Stop an Infestation with the 10 Best Ant Killers of 2024

Seeing ants crawling anywhere in your home can be unsettling. If you live in an area with seasonal changes, that will likely occur in mid-spring when temperatures rise and outside resources dwindle for ants. They usually make their way into homes looking for food, water, or shelter.

“Ants are commensal pests, meaning they like to live close to people and eat some of the same things we do,” says Benjamin Hottel, an entomologist with Orkin, a pest control company.

Ants aren’t just a nuisance; they may contaminate food, damage property, and even bite or sting. So, what are the best ant killers to get rid of these pests? Experts agree calling a pest control company is always a smart way to go, but there are ways to get rid of them on your own, too.

To find the best ant killers, we took a look at ease, effectiveness, and ratings, and we also spoke to Hottel and Thomas Dobrinska, a board-certified entomologist with Ehrlich Pest Control, to get the rundown on ants.

Disclaimer About Ant Killer Treatments

Ant killers may contain ingredients that can be toxic if ingested or cause irritation if they come in contact with the skin or eyes. It’s important to be cautious while using any ant killers when you have children or pets, even if the insecticides are considered low toxicity or are labeled natural, child-resistant, or pet safe. Always make sure to read the instructions for information on safety around children and pets, and speak to an expert if you have any concerns.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Terro Liquid Ant Baits at Amazon ($15)

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Best Budget:

Raid Ant Killer Baits at Amazon ($7)

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Best Splurge:

Syngenta Advion Ant Gel at Amazon ($32)

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Best for Indoors:

Terro Multi-Surface Liquid Ant Baits at Amazon ($8)

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Best for Outdoor:

Amdro Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Killer Bait at Amazon (See Price)

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Best for Fire Ants:

Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer at Amazon ($12)

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Best for Carpenter Ants:

Harris Carpenter Ant Killer & Termite Control Treatment at Amazon ($27)

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Best Pet-Safe:

Aunt Fannie's Ant Remedy at Amazon ($13)

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Best Natural:

Mighty Mint Ant Killer at Amazon ($19)

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Best Fast-Acting:

Combat Max Ant Killing Gel at Amazon ($5)

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Best Overall

Amazon

View On Amazon $15 View On Target $8 View On Walmart $18

Why You Should Get It

These are simple to use and come in a pack of 12.

Keep in Mind

It’s liquid, so it’s possible for the bait to spill out.

When it comes to the best ant killers, Terro T300b Liquid Ant Baits are one of the most simple and effective options. All you need to do is place one of the traps where you’ve noticed numerous ants or spotted an ant trail. And since these come in a pack of 12, you can place the ant traps all around the house, including on windowsills, in corners, or under pantry cabinets. These also come with a snap-off tab, so no scissors are needed to open them.

After putting down these traps, you may initially see more ants, but that’s not a bad thing: The insects are showing up because they are attracted to the liquid inside. They’ll 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, it’s possible for them to leak. The good news is you can clean it by placing a hot sponge or cloth over the spilled ant bait for about an hour and then wiping the area clean, according to the manufacturer.

Product Details: Bait Type: Liquid | Approved Use: Indoors ‎| Active Ingredients: Borax | Safe for Pets: Not listed | Effective Time: Up to two weeks

Best Budget

Amazon

View On Amazon $7 View On Walmart $20 View On Lowe's $7

Why You Should Get It

These baits are easy to place around the house.

Keep in Mind

They contain peanuts or peanut by-products.

Those looking for a cost-effective best ant killer may want to try Raid Ant Killer Baits. These traps are simple to use—just separate the ant stations with one snap and place them where you’ve seen the insects. They come in packs of four or eight and are expected to kill ants for up to three months.

These bait traps do need to be replaced every three months, so you’ll want to keep track of when you first placed them around the house. They also contain peanuts or peanut by-products, which means they may not be the best ant killer option for homes with individuals with peanut allergies.

Product Details: Bait Type: Granules | Approved Use: Indoors ‎| Active Ingredients: Avermectin B1 | Safe for Pets: No | Effective Time: Not listed

Best Splurge

Amazon

View On Amazon $32 View On Walmart $31

Why You Should Get It

There’s no odor, it doesn’t stain, and it targets all major ant species.

Keep in Mind

It requires an application process.

The Syngenta Advion Ant Gel Bait is an effective product that targets all major ant species, including pharaoh, harvester, and foraging red imported fire ants. You can apply the gel in cracks and crevices found in your home, as well as at outdoor entry points. A few more pluses: It’s odorless and doesn’t stain the areas where it’s applied.

On that note, this gel bait does require an application process, so it’s not as simple as leaving out a trap. And while it’s meant to be used directly on surfaces in your home, you can place the gel on a strip of wax paper or a paper plate for easier cleanup.

