Ant control in the exterior of a house is very different than on the interior of a house. After all, it’s their turf outside, not necessarily ours! But still, homeowners must often control and manage ant populations on the property. Ants are an important part of the ecosystem, but their colonies can wreak havoc on plants, wood, outdoor kitchens, and in the case of fire ants, human bodies! To combat and prevent outdoor infestations, many people use outdoor baits. These baits are usually slow-acting poisons that spread throughout an entire colony and end it at its source: the queen.
So what is the best outdoor ant killer? In this article, we’ll look at several different ant control solutions.
All ant killers should be kept away from children, livestock, and pets that might be tempted to consume the sweet bait. This includes our top choice, the Bayer Advanced Complete Ant Killer Plus.
- Kills ants plus more than 30 other listed outdoor...
- Effective home perimeter treatment
- Easy-to-use shaker top applicator
- 1.5 lb. Treats up to 1, 500 Square feet
- 2-way action formula treats below-soil insects up...
Last update on 2024-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Out of the various outdoor ant killers examined in the review, the best was the Bayer Advanced Complete Ant Killer Plus. It targets most species of ants as well as other pests. It works over a large area and becomes weatherproof and waterproof after being applied. It’s also inexpensive and easy to apply.
Top Five Best Outdoor Ant Killer
Last update on 2024-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top Choice: Bayer Advanced Complete Ant Killer Plus
Bayer Advanced Complete Ant Killer Plus is a powerful pesticide capable of killing most species of ants, including fire ants. It also tackles 30 other common outdoor pests like ticks, fleas, and cockroaches. The product comes in granule form and can be applied through a shaker in the bottle. The manufacturer recommends the granules be spread in a perimeter around the desired area of protection.
The pesticide contains two active ingredients for maximum effectiveness: Imidacloprid – 0.15% and Beta-Cyfluthrin – 0.05%. The area where the granules are spread should be watered after application so the pesticides seep into the soil.
Out of all the ant killers for lawns reviewed here, the best ant colony killer is the Bayer Advanced Complete Ant Killer Plus because of its effectiveness, value, and ability to eliminate multiple pests. Unlike other items on this list, it can kill other pests like cockroaches and fleas and contains two active ingredients for double efficiency. These are the best ant killer granules available.
It lasts for three months, targets surface and soil pests, and becomes waterproof after use.
Key Points at a Glance
- Kills Ants and 30 Additional Pests
- Comes in an easy-to-apply granule form
- Treats an area up to 1,500 SF for 3 Months
- Kills Surface Pests in 24 Hours
- Waterproof After Application
- Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid – 0.15% and Beta-Cyfluthrin – 0.05%
- Comes with Shaker
- Kills ants plus more than 30 other listed outdoor pests including...
- Effective home perimeter treatment
- Easy-to-use shaker top applicator
- 1.5 lb. Treats up to 1, 500 Square feet
- 2-way action formula treats below-soil insects up to 3 months
Last update on 2024-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Runner Up: AMDRO Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait Granules
Coming in a close second place on this list is the runner up: AMDRO Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait Granules. It’s similar to the Bayer Advanced Complete Ant Killer Plus and can be applied through a shaker. It doesn’t cover the same large area as Bayer and doesn’t affect other types of pests, but still works on most species of ants.
It’s effective, efficient, and inexpensive, making it a great choice for people who can’t get their hands on the Bayer brand.
The AMDRO Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait Granules comes in a white bottle with a red label. The active ingredient is Hydramethylnon, and the pesticide comes in granule form. These granules can be spread around the perimeter of a home through a shaker included in the cap of the product’s bottle.
The granules are easy to apply and can last up to three months in someone’s yard without being washed away. The manufacturer claims the mixture is capable of eliminating 25 separate ant species.
The AMDRO Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait Granules just barely missed first place. This product is cost-efficient, effective, and easy to apply. The only downsides are in comparison to Bayer Advanced Complete Ant Killer Plus, which covers more area, eliminates more ant species, and can kill additional pests.
