Like many other harmful pests, ants can become a nightmare when they invade your home or any commercial area. These tiny insects can take over your life very easily.
According to World Health Organization, several ant species can be more dangerous to humans than just causing stingy bites and skin irritation.
In some hypersensitive individuals, ant bites, especially Fire Ant bites, can trigger severe and life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
I researched and tested different ant baits available in the market. Following are some of the best products that can be used to keep these notorious pests away:
Similarly, ants are also known to transfer many disease-causing organisms such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, and Streptococcus to humans. These pathogens can also be transferred by ants to our food, thus resulting in many food-borne diseases, according to ‘WHO’.
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Our Top Pick
When it comes to efficiently combating ant infestations, two exceptional solutions come to mind. First, the Terro T300 Liquid Ant Baits stand as an efficient solution due to their unique sweet liquid bait that swiftly lures ants, coupled with an active ingredient, borax, which gradually eradicates the entire ant colony. The innovative design of these baits, complete with a see-through window, enables effortless monitoring of bait consumption, streamlining the process of identifying when a replacement is needed.
For those seeking a more eco-friendly, homemade approach, we also highly recommend our DIY guide, “DIY Homemade Ant Baits Recipes”. This comprehensive guide provides effective strategies to tackle your ant problems, offering an array of detailed ant bait recipes using everyday household items. So, whether you prefer the instant effects of commercial sprays or appreciate the sustainable, hands-on approach of a DIY solution, our guide empowers you to decisively take control of your ant infestation problems.
Buying Guide
Ants are a common household pest that can be difficult to eliminate, especially if they’ve established a nest in or near your home. One effective way to control ants is by using ant baits, which are small containers filled with a sugary liquid or protein-based substance that is toxic to ants. Ants are attracted to the bait, consume it, and then carry it back to the colony, where it can be shared with other ants, including the queen. This ultimately results in the elimination of the entire ant colony.
If you’re faced with the challenge of deciding which ant bait to buy, the following buying guide can assist you in navigating through the various factors to consider.
Active ingredient: The active ingredient in the ant bait is what makes it toxic to ants. Several common active ingredients are used in ant baits, including borax, fipronil, and hydramethylnon. Borax is a natural mineral that is relatively safe for humans and pets, while fipronil and hydramethylnon are synthetic chemicals that can be more toxic. Consider which active ingredient is best for your needs.
Type of bait: Ant baits come in different forms, such as gel, liquid, and granules. Gel and liquid baits are typically placed in small containers, while granules can be scattered around the perimeter of your home. Consider which type of bait is most convenient for your situation.
Ant species: Different ant species may prefer different types of food, so it’s important to choose a bait that is specific to the type of ants you’re dealing with. Some baits are labeled for use against a wide range of ant species, while others are more targeted.
Indoor vs. outdoor use: Some ant baits are designed for indoor use, while others can be used outdoors. If you have ants in both areas, you may need to purchase different types of bait.
1. DIY Homemade Ant Baits Recipes
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Environmentally friendly
- Offers a comprehensive understanding of ant behavior
- Step-by-step instructions for various bait recipes
- Useful for both preventative and reactive pest control
Cons
- Requires time and effort to prepare
The “DIY Homemade Ant Baits Recipes” guide is a powerful tool in the hands of those looking to control an ant infestation in their homes without resorting to commercial baits. It stands out as an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution that outperforms its commercial counterparts in several significant ways.
Unlike commercial baits that provide a temporary fix, this guide equips you with comprehensive knowledge about ant behavior, life cycles, and colony structures. This enables you to effectively manage ant infestations in the long run by understanding how and why they occur.
Beyond knowledge, the guide offers practical, easy-to-implement solutions. The diverse range of recipes is designed to tackle a broad spectrum of ant species, with a focus on both sugar-loving and protein-loving ants. Each recipe is explained in a step-by-step manner using readily available ingredients, simplifying the process for even first-time DIYers.