Product Details: Bait Type: Gel | Approved Use: Indoors, Outdoors ‎| Active Ingredients: Indoxacarb | Safe for Pets: No | Effective Time: Three days

Best for Indoors

Walmart

View On Amazon $8 View On Walmart $12 View On Lowe's $8

Why You Should Get It

These baits can attach to a vertical surface.

Keep in Mind

It can be difficult to monitor when the bait depletes.

Made to target household ants, the Terro Multi-Surface Liquid Ant Baits come with adhesive strips so you can attach them to your wall or under cabinets. 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.

One issue with these is their design makes it hard to monitor when the bait has depleted and replacement is needed. They also only come in packs of four, so you may need to order multiple packs if you need more bait stations around the house.

Product Details: Bait Type: Liquid | Approved Use: Indoors ‎| Active Ingredients: Borax | Safe for Pets: No | Effective Time: Up to two weeks

Best for Outdoor

Amdro Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Killer Bait

Amazon

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Why You Should Get It

This bait works against 25 species of ants.

Keep in Mind

It’s best applied at certain times and can’t be used near gardens.

Killing ants before they enter your home is a good idea, especially if you live in an area with a lot of ant activity. The Amdro Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait is meant to protect against 25 ant species, including Argentine, carpenter, acrobat, and Pharaoh ants, before they can enter your home.

It’s important to be strategic when applying this ant bait. It’s best to apply this in the early morning or late evening when ants are the most active. You should avoid applying when the weather is below 50 degrees and when the ground is wet or if it will rain within 24 hours. And if you have a garden or crops, make sure to avoid that area, too. The bait is made to work up to three months and each bottle contains enough for up to six treatments, depending on the size of your home.

Product Details: Bait Type: Granules | Approved Use: Outdoors ‎| Active Ingredients: Hydramethylnon | Safe for Pets: Yes | Effective Time: Up to three months

Best for Fire Ants

Amazon

View On Amazon $12 View On Target $11 View On Walmart $11

Why You Should Get It

It’s easy to apply and works fast.

Keep in Mind

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. The Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer is quick to apply: Just sprinkle it over an ant mound, and it works to kill the insects within an hour. There’s also no need to water the product into the ground, and one bottle works for 162 mounds.

Make sure to apply this when ants are active and not before it rains or during heavy dew. On that note, this fire ant killer may not work during hot and dry conditions because ants will likely be deep in the nest.

For best results, it’s advised to use the Ortho Fire Ant Killer Broadcast Granules, which is sold separately, after applying the initial fire ant killer. That is meant to stop new mounds for up to six months.

Product Details: Bait Type: Dust | Approved Use: ‎Outdoor | Active Ingredients: Acephate | Safe for Pets: Not listed | Effective Time: Within an hour

Best for Carpenter Ants

Amazon

View On Amazon $27 View On Walmart $23 View On Home Depot $34

Why You Should Get It

It’s long-lasting and does not stain.

Keep in Mind

The application is messier than other ant killers.

If you’re looking to protect your wood from carpenter ants, the Harris Carpenter Ant Killer & Termite Control Treatment could be the best option for you. It works indoors and outdoors and is expected to continue killing carpenter ants for up to a month after it’s applied. It also promises to be odorless and non-staining. Another plus is it targets termites, too.

One downside: The application process is a bit messier than other ant killers on this list. The bottle includes a trigger sprayer to apply the liquid, but you’ll want to use gloves during the application to keep your hands safe.

Product Details: Bait Type: N/A | Approved Use: Indoors, outdoors ‎| Active Ingredients: Deltamethrin | Safe for Pets: No | Effective Time: Up to a month

Best Pet-Safe

Amazon

View On Amazon $13 View On Chewy $13

Why You Should Get It

It’s non-toxic and has a nice smell.

Keep in Mind

This spray is not a preventative.

It can be hard to get rid of insects when you have pets at home. If you have cats or dogs, you may want to opt for a pet-safe spray rather than an ant trap that a pet may want to play with or bite into. We recommend Aunt Fannie's Ant Remedy Spray, which is safe to use around most pets when used as directed. However, it’s not safe around birds, fish, or snakes.

Vernard Hodges, DVM, and Terrence Ferguson, DVM, who appear on Critter Fixers: Country Vets, approve of this option for most pets because it contains rosemary oil and glycerin, which won’t harm them. When looking for any insect killer, they add, “You should search for a product that does not have harsh chemicals, especially pyrethrum, which is toxic to cats, or essential oils that are toxic to cats and dogs, like clove oil and eucalyptus oil.”

While this product is meant to kill ants on contact, the one downside is it’s not a preventative, so they may return. It may also not be the best ant killer option if you have houseplants in the home, as you shouldn't use it around plants.

Product Details: Bait Type: N/A | Approved Use: Indoors, outdoors ‎| Active Ingredients: Rosemary oil | Safe for Pets: Yes (when used as directed) | Effective Time: Not listed

Best Natural

Amazon

View On Amazon $19 View On Lowe's

Why You Should Get It

It’s plant-based and comes in a simple spray bottle.

