If you’re a homeowner, then you know that at some point you’re going to need to deal with an ant problem. While there are many commercial ant killers on the market, not all of them are safe for use in a garden. On this page, we’ll go over the best ant killer for a garden and provide some tips on how to control ants naturally.
Safest Ant Killer for a Garden
Best Ant Killer for a Garden
TERRO T901SR Fast Acting Ant, Cockroach, Flea And Other Crawling Insects Killer – 2 Pack
TERRO Fast Acting Ant Killer (Buy Online) is a safe and easy way to get rid of ants quickly. It’s the best ant killer for gardens, as it creates a barrier that stops ants in their tracks. And the fast-acting formula starts working within a day and can be applied around the foundation of your home, on lawns, or in and around gardens.
The active ingredient in TERRO Fast Acting Ant Killer, lambda-cyhalothrin, attacks the ants’ central nervous system and kills them within 24 hours. However, keep in mind that this ant killer is best used on ornamentals rather than edibles, but it’s still relatively safe to use around the perimeter of a vegetable garden.
Amdro Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait Granules, 12 Ounces
Amdro Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait Granules (Buy Online) are the best way to get rid of ants quickly and safely. This ant bait kills the worker ants along with the queen in order to decimate the entire colony, so you can rest assured that the problem will be taken care of. Plus, this bait lasts up to 3 months, so you can keep your yard free of ants all season long.
The active ingredient in this ant killer is hydramethylnon and it kills 25 different ant species, including carpenter ants and ghost ants. However, just be sure not to sprinkle it on edible plants since it is not safe for consumption by humans or pets.
Amdro Fire Ant Yard Treatment Bait, 5 Pound
If you’re looking for an effective, long-lasting ant killer that will take care of your fire ant problem for good, we highly recommend Amdro Fire Ant Yard Treatment Bait (Buy Online). This ant killer is made with two active ingredients – hydramethylnon and (s)-methoprene – which work together to kill the queen and the entire colony, as well as prevent new mounds from forming. It can be applied across your entire yard using a broadcast spreader or handheld granular spreader, and one 5 pound bag covers up to 10,000 square feet. Amdro Fire Ant Yard Treatment Bait also kills bigheaded ants and harvester ants, making it a great choice for anyone dealing with an infestation of multiple ant species.
Extinguish Fire Ant Killer 25 LB Bag
Extinguish Fire Ant Killer (Buy Online) uses a combination of an adult insecticide and the long-lasting control of an Insect Growth Regulator. The IGR sterilizes the queen and prevents her from laying eggs, while the adulticide kills problem worker ants. This one-two punch ensures complete control and eradication of even the toughest fire ants.
Extinguish Fire Ant Killer can be used in a broadcast spreader or used to treat individual mounds and starts killing ants immediately after ingestion. Plus, it’s safe for use around both animals and plants and starts working immediately upon ingestion. So if you’re ready to put an end to a large fire ant problem once and for all, give Extinguish a try.
Ortho Ant Killer Bundle
The Ortho Ant Killer Bundle (Buy Online) includes a spray and granules that kill the queen and workers at the same time. You can treat up to 162 mounds with this ant killer in no time flat, so it’s a great choice if you have a yard or garden filled with fire ants. And it starts working in 15 minutes, so it will quickly eliminate any active mounds. Plus, new mounds won’t pop up near the old ones either, thanks to the long-lasting formula that keeps working for up to six months.
Harris Carpenter Ant Killer & Termite Control Treatment, 128oz Spray
Harris Carpenter Ant Killer & Termite Control Treatment (Buy Online) contains deltamethrin, which keeps killing carpenter ants for one month after the initial application. Plus, this ant killer is EPA registered for indoor and outdoor residential use, making it an ideal choice for anyone dealing with an ant or termite problem.
Best Natural Ant Killer for The Garden
Natural Armor Natural Bug, Insect & Pest Killer & Control
Natural Armor (Buy Online) contains a concentrated formulation of peppermint, clove, and vinegar that ants hate while being 100% safe for people, pets, and the environment. And it comes in a bottle with a comfortable heavy-duty trigger sprayer that covers approximately 1,000 square feet and lasts up to 90 days. Plus, it doesn’t wash off easily – making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Ready to say goodbye to ants (and other bugs) once and for all? Try Natural Armor today (Click Here)
EcoRaider Ant Killer & Crawling Insect Killer (Citrus Scent) 16 OZ, Natural & Non-Toxic
If you’re looking for an all-natural, biodegradable ant killer that is also safe for pets and children, then look no further than EcoRaider Ant Killer & Crawling Insect Killer (Buy Online). This natural ant killer contains a blend of lemongrass oil, geraniol oil, cedar oil, and sodium lauryl sulfate to quickly eliminate ants within minutes.
This bio-insecticide also breaks down the pheromone trail that ants leave behind and prevents them from communicating with other members of their colony. Best of all, it’s compliant with FDA GRAS standards so you can rest assured that it is safe to use in and around your garden.