Importantly, the guide also provides a detailed approach to safe and strategic bait placement, ensuring that the baits are out of reach from children and pets. This is an advantage over commercial baits which can be harmful if improperly applied or accidentally accessed by a child or pet.
Product Specs
- Item Form: Liquid or powder
- Item Weight: n/a
- Liquid Volume: unlimited
- Brand: Townhustle
- Packs: unlimited
- Target species: Ants
Get the DIY Homemade Ant Baits Recipes on Townhustle
2. Terro T300 Liquid Ant Baits
Pros
- It is a pre-filled and ready-to-use product
- Traps and kills all common household ants
- No unpleasant scent
- A sealed station that keeps the bait fresh until opened
Cons
- More ants will be seen initially, which can be disturbing to see indoors
- Should be kept away from children and pets
- Not preferred for outdoor use
Terro T300 Liquid ant baits are among one of the most effective ant-killing products. These are manufactured by Terro, a popular brand of Woodstream Corporation renowned for providing a vast range of pest control products, including effective ant-killing products.
Terro Liquid Ant Bait consists of pre-filled and ready-to-use liquid ant bait stations that can be placed where ants are mostly seen on a household level.
These liquid bait stations prevent the bait from drying out while providing ants with a continuous supply of liquid, day and night. The active ingredient present in this bait is Sodium Tetraborate decahydrate (Borax), an excellent insect killer.
It is widely used in home pest control products. The mode of action for borax and what makes it so effective in the pest control industry is its ability to kill insects without using toxic chemicals that could be dangerous to inhale or ingest. When consumed, it acts as a stomach poison to the insects which come into contact with the boric acid.
Terro Liquid Ant Baits are designed to kill the worker ants responsible for finding and providing food back to their colony.
After placing this bait initially you might see more ants but there is no need to worry because passing by ants in search of food get easily attracted to the sweet and sugary liquid inside the bait stations. This is why you will see more ants in the beginning, but with the passage of time, all of these ants and others back in their colony will be dead, leaving an ant-free home for you.
The good thing about using Borax as an active ingredient is that it slowly interferes with the ant’s digestive system and ultimately kills it but provides enough time for the ant to return and share the bait with the rest of the colony.
Therefore, this slow-killing method of borax serves an additional benefit in allowing the ant to make several trips to the bait and back to their colony, thus affecting thousands of individual ants.
Product Specs
- Item Form: Liquid
- Item Weight: 0.02 Pounds
- Liquid Volume: 0.32 Ounces
- Brand: Terro
- Packs: 1 pack
- Target species: Insects
Customer Reviews
Terro T300 Liquid Ant Baits have grown increasingly popular, with widespread availability in stores like Walmart and Amazon. They boast a significant number of customer reviews, with many praising their effectiveness in eliminating ant issues.
Users find these ant bait stations particularly helpful in various settings, such as cars, kitchens, and homes. The product’s quick ant attraction and elimination within a few days make it a top choice for many customers. However, some noted room for improvement in packaging and mentioned occasional leaks if the bait stations are knocked over.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Terro T300 liquid bait has no odor and is pet-friendly, making it suitable for use around animals. One customer from India reported ineffectiveness, but this could be due to the specific ant species in their region.
In conclusion, Terro T300 liquid ant bait stations come highly recommended for their ability to tackle annoying ant problems effectively.
Instructions to Use
- Before placing the bait stations, be sure to remove other food sources, such as crumbs, sugar, and grease spots, to prevent attracting ants elsewhere.
- Avoid placing bait where you might have sprayed insecticides
- In order to set up the bait station, hold it firmly with the bait pack tab facing up. Break off the tab being careful not to spill the bait.
- Place the bait station label side up on a flat surface near signs of ants.
- Place additional bait stations anywhere they may enter your home.
- Use all 6 bait stations to ensure a sufficient supply for the ants for best results.
- After setting these up, monitor placements regularly
- Replace when the bait is depleted. Complete control may take up to two weeks
- Once ants are controlled, replace the baits every 3 months to keep them from returning.