Keep in Mind

The smell may be overpowering, and you may need to reapply quickly.

If you’re looking to stay away from any chemicals, the Might Mint Ant Killer and Repellent Spray may be the right option for you. It’s 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. It’s also important to note the product is listed as safe for pets, but the American Kennel Club says peppermint oil is toxic to dogs, so you’ll want to be cautious if you have a four-legged friend at home.

The spray is effective for up to seven days, so you may need to reapply often.

Product Details: Bait Type: N/A | Approved Use: ‎Indoor, Outdoor | Active Ingredients: Peppermint Oil, Geraniol | Safe for Pets: No | Effective Time: Seven days

Best Fast-Acting

Amazon

View On Amazon $5 View On Lowe's $6 View On Home Depot $5

Why You Should Get It

The gel can be used in hard-to-reach places.

Keep in Mind

It may dry out after being applied.

This easy-to-squeeze gel is expected to work quickly to terminate an ant infestation, sometimes even in less time than the three to five days listed. The best part is it can be used in cracks and crevices around the house where ants may be making their way in. And it can be used outside as well.

But the Combat Max Ant Killing Gel Bait is not the best ant killer option for someone who isn’t able to get down on hands and knees to access cracks and entry points. It also may dry out quickly, particularly in very hot weather, so you might need to reapply.

Product Details: Bait Type: Gel | Approved Use: Indoors, outdoors ‎| Active Ingredients: Fipronil | Safe for Pets: Not listed | Effective Time: Three to five days

The Bottom Line

Terro T300b Liquid Ant Baits is our pick for the best ant killer because it’s very easy to use and it’s effective. It also comes in a pack of 12 so you can place them in various areas of the house to get the job done more thoroughly.

What to Know About Ant Killer Before Shopping

Ingredients

Borax is a common active ingredient in ant killers, but products can also be made with hydramethylnon, fipronil, avermectin B1, indoxacarb, and others. It’s critical to read the ingredients of an ant killer because some may be toxic when ingested or contain allergens like peanuts or peanut by-products.

Type

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 don’t kill the ant colony. They can also be dangerous for other species.

Application Types

Ant killers can be applied in several ways, so the best application type for you often comes down to preference and safety concerns. Bait stations are small plastic containers that lure ants in to grab poison that they then share with the colony. You can also opt for gel bait that is applied by squeezing a tube, granule bait, or dust-based baits that are sprinkled around an area, or sprays that are used on ants directly or on surfaces.

Ant Type

There are many different types of ants, and they all don’t have the same behaviors. For example, carpenter ants require a moist environment to build their colony, while fire ants usually set up mound nests outside. It’s important to properly identify which has invaded your home or backyard in order to know what treatment will work best.

Effective Time

While some ant killers kill the insects on contact, the best way to deal with an infestation is to target the entire colony, usually by using baits. Smaller infestations may be contained within a day or two, but larger ones may take two weeks or more to completely wipe out the colony.

Your Questions, Answered

How often should I treat for ants?

The frequency a person may need to treat their home for ants can be anywhere from zero to multiple times a year. It all depends on the situation.

“If this is a case of ants foraging for food in mid-spring and they don’t find a suitable resource, the presence of ants will dissipate quickly, leading to no further activity over the course of the year,” Dobrinska explains. “In other cases, if there are heavy ant pressures on the exterior of older homes and ants are seen consistently to varying degrees, a scheduled application—three times, four times, or six times—from a pest management professional may be necessary.”

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, don’t store firewood inside or next to the home. It is also ideal to trim bushes and trees away from the house, not allowing them to touch the exterior,” Hottel says.

How quickly can ants infest your home?

An ant infestation can happen fairly quickly. “For those ants that can thrive and nest inside your home, infestation can occur in as little as two to three days,” Dobrinska says.

You will likely spot those ants roaming around your kitchen and bathroom. “Ants are constantly on the hunt for food, water, and moisture for their colonies,” Hottel says, adding that they make their way in through holes, cracks, and gaps in a home’s exterior. “If there is a nest in the house, you will likely see activity pretty quickly if you leave sweet and wet food out,” Hottel adds.

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. “If you can see the nest of ants, then you can use a residual material directly—dust or liquid—on the nest that can potentially eliminate the colony. Otherwise, if you do not see the nest, it is best to focus on exclusion, sanitation, and rely on ant baits that work slowly but will generate long-term results.”

Who We Are

Anna Halkidis is a journalist and award-winning editor with more than 10 years of experience covering health and lifestyle content. To make this list of best ant killers, she considered ratings and effectiveness of each product. She spoke with Thomas Dobrinska, a board-certified entomologist with Ehrlich Pest Control, and Benjamin Hottel, entomologist with Orkin, a pest control company, for their expertise on ants. In addition, she consulted Vernard Hodges, DVM, and Terrence Ferguson, DVM, who appear on Critter Fixers: Country Vets, for advice on pet-safe insect killers.