However, if the Bayer is not available, or you prefer an ant bait format, then AMDRO Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait Granules is one of the best ant killer bait systems on the market.
Key Points at a Glance
- Active Ingredient: Hydramethylnon
- Granule Form
- Easy to Apply
- Comes with Shaker
- Kills 25 Ant Species
- Lasts 3 Months
- Treats 1,080 Linear Feet
- Baits and kills ants outside before they come inside
- Kills the queen and the entire colony
- Kills fire ants, carpenter ants and 23 other ant species
- Creates a barrier around your home for maximum protection from ants...
- Shake ant bait around the perimeter of your home to kill ants
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Budget: TERRO T1812 Outdoor Liquid Ant Killer Bait Stakes
For those who don’t want to spend too much, a good budget pick is the TERRO T1812 Outdoor Liquid Ant Killer Bait Stakes. These stakes can be placed anywhere in a yard and contain a powerful pesticide that targets most species of ants. The stakes are inexpensive and easy to use, making them a good option for people who have ants but want to save money or are simply limited by their budget.
The TERRO (Terro) T1812 Outdoor Liquid Ant Killer Bait Stakes (Terro T1812 Ant Killer) is a form of outdoor ant killer that features bait stations filled with pesticides. The active ingredient is the formula is borax, a proven toxin capable of eliminating entire colonies of common ants, including odorous and black ants.
Each station is green and weatherproof. Bait windows let the user know how much pesticide is left in the container.
The Terro T1812 Ant Killer bait stations are not as effective as the granules but can be placed anywhere throughout a yard and have protection from the rain and other environmental factors. The pesticide is effective and the stakes stay in place well. Although the stations do not cover much area, they are an inexpensive way to stop ant populations from invading interiors.
For this reason, they are this review’s budget pick since they cost little, are effective, but are not as powerful as the AMDRO Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait Granules or the winner: Bayer Advanced Complete Ant Killer Plus.
Key Points at a Glance
- Features Bait Stations
- Stations Include Stakes
- Green
- Active Ingredient: Borax
- Weatherproof
- Includes Bait Window
- Includes 8 Bait Stations
- Attracts & Kills – Kills common household ants including acrobat,...
- Kills the Ants You See & the Ones You Don't – As worker ants...
- Works Fast – You should see a significant decrease in the number of...
- Ready to Use – Insert stakes and break the tab, then watch it...
- For Outdoor Use – Place the bait stakes in outdoor areas where...
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Ant Killer Liquid: Terro 1806 Outdoor Liquid Ant Bait
The Terro 1806 Outdoor Liquid Ant Bait is a powerful pesticide contained in pre-filled bait stations. Each bait station is sealed except for an opening for the ants and holds 1 fl. oz. of liquid. The active ingredient in the pesticide is Borax, which is proven to work against most ant species found in the United States.
The manufacturer claims the Terro 1806 bait stations work on Argentine, ghost, cornfield, pavement, acrobat, white-footed, little black, and odorous house ants. Other sweet-seeking ants will also be affected and attracted to the pesticide.
The biggest concern here is leaking during shipping. Many purchasers report receiving products that had spilled inside the box and were useless because the pesticide was no longer in the station.
Others state the stations are easily knocked over while in the yard and become useless as the borax solution seeps into the ground.
Although the Terro 1806 Outdoor Liquid Ant Bait is effective, the issues with leaking make it a less-than-optimal choice.
Key Points at a Glance
- Uses Pre-Filled Bait Stations
- Active Ingredient: Borax
- Weatherproof
- Uses Stakes
- Works on Tough Species Like Argentine Ants
- Green
Dimensions and Specs
- Package Contains 6 Bait Stations
- Weighs 1 lb.
- Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.2 x 3.1 in.
- Bait Stations Hold 1 fl. oz.
- Kills the ants you see and the ants you don’t
- Pre filled bait stations are ready to use
- Contains sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Borax) (5.40%) and other...
- Flexible placement: in the ground using the stakes or on decks, or in...
- Patented station protects the bait from the elements, prevents it from...