Get the Terro T300 Liquid Ant Baits on Amazon or Amazon or Walmart or Home Depot or hardwarestore.com or toolboxsupply.com or farmandfleet.com or tmsupplyco.com or supplyhog.com or hardwarestore.com or outdoorsupplyhardware.com or webstaurantstore.com or Lowe's or fado168.com
3. Syngenta Optigard Gel
Pros
- It is a gel-based product and very easy to use
- Has a faintly sweet odor
- Effectively wipes out the entire colony of ants
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Does not need to be reapplied very often
Cons
- This might be harmful to children and pets.
Optigard Ant gel bait is an effective product that can be used to kill not only ants but entire colonies. It is a clear and odorless bait that is known for its effective gel formulation.
It has proven to be accepted and palatable to a wide variety of ants, including Argentine, carpenter, odorous house, ghosts, and other ants
The active ingredient used in this gel-based product is Thiamethoxam (0.10%) that upon ingestion by ants, interferes with a specific receptor site in the insect’s nervous system and suppresses its activity.
Thus, it can be used to kill ants and the entire colonies invading your home, including worker ants and queens.
This gel product comes in a ready-to-use, 30-gram syringe with a plunger for easy application.
Syngenta optigard gel is a good quality product that can be used indoors and outdoors.
Its powerful formula makes it withstand harsh environmental conditions. The product is not affected easily by water or high temperature and remains effective for two weeks.
It can be used in areas where other bait stations cannot be placed, such as along cracks and crevices and holes in the wall or along the sides of the cabinets
.
Another remarkable feature about the product is that ants continue to feed on Optigard ant gel bait even if the product dries out over time and the active ingredient becomes concentrated. It is long-lasting and does not need to be reapplied very often.
However, it should be used according to the package instructions as it can harm children or pets upon consumption
Another remarkable feature about the product is that ants continue to feed on Optigard ant gel bait even if the product dries out over time and the active ingredient becomes concentrated. It is long-lasting and does not need to be reapplied very often.
However, it should be used according to the package instructions as it can harm children or pets upon consumption.
Product Specs
- Item Form: Gel
- Item Weight: 30grams
- Liquid Volume: 7.8 ounces
- Brand: Syngenta
- Pack: 4 tubes
- Target species: Insects
Customer Reviews
Syngenta Optigard Gel is a popular ant bait product that has gained positive feedback from customers on both Amazon and Walmart. Customers have reported that the gel is easy to use, highly effective, and specifically designed to target ants. One customer stated that the product has always worked for them in the past, effectively eliminating ant invasions in their kitchen.
Another customer reported that the product is the same one used by professional ant killers, and is quick-acting and long-lasting. Although some customers mentioned that the gel can be a bit messy to use, overall, the product has received positive feedback for its effectiveness in controlling ant infestations.
Additionally, the product has no odor and is safe for use around pets and humans when used as directed. In conclusion, if you are dealing with an ant infestation, Syngenta Optigard Gel is a highly recommended product that has proven to be effective in eliminating ant colonies quickly and safely.
Instructions to use
- Identify the areas where you have seen ants. You will want to target the areas where the ants are actively foraging, such as along baseboards, in cracks and crevices, and around food sources.
- Clean the area where you plan to apply the gel. This will ensure that the gel adheres properly and is not contaminated by any other substances.
- Remove the cap from the syringe and attach the supplied applicator tip to the end of the syringe.
- Squeeze a small amount of gel onto the tip of the applicator. A small pea-sized amount is enough for most applications.
- Apply the gel directly onto the surface where the ants are foraging or entering the building. The gel should be applied in thin, evenly distributed lines about 1/4 inch long.
- Place the gel in areas where children and pets cannot access it.
- Reapply the gel as needed. For best results, reapply the gel every few days until the ant infestation is completely eliminated.
