Best Overall
Cedarcide Natural Cedar Oil Outdoor Bug Control
Runner-Up
Orange Guard Fire Ant Control
Best Bang For The Buck
Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth
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Like other creepy crawlies , fire ants can wreak havoc on a yard and family . But unlike just nettlesome insect , flaming ants are dangerous . Their painful bites can make weal or even life - threaten allergic reactions .
as luck would have it , there are plenty of production on the market to do away with these pests from the entire property , inside and out . But with so many pesticides on the grocery , it can be difficult to decide which will be the safest and most effective .
learn on to learn about some of the best fire ant killer and why the products below are some of the most effective .
Before You Buy Fire Ant Killer
Before buy a pesticide to take attention of an ant problem , first moot that many products , including organic ones , can impose collateral damage by pop good insects as well as pests . With that in mind , taste using arepellentthat keeps insects from intrude on a property before turning to more deadly method acting .
Also consider personal prophylactic when dealing with fire ants , which render a abominable and vicious sting that can do potentially deadly sensitised reactions to some man . If folk member are hypersensitive to insect bites , consider engage a professional to assure the threat is eliminated .
How We Chose the Best Fire Ant Killers
We researched the most sought - after fire ant slayer in their several categories and happen upon that the best selection are determined by their type , fixings , compatibility with multiple insects , response time , and other special features let in by top stigma .
Our selections come in dust , granule , gel , and spray forms . These flying - act as mathematical product are capable of kill fire ants on touch or eliminate an total settlement within a few days . Many also serve as repellents that prevent emmet from coming back , lasting for workweek after software program .
In making our selections , we go away with products that employ instinctive combat-ready ingredients , such as substantive oils and diatomaceous ground . Unlike pesticides that use harsh chemicals , products that habituate constitutional ingredients do n’t lead a damaging footprint on the surroundings after suffice their purpose . In fact , many of our selections have ingredient that are listed as safe by the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) , Organic Materials Review Institute ( OMRI ) , and the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) .
Many of the product we opt offercomplete pest protectionwith their power to kill a form of dirt ball pests . Finally , each of these top picks get along with a large enough quantity of pesticides to eliminate multiple infestation .
Our Top Picks
Though they use different active ingredients and strategy to assure ants , the pesticides below are some of the most effective and come from some of the well - known names in pest ascendance . This inclination let in products that utilise ingredients that are environmentally favorable and safe for utilisation around people and animals .
Cedarcide sets itself asunder from the many other fervidness ant slayer on the mart with a chemical formula that ’s very efficient at eliminating ardor ant while using only environmentally friendly ingredients . Per the product name , Cedarcide uses essential oil from cedarwood along with lemongrass oil oil to both obliterate and rebuff fire ants . Cedarcide come in a saturated form and let in a separate spray that attaches to a standard garden hose .
While Cedarcide is one of the more expensive ant control options , it has excellent coverage . When by rights diluted , 4 ounces of Cedarcide is capable of treating about 5,000 square feet of yard . Cedarcide comes in quart and congius size and is also available in granule . For best results , apply monthly .
Get the Cedarcide fire ant killer onCedarcide.com .
With an eco - well-disposed formula designed specifically for treating fire ant mound , Orange Guard is one of the best options for taking out these dangerous blighter . Orange Guard consists of orange peel infusion , which the FDA includes on its list of substances that are by and large recognized as good , and it ’s approve for use in organic products by the OMRI . However , the society says to forefend contact with eyes and to keep pet forth from the wet treatment sites .
To take out an ant ’s nest , simply mix three component part water supply to one part Orange Guard in a spray feeding bottle and saturate the mound . A 1 - Imperial gallon bottle is enough to take out about eight mounds . Orange Guard can also be used as a barrier repellant by apply it around the border of a yard . Just be wary when applying Orange Guard to the lawn as it can damage Gunter Grass when ruffle at full military strength .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Orange Guard fire ant cause of death onGardenWorms.com .
With its power to kill a broad range of cuss , include ants , diatomaceous terra firma ( DE ) is one of the more versatile pest control products on the market . Safer Brand DE consist of the tiny fossilized corpse of aquatic being . And , while that may voice like an queer active ingredient , it ’s very effective . Each tiny particle of DE has razor - sharp edges capable of slicing through the elusive exoskeleton of ants , dehydrate them .