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Ant Bait Gel: Combat Max Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel
The Combat Max Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel (Combat Max Ant Killing Gel) contains the active ingredient Fipronil. This is a fast-acting pesticide condensed into gel form. The product comes in a syringe that allows for easy application.
The gel can be applied indoors and outdoors and claims to start poisoning ants within 1 hour of ingestion. This time frame gives the pests enough time to return to the colony and spread the pesticide.
Full results can be seen within 3-5 days, at which point the colony should be wiped out.
The Combat Max Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel is an effective outdoor pesticide that works well on localized colonies near buildings like houses and backyard sheds. The solution is inexpensive, easy to apply, and has rapid results due to the nature of the formula.
The main downsides are that the gel can dry quickly when exposed to sun and that the gel is not sweet, which might deter some ants. The container also contains very little pesticide, which is not good for the average sized yard.
For these reasons, Combat Max Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel does not make the top of this review like the Bayer Advanced Complete Ant Killer Plus.
Key Points at a Glance
- Comes in a Gel Format
- Starts Killing Within 1 Hour of Ingestion
- Guarantees Results In 3-5 Days
- Syringe Application
- Easy to Use
- High Water Content
- Active Ingredient: Fipronil
- For Indoor and Outdoor Use
Dimensions and Specs
- Product Dimensions: 1.4 x 4.6 x 7.1 in.
- Contains 4 oz. of Pesticide
- Helps get rid of ants in just 3 to 5 days
- Best used in cracks and crevices where ants enter the home
- Eliminates the entire ant colony
- Fipronil, one of the most powerful ant killers, starts to exterminate...
- This package contains one 0.95 ounce syringe of Combat Max Ant Killing...
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Who Should Buy Outdoor Ant Killer?
Most people looking for outdoor ant killers and sprays are looking to control the ant population in the vicinity of their home and garden areas. Ants are outdoor creatures, and in many cases are quite beneficial to the ecosystem. Their role in soil management and in the food chain is important to consider.
But in many cases, ants can be problems, even outside.
Certainly, ants like fire ants are a major concern for many homeowners (and this reviewer — I had to go to the emergency room after being stung several times by fire ants due to an allergic reaction). And other ants like carpenter ants can be a huge problem for houses.
But often ants populate edge areas around patios and gardens and are simply a nuisance rather than a significant danger.
It is clearly acceptable to control ants in these areas, as a nasty ant infestation can really detract from your quality of life outdoors.
Important Features to Consider
In this section, we’ll look at several importat features to consider when shopping for an ant control system.
Type of Material and Method of Application
There are few different ways ant killers are packaged. Let’s look at them here.
Granules
Granules are probably the most common format for outdoor ant killers. These treatments are designed to be spread out in a line in order to form a barrier that ants should not cross. Alternately, they can be spread all across an area using a broadcast spreader or other method of blanketing the lawn or garden area.
Liquid
Liquid ant killers come in a few different types. Some come in a package that functions as a pool of liquid that ants like the taste or smell of. These baits need to rest on the ground and cannot be tipped over. They’re often rather finicky, though if you’re careful with them, these can be effective.
Other liquid ant killers come in a spray bottle that gets attached to a garden hose. These liquid sprays can be quite effective at controlling ants, and are basically a concentrated liquid formula in a bottle. The concentrate gets mixed with water, and applied across a lawn or yard area in diluted form to control ants.
In-Ground Bait Stations
In-ground baits are typically stakes that get inserted into the ground in various spots where ants are particularly troublesome. These baits attract the ants, and ultimately cause them to poison the colony, and therefore control the population.
Sprays
Ant killer sprays sometimes come in can format. These sprays are ideal for targeting ants in a specific, hard-to-reach location. If you happen to have an ant infestation in a crevasse at the edge of your house that could be sprayed with a liquid spray, these application devices are a great choice. But for wider, more long-term ant control, these are generally a poor choice.
Pest Control Duration
Another factor that’s important to consider is the length of time the ants will be controlled for. Some applications are only supposed to be reapplied once per season, while others are designed to be reapplied every couple of months, or even more frequently.
Depending on your needs, time, and the severity of your ant problem, you’ll have different needs for duration.