- After use, be sure to replace the cap on the syringe and store the product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Get the Syngenta Optigard Gel on Amazon or Walmart or DoMyOwn or DIYPestControl or solutionsstores.com or nexles.com or ePestSupply or homeandgardensupply.com or geotechsupply.com or pestcontroloutlet.com or ratsmiceandbeyond.myshopify.com or pestsupplyhq.com
4. MaxForce Anti Bait Station
Pros
- Can work against a wide variety of ants, including all common household ants and pharaoh ants
- Effectively wipes out ants from a residential, commercial, and industrial area
- Perfect for treating heavy infestations
Cons
- Should be kept away from children and pets
Bayer Environmental Sciences, a reputable pest control company, produces Maxforce Ant Bait Stations.
These bait stations can kill a wide range of ants, including all common household ants such as Acrobat ants, Argentine ants, Crazy ants, Odorous House Ants, and Pavement ants, in addition to the Pharaoh Ants.
The active ingredient in this product is Fipronil. Fipronil disrupts the normal function of the central nervous system in insects. It is more toxic to insects than to people and pets because it is more likely to bind to insect nerve endings.
Each pack contains 24 loosely packed single bait stations, which are also resealable, making them the best option to keep baits fresh and protected from contamination.
These bait stations provide a fast-killing action and wipe out ants in just six hours.
Maxforce ant bait stations are also convenient and easy to use.
Unlike other products, these bait stations do not produce an unpleasant odor. In the case of normal infestations, using 3 stations per average-size room is preferred.
The manufacturers recommend using these bait stations along with gel bait. Gels and stations provide different dietary needs for ants. The ants may eat the gel or get into bait stations, ensuring optimal control.
Maxforce bait stations are child-resistant and can be used indoors and outdoors. However, caution should be taken around children or pets as they might interfere with the bait activity.
Also these can also be used in residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Product Specs
- Item Form: Bait Station
- Item Weight: 5.9 ounces
- Brand: Bayer
- Pack: 24 stations/bags
- Target species: Ants
Customer Reviews
MaxForce Ant Bait Station has become a popular solution for ant problems in the market. The product has garnered numerous positive reviews from satisfied customers who have expressed their satisfaction with its effectiveness.
One customer received MaxForce bait traps from their pest control company during COVID-19 lockdowns and found them to be incredibly effective. They purchased the product from Amazon and saw the infestation gone within 24 hours.
Another customer used the product to deal with carpenter ants and found them gone within 24 hours, though they noted the adhesive didn’t work well on certain surfaces. Optional adhesive backing was a great feature for one customer who used it to stick the stations in their ant’s path.
Another customer found the product to be a game-changer for eliminating acrobat ants in their attic. However, the pods did not adhere well to outdoor surfaces. While a customer successfully eliminated most carpenter ants in their backyard, some still wandered around after two weeks.
Overall, MaxForce Ant Bait Station has received positive feedback for effectively eliminating ant problems.
Instructions To Use
- Place Maxforce ant bait stations in the areas where ants appear the most.
- Three bait stations should be placed in an average size room or approximately one bait station per 100 square feet.
- Avoid spraying chemicals or disturbing trails between ant nests and bait stations.
- Periodically, replace empty bait stations and relocate stations that show little or no activity.
Get the MaxForce Anti Bait Station on Amazon or DoMyOwn or Walmart or ePestSupply or solutionsstores.com or pedchem.com or sunspotsupply.com or pestmanagementsupply.com or store.parsonspestcontrol.com or pestsupplyhq.com or majorsupply.com or oldhamchem.com or ePestSupply or pcspeststore.com or bugstop.net or homeandgardensupply.com or howtopest.com or bugsaway.com
5. Spectracide Ant Shield
Pros
- Effectively Kills the entire colony of ants and keeps ants from coming back
- Powerful and long-lasting bait
- Starts killing in hours
- Can Last up to 3 months—do not need to be replaced very often
- Contains 6 child-resistant and weather-resistant bait stakes
Cons
- Outdoor use only
- Pricey than most of the other commercially available baits.
It is manufactured by United Industries Corporation–an American company providing a wide range of insecticides and pesticides. Other than Spectracide, their common brands include, Repel, Hot Shot, Garden Safe, Liquid Fence, Black Flag, and Cutter.