Safer Brand DE is explicate for use as a pesticide ( never use DE intended for puddle filter ) . In addition to ants , DE will also take out a host of other plague , include roach , fleas , and bed hemipterous insect . To eliminate a fire ant pitcher , spit DE around the border and over the top of the mound . Load the DE into a puffer bottle and puff pulverization into the nest to hand the queen pismire . While Safer Brand DE is an environmentally friendly pesticide — it ’s okay by OMRI — it can harm lung if inspire , so wear upon a dust mask when use it .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Safer Brand fire ant cause of death onAmazonor atThe Home Depot .
Best Control Granules
EcoSmart Insect Killer Granules
A safe formula makes this granule pest Orcinus orca an idealistic alternative for taking out fervency ants in a G frequented by the great unwashed and pets . EcoSmart ’s fighting component include clove and thyme oils , so the formula wo n’t harm the environment or create a hazard for hoi polloi and animate being . Users can apply it using a hand-held or wheeled broadcaster , do it easy to distribute around a yard .
Each 10 - dog pound bag is enough to traverse about 5,000 square feet , and treatments last up to 4 hebdomad . fervour ant heap usually need two applications programme of the granules to destroy the entire colony . EcoSmart is also various . In summation to ants , it will also kill ticks , crickets , fleas , and flies .
Get the EcoSmart fire emmet killer onAmazonor atThe Home Depot .
Photo: cedarcide.com
Best Gel
Syngenta Advion Ant Gel
While other ant orca use a shock - and - awe approach that typically involves inundate the ant pitcher with a spray , powder , or granules , Syngenta ’s Advion Ant Gel uses preciseness tactics . Its syringe applicator allows exploiter to apply small amounts of the gelatin in crevices and cracks where fire pismire tend to be spotted indoors . Once a worker pismire ingests the colloidal gel , it returns to the colony to apportion it , kill the colony along with the poof , though it can take several hebdomad to eliminate the integral mound .
While Advion ’s active factor , Indoxacarb , is not as safe as active ingredient found in constitutional ant killers , only a small amount of Advion is require to take out a settlement . Therefore , it has a minimal impingement on the environs .
Get the Syngenta firing ant killer onAmazon .
Photo: gardenWorms.com
Best Spray
Mighty Mint Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil
For home with children and favourite run around , preventing blast ants with natural ingredients is essential . For protective covering inside and out , trust on the Mighty Mint Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil . This easy spray - on formula is 100 percent plant - establish , with peppermint essential oil for preventing infestations of fire ants , beetles , carpenter ants , mosquitoes , and many more .
The 1 - gallon quantity of this Cartesian product is extra concentrated and comes with an easy - to - usage spray trigger . To use , only contribute 16 apothecaries' ounce of urine to every 1 ounce of dressed ore and then spray . For a stronger answer , simply apply more product .
Get the Mighty Mint ardour ant deterrent atAmazon , The Home Depot , orTarget .
Photo: amazon.com
Best For Lawns
Wondercide EcoTreat Outdoor Pest Control Spray
Wondercide is easy to use over full area and habituate dependable fighting component that make it ideal for lawns that have the great unwashed and best-loved traffic . This ant cause of death apply a admixture of cedar oil , sesame oil , and sodium lauryl sulfate to drink down and repel pestilence . Wondercide issue forth in a 32 - mobile - ounce container , which is enough to process lawn spanning 5,000 straight infantry . It includes a hosepipe attachment for program , and this hose sprayer admit a dial that allows the substance abuser to manipulate the concentration of the mix .
In summation to ants , this versatile pesticide will also curb mosquito , flea , and ticks . Wondercide is a longer - lasting repellent than other pesticides , with a single treatment lasting for up to 6 weeks .
Get the Wondercide fire ant killer onAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best For Home
Harris Ant Killer Spray
With participating ingredients that admit lifelike plant oil from Eugenia caryophyllatum and cottonseed , Harris Ant Killer Spray is a safe and effective way of life to winnow out fire ants that may have found their way into a home . It kills emmet within 30 minutes of contact lens with it . Plus , Harris Ant Killer Spray wo n’t maculate baseboard or flooring and leaves a pleasing scent with no strong chemical substance olfactory perception .
In addition to red ants , this spray pesticide will also take out pharaoh , dim , and Argentinian ants . The mathematical product , which comes in a 20 - oz. spray bottle , is safe for habit indoors and also serves as an effective out-of-door margin flame ant discussion for prevent emmet from make inside the base .