Types of Ants Controlled
There are thousands of different ant species, and certain types of ants respond differently to different chemicals. Notably, pharoh ants, carpenter ants, and fire ants often don’t respond to the types of insecticides that kill other species of ants. So if you have an infestation of these types of ants, you may need to pick some other options or try multiple insecticides until you find one that is effective for the ant problem you face.
Types of Pesticides Used
Various ant control methods use different pesticides depending on the brand and design. The most common ant-killer pesticide is probably borax, but there are several others out there, such as Fipronil and Hydramethylnon. Keep in mind that these poisons can also harm children and pets, so you need to be extra careful and consider the other creatures that will be living near your ant baits!
Outdoor Ant Killer FAQ
Why are there So Many Ants in My Yard?
That’s where ants live! Most ants that nest in lawns and yards are not pest ants, and are generally beneficial species. Unless you happen to have something peculiar occurring in your yard, you probably don’t need to eradicate the ants in your lawn.
Troublesome ants are those that infest along the edges of patios where people will be eating and lounging, and dangerous ants like fire ants that can cause harm. These ants need to be dealt with outdoors.
How Do I Find Ant Nests in the Lawn and Garden?
This can be tricky in some cases but can be quite easy in others. Usually all you need to do is observe the ants for a short while, and eventually, they will make their way back to the nest. Often you can find ants traveling in packs, so it can be fairly easy to “jump” from one ant back to the one following that ant. Eventually, you’ll find where the ants are exiting the ground, and find the colony.
Of course, when you’re dealing with dangerous ants like fire ants, you need to be careful, particularly when you get near the nest.
Can You Apply Ant Killers in the Rain?
Most ant killers are not designed to be applied within 24 hours of a rainstorm. This depends on the type of ant control system you choose, but many of them will get washed away if you attempt to apply them just after or just before a rainstorm. You’ll have to pay attention to your weather to find the optimal time to put out your baits.
This is one of the reasons outdoor ant poisons are a bit more difficult to work with than indoor ant baits.
Can You Apply Ant Killer in a Garden?
If it’s a vegetable garden we’re talking, most of the time it’s not wise to be applying any non-organic chemicals. Unfortunately, that means that any ant control in and around food is more difficult than elsewhere on the lawn.
Are Ant Killers Poisonous to Dogs?
Dogs are generally large enough that if they were to ingest a small amount of insecticide, most likely they would not be harmed. However, if a dog were to ingest an entire ant bait, or all of the contents of an ant bait, it could possibly be harmed.
For this reason, it’s best to keep your dog, as well as any babies or small children, away from ant baits outdoors!
Other Ant Killers We Reviewed
Over the course of our research, we looked at eight other outdoor ant killer options. While many of these products were quite effective at achieving their goal, they didn’t make the top five list discussed above. In this section, we’ll go over a brief summary of the various other options to choose from.
Roundup 4385404 Pest Control, 10 Lb.
Lately, Roundup has been getting knocked around in the media, after the lawsuits and questions surrounding its safety have become more and more evident. This is certainly a big negative against the brand! But not only that, the granules don’t work all that well at killing ants, so it’s best to skip this one!
Key Points at a Glance
- Granule Format
- Designed to not harm lawns
- Designed to kill 100+ types of insects
Ortho 12-Ounce Orthene Fire Ant Killer
If fire ants are your primary problem, the Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer is a good solution! This stuff works especially well on fire ants but is specifically designed only for fire ant mounds and fire ants. It’s not so useful when dealing with other types of ants.
Keep in mind that this stuff is only sold in certain states, and requires a second “stage” to complete the fire-ant eradication process. These are among the best fire ant killers for lawns, though.
Key Points at a Glance
- Targets fire ants particularly
- Some formats only sold in certain states
- Part of a two-step solution
Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer For Lawns
The Triazicide Insect Killer for lawns is a reliable insect control system that works pretty well at easily and effectively controlling ants in the yard. It helps keep the lawn healthy, though it’s not the most effective killer of ants in particular. It does work pretty well on fire ants, but it doesn’t manage all ant populations.