The active ingredient present in this ant killer is Indoxacarb (0.05%). When ants ingest indoxacarb, it converts into a new molecule with insect-killing properties. This process is activated specifically by the enzymes present inside ants.
Spectracide Ant Shield attracts and kills ants with bait stakes. These bait stakes are weather resistant and can be easily used outdoors, in the garden and backyard too.
Worker ants whilst seeking food, find bait stations and start feeding. The active ingredient, indoxacarb, gets into their system and poisons the entire colony upon returning to the colony. As a result, the colony stops reproducing and begins to die, making your home free of ant infestation.
Each pack of the product contains 6 baits. These bait stakes are child resistant but should be used with care around children and pets.
The insecticide used in these ant shields is fast acting and, upon contact, starts killing ants within hours. The bait shield can last up to 3 months.
Product Specs
- Item Form: Liquid
- Item Weight: 3.84 ounces
- Brand: Spectracide
- Pack: 6 baits
- Target species: Ant
Customer Reviews
Spectracide Ant Shield is an effective solution for eliminating ant problems. Customers have reported positive experiences with the product, mentioning its ability to kill ants effectively, ease of use, and quick results. Some customers have even reported being able to see dead ant piles the very next day after placing the stakes.
However, it should be noted that some customers have mentioned other critters taking an interest in the bait, such as mice. It is also worth mentioning that some customers have reported not seeing immediate results, but have noticed a reduction in ants over time.
Overall, Spectracide Ant Shield seems to be a popular and effective choice for controlling ant problems, but caution should be exercised when using the product around other animals.
Instructions To Use
- Place one bait stake into the ground along each ant trail around the outside of homes.
- Place stakes in areas inaccessible to children, pets, and other animals
- Larger homes or homes with heavy infestations may require two or more bait stakes to achieve control.
- For continued outdoor control, replace baits every three months or sooner if the infestation is heavy.
Get the Spectracide Ant Shield on Amazon or Walmart or Home Depot or Lowe's or menards.com or vgsupply.com
6. Raid Max Double Control Ant Baits
Pros
- Child and pet resistant
- Much safer than spray
- Attract to kill
- Up to 3 months of protection
- Kills the colony
Cons
- Pricey
- Physical hazards, handle with care
This bait attracts and kills ants. After feeding on it, the ants return to their nest to transfer the active product to other ants and kill the entire colony.
The population of ants will reduce within a few days. The baits will continue to be effective for up to 3 months.
This bait is working so much better than spraying everywhere. You can set them down and all the ants are gone within a few days. You will not have to worry about your dog and cat getting at poison because of the way they are made.
Depending on the size of the infestation, you can use one or all baits at once and replace them every 3 months.
Product Specs
- Item Form: Gel
- Item Weight: 7.4 ounces
- Brand: Raid
- Pack: 8 Baits
- Target species: Ants
Customer Reviews
Raid Max Double Control Ant Baits are gaining popularity among customers, as evidenced by the numerous positive reviews they have received on popular shopping platforms like Walmart and Amazon. Customers are pleased with the product’s ability to effectively effectively eliminate ant problems.
One satisfied customer described locating an indoor ant nest by following the ants’ trail at dusk and placing a Raid trap in the way. The customer found the trap easy to use and less messy than other brands, and after a short time, observed ants walking into the trap and carrying food back to the colony. The customer noted that the traps were effective in eliminating ants, even those that were not attracted to other baits. The customer also stressed the importance of prompt action against ant infestations, as carpenter ants can cause structural damage in as little as three to four months.
Other customers noted the product’s longevity and effectiveness, recommending multiple traps placed in key locations. One dissatisfied customer complained that the baits did not work, but the overwhelming positive reviews suggest that Raid Max Double Control Ant Baits are a reliable and effective solution for ant infestations.
Instructions to use
- Separate baits before placement.
- For particularly heavy infestations, you can use additional baits.
