Ant insecticides are effective in controlling many types of ants and can be used to treat both indoor and outdoor infestations. There are several different kinds of ant pesticides, but they generally fall into three categories: bait insecticides, on-contact pesticides and repellent insecticides.
Baits
Bait insecticides use a chemical bait to attract and feed worker ants. These ants then take the bait back to their nest and distribute it to the rest of the colony. This method can eliminate entire ant colonies and is a good option when you don’t know where the nest is located or if there is a large colony.
These ant baits are typically made up of sugar or a sticky substance that can be spread around the nest by workers and will eventually be eaten by the queen and other members of the colony. These ant baits can be very effective for control of carpenter ants and other invasive species that invade homes.
The best baits also contain a poisonous ingredient that will kill ants, but not the other creatures in the colony. They can be a great alternative to traditional ant pesticides because they’re less messy and easier to apply than sprays.
Keep in mind, though, that if you’re using a bait, it will probably take a few days before the pesticide actually starts working, which isn’t much time at all to get a colony down. For this reason, it’s best to try a bait that you can reapply over and over again until the infestation is under control.
Some ant baits can be effective against multiple pests, including fire ants and silverfish. These products can be purchased in liquid, gel or powder forms and are usually rated for both indoor and outdoor use.
For example, Ortho’s Orange Guard Ant Bait Gel has a quick-acting formula Hvordan virker maurmiddel that kills ants and other common pests like silverfish, crickets, fleas and roaches. It also comes in a plunger-style dispenser, so you can spread it precisely where ant activity is high.
This product is EPA-approved and can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. However, it’s important to follow all label directions and safety recommendations to avoid contaminating food or exposing household members to the pesticide.
D-limonene, an extract of citrus peel, is an ant bait that is effective against both carpenter ants and fire ants. It’s low in acute toxicity to humans and pets, and doesn’t have the same long-term toxicity as some synthetic chemicals, making it an ideal choice for home use.
Diatomaceous earth powder is another ant bait that is EPA-approved and can be used both indoors and outdoors for control of ants. It’s a great choice for outdoor pest control as it is odorless, safe to use around pets and children and can be applied with the help of a handheld sprayer.
In addition to ant baits, there are a few types of ant sprays that can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. They can be applied with a handheld sprayer and are generally considered the best choice for indoor use.