Key Points at a Glance
- Comes in granule format
- Designed to kill 100+ types of insects, including most ants, and ticks
- Designed to manage ant populations all season long
Ortho Bug B Gon Insect Killer for Lawns & Gardens
Ortho’s Bug B Gon lawn control system works pretty well. It functions in a similar way to liquid lawn fertilizers, in that the bottle gets attached to a garden hose, which then causes the pesticide to be sprayed across the lawn.
It’s designed to kill a whole slew of insects and only needs to be applied every six months. It’s an effective general insect control solution, but it’s not the best at tackling ants in particular.
Key Points at a Glance
- Comes in a liquid format
- Attaches to hose to spray on lawn
- Effective ant and bug control system
TERRO T1700 19 oz. Outdoor Ant Killer Spray
The TERRO T1700 Outdoor Ant Killer Spray is an outstanding option for ants that have nested in a hard-to-reach spot, or for those who are infesting around a door or window where you can’t easily put up other types of baits.
For spot control, this spray is a great option, but it’s not as effective in the long term for ant control. Often the ants that are sprayed die, but the colony survives.
The problem with this one is that the tab that’s designed to pop off before you spray doesn’t work well, and often breaks improperly. If you have that happen to you, you can end up spraying yourself with poison! Be careful when breaking, and test the spray away from your face.
When it does work, though, the Terro T1700 is the best ant killer spray.
Key Points at a Glance
- Great for targetting ants in a small, confined area
- Sprays up to 15′ in distance
- Break-off tab doesn’t work well
Safer 51703 Diatomaceous Earth-Bed Bug Flea, Ant, Crawling Insect Killer
Safer’s Insect Control option is a decent choice for outdoor ant control. The ants ingest the diatomaceous earth, which quickly dehydrates and kills them. What’s unusual about this stuff is that it doesn’t include an insecticide, but rather a chemical that dehydrates the ants and causes them to die. This is helpful, in that the ants can’t develop a resistance to diatomaceous earth.
It’s not the most effective ant killer out there, and it’s not pet safe, either. Safer’s Insect Control 51703 is a decent ant killing solution, but there are better options around.
Key Points at a Glance
- Diatomaceous Earth-based outdoor insect control
- Doesn’t use a poison, so ants don’t develop resistance.
- Granule format
Black Flag Extreme Lawn Insect Killer and Fungus Control System
Blag Flag’s Extreme lawn insect and fungus control system is an interesting dual-action choice, but it is more effective at controlling those funky fungi than invading ants! The option to handle both tasks at once is helpful, but in many cases, you don’t need to control one or the other, so having the package results in significant waste.
Keep in mind that you’ll need a broadcast spreader to apply this stuff.
Key Points at a Glance
- Kills insects and controls fungi
- Need to use a broadcast spreader to apply these granules
- Works better at controlling fungus than insects
Demon Max Insecticide Pint 25.3% Cypermethrin
The Demon Max Insecticide certainly has the most powerful name of any insecticide on our list! And add to that the fact that currently on Amazon, this product has precisely 666 reviews, we don’t know if this one is a good idea to mess with!
Of course, the Demon Max Insecticide is an extremely powerful insect control solution, but it’s relatively expensive. For most ant control circumstances, you probably don’t need to spend this much to get the results you require. It is perhaps the best ant mound killer.
Key Points at a Glance
- Powerful insecticide often used by professionals
- A rather expensive solution
- Comes in liquid format
Conclusion: Best Ant Killer on the Market
It can be difficult to review outdoor ant killers since they all use different pesticides, but it’s easy to determine their effectiveness by how rapidly the colony is eliminated.
Out of the products reviewed here, the winner is the Bayer Advanced Complete Ant Killer Plus because it covers a broad area, isn’t expensive, and is effective.
In second place is AMDRO Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait Granules because it is also efficient but covers less surface area than Bayer.
Finally, those on a budget can’t go wrong with the TERRO T1812 Outdoor Liquid Ant Killer Bait Stakes.
Last update on 2024-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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