Fertilome Come and Get It Fire Ant Killer
Fertilome Come and Get It Fire Ant Killer (Buy Online) is a great insecticide to use in your garden. Not only does it kill the queen and the mound, but it also kills ants within 24 hours. You don’t even need to water the lawn after using this ant killer; just apply it and let Nature take its course. This makes Fertilome Come and Get It Fire Ant Killer an ideal choice for people who want an effective ant killer that doesn’t take much work to see quick results.
20 Mule Team All Natural Borax Laundry Detergent Booster & Multi-Purpose Household Cleaner, 65 Ounce, 4 Count
Borax (Buy Online) is a mineral composed of boric acid and sodium. It is a naturally occurring substance that has been used for centuries as an insecticide, herbicide, and fungicide.
Borax is effective against a wide range of garden pests, including ants, cockroaches, spiders, earwigs, slugs, and snails. It is non-toxic to people and pets when used as directed and can be safely used in the garden or around the home.
To make a simple borax ant killer, you can dissolve 1 1/2 tablespoons of borax and 1 1/2 tablespoons of plain sugar in 1 1/2 tablespoons of warm water to create an all-natural ant killer gel that you can use in your home and garden.
Garden Safe 93186 Insect Killer, Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth (Buy Online) is made up of tiny fossilized aquatic creatures called diatoms. These creatures have a hard shell that is made up of silica. When you sprinkle diatomaceous earth on an ant colony, the sharp edges of the powder slice through the ants’ exoskeletons and they die from dehydration.
Diatomaceous earth also works to kill other pests in your garden, such as slugs and silverfish. Just be sure to keep it away from pets and children, as it can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.
Best Ant Killer Gel for Gardens
Combat Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel, 27 Gram.
Combat Gel Bait (Buy Online) starts killing ants within hours and provides fast control of ants within 3 to 5 days. Plus, the syringe applicator lets you place the gel exactly where ants are traveling – like cracks and crevices – for complete control of both indoor and outdoor ant problems.
Best Ant Trap for The Garden
Terro 1806 Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits, 1.0 fl. oz. – 6 count
If you’re looking for an outdoor ant killer, Terro Outdoor Liquid Ant Bait (Buy Online) is a great option. It contains borax mixed into sugar water gel, which ants are attracted to, and the patented bait station protects the bait from the elements and prevents it from drying out. Plus, it can be placed in your garden using the included stakes or you can put these ant bait stations on level ground without using the stakes.
TERRO T1812 Outdoor Liquid Ant Killer Bait Stakes – 8 Traps
TERRO Outdoor Liquid Ant Killer Bait Stakes (Buy Online) are ready to use and all you need to do is simply insert them into the ground, break the tab on the bait container, and wait for the colony to be killed. The clear bait monitor will let you know when it’s time to replace the bait, and the reinforced ridges on the stakes will keep it firmly in place.
How To Kill Ants Outside
What is the best way to kill ants outside? When it comes to getting rid of ants, there are a lot of different methods that you can use. However, some of these methods can be dangerous or harmful to the environment. Below, we will go over some ways to get rid of ants safely and effectively using natural methods. Keep reading for more information.
What Can Kill Ants
Kill Ants With Borax
You can kill ants with borax by mixing it with sugar and water to make a solution, then spraying it near the ants’ nest or putting it in a bait trap. Once the ants ingest the borax it will cause them to slowly die.
Kill Ants with Baking Soda
You can kill ants with baking soda by sprinkling it on their trail. The baking soda will disrupt the PH levels in their bodies, causing them to die.
You can also use bait like sugar and water to attract the ants, and then add baking soda to the mixture which will also kill them.
Does Salt Kill Ants
Salt does not kill ants, but it’s often used to get rid of them.
Salt is a great way to get rid of ants because it changes the pH level of their alkaline exoskeleton, making them much more susceptible to poisons and environmental damage. So while salt won’t kill them immediately, it will help you to eradicate them faster and more effectively.
Does Bleach Kill Ants
Yes, bleach can kill ants, but it requires direct contact. For example, if you pour bleach on an anthill, the bleach will kill the ants that come into direct contact with it.
However, if you just spray diluted bleach around your yard or patio, the ants won’t be affected because they won’t come into direct contact with it.
Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Ants
Yes, diatomaceous earth can kill ants. It damages their exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death.
It’s a non-toxic way to get rid of them, and it also works for other pests such as spiders, cockroaches, and fleas.
Does Cinnamon Kill Ants
Cinnamon does not kill ants, but it will repel them. Ants are sensitive to the “smell” of cinnamon and will avoid it if possible.
You can sprinkle cinnamon in areas where you have seen ants or where you think they might enter your home or garden.
Does Boiling Water Kill Ants
Yes, boiling water will kill ants when poured directly on an ant hill. The boiling water will kill the ants as well as any eggs that are present.
Be careful not to pour the hot water near flowers or plants as it may damage them.
Does Cornmeal Kill Ants
No, cornmeal will not kill ants but it makes an excellent bait that can be mixed with water and borax to form a paste.
Ants will be attracted to the cornmeal and take it back to the colony, where other ants and the queen will eat it and die.