Get the Harris fire ant killer onAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Pet-Safe
Dr. Killigan’s Six Feet Under Insect Spray
preferent owner can apply this colorfully name insect spray indoors or outside without risk to Fluffy or Spot thanks to its use of non-poisonous , creature - friendly ingredients . While Dr. Killigan ’s may be a bit pricier than other insect sprays , it does n’t use harsh chemicals . Its gadfly - killing ingredients consist of a mixture of soybean , clove , and castor oils with atomic number 11 benzoate .
The nebuliser is design to kill bugs on contact , including mosquitoes , roach , ticks , and silverfish along with ants . In addition to being good for use around pets , Dr. Killigan ’s also leaves behind a pleasing aroma of cinnamon and clove . The 24 - ounce atomiser bottle ’s nose has configurations for spray or stream , making it soft to use .
Get the Dr. Killigan ’s fire ant grampus onAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Or, DIY Your Own Fire Ant Killer
While products uncommitted online or at a local home advance store are one solvent for controlling fire ant , they can also be expensive . Those looking for an affordable option can make an in force flaming ant cause of death with boiled water and a broom handle .
Bring 2 to 3 gallons of water to a boiling point . apply a broom hold to poke a hole deeply into the nest where the queen regnant reside . Slowly dump the boiling urine into the hole to take out the fag , doom the nest . Not keen on stewing water ? you could also produce your own pesticide by mixing one part dish aerial soap and two parts water , then pouring it into the hole .
Jump to Our Top Picks
Our Verdict
There are other coarse fire ant killer options , includingBioAdvanced Fire Ant Killer DustandOrtho Orthene Fire Ant Killer . However , they do not meet our sustainability guidelines and are not recommended in our top picks due to their toxic chemical substance that are not secure to use around kids or pets . With its utilisation of cedar oil as an participating constituent , theCedarcide fire ant killeris a pesticide that ’s both effective at wipe out a fervor ant hill while also being safe for the surroundings , people , and pet . Those looking for a budget- and eco - friendly alternative may want to consider theSafer Brand fire ant killer , which will take out firing ant along with a host of other six - legged pests .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fire Ant Killer
The pesticide type , safe , and amount of prison term it take for the intersection to eliminate these insects are the most important factors to consider when shopping for a fire ant killer .
Active Ingredients
Fire ant killer either have a delayed onset or employment instantly calculate on the alive ingredient . For serious infestations that admit daily sighting of 10 or more ant in a given country , both an instant killer and a delay - onset poisonous substance to aim the nest can bump out the problem .
Sodium tetraborate decahydrate ( simply known as borax ) , hydramethylnon , and fipronil have check onset , allow emmet to collect the poisonous substance and return it to the settlement and distribute it . They also signalise other ants to go retrieve more poison .
delay - onslaught ant killers poison within 24 to 72 hours ; however , the length of prison term demand to destruct a nest depends on poison placement , nest population , and many other factors . In general , delayed - onslaught poisons should be used continually until the decoy is no longer being take and pismire are no longer seen .
Photo: amazon.com
The chemical deltamethrin is among dynamic ingredient that put to work immediately by interfering with pismire ’ fundamental flighty systems .
While there are plenty of chemical - base pesticides that are very efficient at defeat off fire ant , many also cause problem with the surround after they run off into the soil . Hydramethylnon , a common chemical substance in many pesticide , is lethal to freshwater fish . Deltamethrin , another common pesticide , is very toxic to dearest bees , one of the most significant insects in a healthy ecosystem .
Luckily , there are plenitude of environmentally favorable options that practice rude ingredients to kill fire ants . Natural alternatived - Limonene , which consist of orange peel selection , deteriorates the coating of the respiratory system , have ants to stifle . Various essential rock oil , admit cedar , clove , and red gum , will wipe out ants by dry out their exoskeleton while also serving as a repellant .
Photo: amazon.com
DE is also a very effective organic option . It dwell of diminutive ossified nautical organism that can slice through ant exoskeletons , dehydrating them .
Application and Placement
It ’s crucial to opt the right fire ant sea wolf for the area that needs to be do by . granule , rubble , and pulverisation ferment well on single seeable and hidden cumulation on the outside of the home , while sprayer , baits , and gel work well indoors . pesticide designed to be used with fall spreader are the best option for treat intact yards . For those with pets or small children , only expend a fire ant killer that is nontoxic to creature and humans .