- For best results, place the baits next to walls and on the path of ants (baseboards, in corners, under sinks, in cabinets, and near plumbing fixtures).
- DO NOT CONTAMINATE FEEDS, FOOD PRODUCTS, FOOD PREPARATION SURFACES, DISHES, KITCHEN UTENSILS, AND FOOD CONTAINERS.
- Baits work best on horizontal surfaces touching corners and walls.
- Replace ALL baits every three months to keep ants from returning.
- Store in a dry area, inaccessible to children.
- If empty, do not reuse the bait station.
The product inside is harmful if absorbed through the skin. Causes moderate eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
Get the Raid Max Double Control Ant Baits on Amazon or Amazon or Walmart or trustables.com or menards.com or shelllumber.com or heb.com or farmandfleet.com or officedepot.com or stanfordhome.com or supplyworks.com or shelhealth.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ants trigger allergic reactions?
Generally, ant bites are not harmful and only cause skin irritation and mild discomfort. But some ant species, including Fire ants, can cause anaphylaxis, i.e., a threatening allergic reaction in hypersensitive individuals, and might require emergency treatment with an injection of epinephrine.
Can ants cause diseases?
Normally ants do not cause diseases, but some species, such as pharaoh ants, are known to transmit organisms such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, and Streptococcus. According to the World Health Organization, this ant species is also problematic for burn patients as they are attracted to fluids produced by burn wounds.
How can ants be kept away from home?
The best way to keep ants away from your home is by keeping it clean and removing anything that would attract them. Food and plates should not be left on the countertops. The best way to store food is by putting it in sealed containers. Drawers should be kept neat and clean. Garbage should be taken out every day in order to help minimize ant invasion in homes.
Another important point is to ensure that the house is properly sealed and there are no gaps around windows or floors.
If the ant infestation problem persists, different bait types can be used.
How many types of baits are there for entrapping and killing ants?
There are numerous types of commercially available baits. Liquid and gel baits, Granular baits, and Ant killing dust or powder-based products.
- Ant gel baits
Gel baits are one of the effective means to trap ants.
These are small gel-based products that can be used to kill ants. Gel baits are perfect to be applied around the corners and edges of rooms, along the cabinets, and in other cracks, etc.
- Ant granular baits
These are best to be used outdoors, where other products fail to provide benefits. Granular baits are generally unaffected by water and can work fine outside, even in the garden, soil, etc.
- Ant Dusts
These are also designed to combat ants that might be hidden in the cracks of the walls and cannot be reached by any other product.
You can also use a powder blower to ensure that the powder gets in the wall and
such places thoroughly. Blowing the dust orally can be hazardous.
- Ant liquid baits and bait stations
Liquid baits are essentially liquid products that can be put in the holes, corners, and entry points in your house or where ants are found in a large numbers or can be used in combination with bait stations.
Conclusion
Different types of bait and bait stations are available in the market to fight off ants’ infestation problems, such as Gel-based products, Liquid baits and bait stations, and dust and granular products.
Bait stations are known as effective and easy to use for both small and large-scale infestations as they can be used indoors very easily. Such products can also deal with various ant species and target both ants and their colonies. Also, these products can be used for dealing with both household and commercial level infestation. Overall, bait stations are an easy fix for infestations and work by sweeping out entire colonies. They are safer to use around children and pets than gel or granular baits and leave no product residue.
On the other hand, gel-based products are extremely beneficial as they are not affected by environmental conditions and can be used in various spaces where other products, such as bait stations, cannot be placed. Gels baits are effective for fighting off infestation and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Gels are a good option for use in areas where other products can’t be placed. However, these should be used with caution near food-handling areas. Gel baits seem the most fitting option for dealing with infestation problems, as ants can easily take the insecticide or poisonous material back to their colony.
Granular and dust-based products provide excellent control from ants found outdoors or in places where other products are difficult to install or use, such as the attic, basement, and other void spaces. But these cannot be used indoors.
So, depending on the ant infestation problem, the most suitable product can be chosen from the above-mentioned products.