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Get rid of an ant infestation with these highly-rated ant killers.
Better Homes & Gardens.
In This Article
Seeing ants crawling anywhere in your home can be unsettling.
They usually make their way into homes looking for food, water, or shelter.
Ants arent just a nuisance; they may contaminate food, damage property, and even bite or sting.
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So, what are the best killers to get rid of these pests?
Its liquid, so its possible for the bait to spill out.
These also come with a snap-off tab, so no scissors are needed to open them.
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Theyll take the bait back to the colony and slowly kill the rest of them.
Just keep in mind, it may take up to two weeks to fully get rid of the ants.
Since these ant traps are liquid, its possible for them to leak.
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They contain peanuts or peanut by-products.
Those looking for a cost-effective product may want to try Raid Ant Killer Baits.
They come in packs of four or eight and are expected to kill ants for up to three months.
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It requires an software process.
A few more pluses: Its odorless and doesnt stain the areas where its applied.
It can be difficult to monitor when the bait depletes.
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This can help keep them out of sight or away from children and pets.
They also have a two-color design (white and brown) so they blend in with most home decor.
Its best applied at certain times and cant be used near gardens.
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Its important to be strategic when applying this ant bait.
Its best to apply this in the early morning or late evening when ants are the most active.
And if you have a garden or crops, see to it to avoid that area, too.
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It may not work in hot and dry conditions.
Fire ants, which are usually only found outside, are intrusive and can sting.
These are ants you really want to get rid of or at least keep at a minimum.
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Theres also no need to water the product into the ground, and one bottle works for 162 mounds.
ensure to apply this when ants are active and not before it rains or during heavy dew.
That is meant to stop new mounds for up to six months.
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The app is messier than other ant killers.
It also promises to be odorless and non-staining.
Another plus is it targets termites, too.
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One downside: The program process is a bit messier than other ant killers on this list.
The smell may be overpowering, and you may need to reapply quickly.
Its made of plant-based ingredients and can be effective for smaller infestations of ants.
It comes in a spray bottle, which also makes it easy to use.
The active ingredient in this product is peppermint oil, which is known to repel many insects.
The downside is it can feel like an overpowering odor for some and can linger.
The spray is effective for up to seven days, so you may need to reapply often.
It may dry out after being applied.
And it can be used outside as well.
It also may dry out quickly, particularly in very hot weather, so you might need to reapply.
It doesnt repel or prevent ants from coming into your home.
The formula is safe to use indoors, and it has a locking cap to help prevent accidental sprays.
To use, spray directly on ants when you notice them in your home.
Keep in mind that this doesnt prevent ants from coming into your house, it just exterminates existing ones.
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There are various types of ant killers.
But for the best ant killer, experts recommend you use products that work as baits.
The reason is these lure nearby ants, which then take some bait from the trap to their nest.
The ants begin eating it, and eventually, the colony gets wiped out.
Experts generally advise against kill-on-contact sprays as they dont kill the ant colony.
They can also be dangerous for other species.
Your Questions, Answered
How often should I treat for ants?
It all depends on the situation.
But remember, you may be able to prevent an infestation in the first place.
Homeowners should clean up sugary sweet liquids or spills quickly.
Also, dontstore firewoodinside or next to the home.
How quickly can ants infest your home?
An ant infestation can happen fairly quickly.
You will likely spot those ants roaming around your kitchen and bathroom.
How fast do ant killers work?
There are various methods and materials to get rid of ants.
How fast the ants are removed typically depends on the size of the infestation.
Smaller ant infestations may be controlled within 24 to 48 hours while larger ones can take longer.
It is best to look at ants as a superorganism because ants operate as one colony.
Killing a few ants directly does not have much of an effect on the overall colony, Dobrinska explains.
To make this list of best ant killers, she considered ratings and effectiveness of each product.
This article was updated byBrandi Fuller, who is a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens.
She has also written about pest control, birdhouses, plants, and gardening.