Safety Concerns
insecticide are hazardous and have the voltage to sicken human beings and kill animals . consumer must pick out a production that play better for their menage . With that in mind , those with pets should look for pet - friendly pesticides .
Response Time
Pesticides take different amounts of time to become effective . Although some product kill fire ants on contact , others may take hours or days to start killing and may need up to 2 week to pass over out a colony .
Contact slayer put up inst gratification , but products that work on a hold attract worker ants , which then take the toxicant back to the settlement and the queer , root out integral infestations . Be sure to read and trace the mathematical product ’s instructions to recognise how long of a wait is necessary for outcome .
Types of Fire Ant Killers
Fire ant Orcinus orca come in various forms , including granule ardor ant come-on , pulverisation / dust , sprays , gel , and indoor bait . Each type takes a different approach to dealing with the fire ant population plague a residential belongings . choose the proper type is crucial forridding a property of blast ants .
Granule Baits
Granule fire ant baits amount in a container that permit users apply the pesticide directly on the lawn or ant mound . They rely on the social scene of pismire to wipe out colony . prole ants rule the granules and take them back to the nest where the colony consume them . Once the queen and larvae are poison , the settlement dies .
Some granules are contrive to control the flame ant population in a big area . Using a drop cloth broadcaster , users can distribute the granule throughout the yard , belt down existing dependency while preventing new dependency from taking up residence in the K .
Although granule do n’t offer the instant gratification of spray or gels , they are effective at take away colony . And because they hold up up even when besotted , they area good option for out-of-door use .
Photo: amazon.com
Dusts
Similar to granules , dusts and powder make out in receptacles that allow the user to sprinkle them straight off onto a settlement . dust typically work in alignment with water .
spit the junk over and around the settlement , then lightly irrigate the orbit to allow the pesticide to soak into the ground , penetrate and killing the ants in the colony in about a day .
Sprays
An ant spray can come in an aerosol can or bottle . When let go , it kill firing ants fast . It ’s a good option for indoor use or when looking for a fast - act as option forkilling large numbers of pismire . Keep in mind that a nebuliser may not be in force at kill the queen , which broadly does not come along outside of the nest .
Gels
gel come in modest tubes that resemble aesculapian syringes . This packaging allows the user to place the poison strategically on crack and gob that pismire use to reach the house . Because they allow buyers to execute a precise flack on ants , they are a good selection for indoor use .
Indoor Baits
Indoor baits consist of an insecticidemixed with a means , typically sugar - based , that attracts ants . The baits are unremarkably enclosed in a small container . ant figure the container , collect the hook , and then return to the dependency where the bait infects other ant . flame ant baits normally kill on a clock time delay , pass on the worker ants time to return to the dependency and circularise the poison before kick the bucket .
FAQs
For those who have lounge questions regarding how an ant cause of death works or whether it ’s safe for the class , read on for answers to some of the most common questions .
Q. How does fire ant killer work?
flak ant killers work by either kill the ant instantly or kill them over hours or day . With decoy , once the pismire ingest or are cover in the bait , the active fixings affects their digestive system , killing them over meter . Pesticides that take longer to kill allow the proletarian emmet to transport the poison back to the colony and the queen mole rat . spray that kill ant now attack the insect ’s nervous system .
Q. How do you apply fire ant killer?
out-of-door flame ant killer is applied by sprinkling pesticide granules over the fire ant mound and in a 3 - foot diam around it . Ant orca should be apply when the lawn is moist to leave the granules to inebriate into the mound and surround ground .
If the stain is dry , the area should be light irrigated after diligence . Broadcast ant slayer is go around using a standard free fall spreader , while indoor atomiser are applied to gaps and fling that pismire use to introduce the home plate .
Q. Are fire ant killers safe around vegetables and pets?
Most fire ant killers are toxic to animals and humans and are therefore not secure around vegetables or pets . Some eco - well-disposed pesticide are safe for use around pet and humans .
Tony Carrick is a freelance author specializing in home improvement , landscaping , and intent . A recipient of a degree in news media and a Master of Arts in English , he spent ten old age writing for a variety of local newspapers and business publication before becoming an English teacher . Mr. Carrick now form as a freelancer writer from his home base in North Carolina . When he is n’t furiously typing away on his laptop computer or work on on his belated home melioration project , he enjoys expend time with his family and cycling through the beautiful North Carolina countryside .
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