trap can be sugar and water mixed with strong, delayed-release insecticide.
The most convenient ant traps come prefilled with baits, and all you have to do is simply place the bait on the floor or anywhere else you have noticed the ants.
The containers can be clear or colored.
People prefer clear containers because it is easy to see if the ants ate the bait.
Ant traps can be effective in killing the mound because the ant will eat the bait and take it to the mound.
Then, the insecticide will be released, eliminating other ants.
The ant traps are suitable for indoor use.
Also, they are effective because when the Queen dies, other ants will die shortly after.
The disadvantage of the ant traps is that it can attract too many ants.
Therefore, it can cause a larger problem, if the formula isn’t effective.
Also, the ant traps sometimes can require placing several of them around.
Therefore, it can be a costly method of eliminating ants.
Ant Sprays
Ant sprays are another method of killing the ants.
It is a convenient way because of ease of use and killing on the contact method.
The aerosol in the product can either kill or work as a repellant.
Because of the relevant features, sprays can be a more permanent solution.
However, it depends on the formula.
Also, some sprays are toxic for people and pets, so if you plan to use them, you should pay extra attention to placement.
Sprays are an excellent choice for instant reaction and solution.
The best way to use ant spray is to combine it with some other ant killing products, such as ant traps.
The trap will kill the mound and the spray will ensure that ants won’t come back.
You should apply it regularly, following the instruction on the product.
The primary downside of the spray is that it won’t kill the entire colony.
Ant Gels
Ant gels are easy to apply on difficult to reach places, such as cracks or spots.
Usually, the ants come into your home via these cracks, so applying a gel can keep them away.
The gel comes in a tube or a convenient syringe for easier application.
The gel holds concentrated insecticide, which can kill on contact but also spread around to the entire colony.
You can use gel ant killer both inside and outside.
if you wish to use gel, make sure that you identify the type of ants you are having a problem with, to ensure maximum effectiveness.
For example, fire and carpenter ants need different insecticide.
The main advantage of gel is that you can use it to fill the holes and other places, for example, the ceiling.
The gel can be effective for over a month, so it is a convenient way to deal with ants.
The downsides of ant gel are related to drying.
The gel is waterproof when dry, but if you place it outside and it rains, it won’t be effective.
Also, gel sometimes needs two days to dry down.
On the other hand, some gel loses their effectiveness when they get completely dry.
Ant Granules
Ant granules work as a bait to attract the ants, hold the insecticide and take it to the Queen and destroy the entire mound.
You can use granules inside the house, as well as outside with the same performance.
However, some granules need watering for a formula to become active, so they are more for outdoor use.
Also, the poison is effective for a few days.
Granules can be a long-term solution.
Also, the rain won’t mess with the poison, so you can say those are waterproof.
Granules are also excellent solutions for people who have pets because they won’t harm them.
They are safe to use around people and pets and target several ant species.
The cons of using ant granules are related to size.
Granules are larger, and an ant can sometimes avoid them, so they won’t take a bait.
Also, granules can require more effort to work.
For example, you will have to cut the grass, water it properly or use a broadcast spreader to cover the lawn evenly.
Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
The IGR contains a substance called Pyriproxyfen (Nylar).
The application is different from others; you should pour it on the mound.
The basic purpose of it is to extinct the entire colony.
However, the performance is slow and can take four months, for the process to be complete.
Conclusion
Finding a permanent solution for ants is a tough challenge.
The ants are a persistent and common problem for many people.
There is several ant killers’ option on the market.
Those are ant traps, gels, sprays, and granules.
When buying an ant killer, first decide whether you will use it indoor or outdoor.
Traps are for example a convenient way to deal with indoor ants, and granules are suitable for outdoor use.
Also, check whether the product kills on contact or has a repealing or delayed effect.
Products that kill on contact are instant responses, but they don’t provide permanent effects.
To ensure a long-lasting effect, make sure that the product can kill an entire mound.
What's your take on Outdoor Ant Killers? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
