If you feel a sharp stingy bite followed by severe itching and redness then you most probably have been bitten by an ant. These small but annoying pests give sharp pain on every single bite and the first thing you want to do is flick them off from you.
Hence, the only way to get rid of them is by removing the food source they are attracted to and using some treatment method such as using sprays or glue traps etc.
Following are some of the effective ant spray based products that can put an end to ant infestation from your home instantly. These include:
Table of Contents
1. Cedarcide Original Biting Insect Spray
This natural Cedracide ant repellent spray is manufactured in the United States by Cedaracide that specializes in making many natural pest control products for use on people, pets, yard, garden and home.
What’s Good?
- It is ready to use spray that kills ants and other commonly found pests at all stages of life as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and mites
- It is a DEET-free spray made from all-natural cedar
- Dries quickly and leaves no messy residue or stain
- Comes with a fresh cedar scent
What’s Wrong?
- A bit on the pricey side
Designed for People, Pets and Home use, Cedarcide Original protects against Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes, Mites and Ants
The active ingredients present in this insect repellent spray are Cedarwood oil, Non-GMO fully refined soybean oil. In addition to some inert ingredients including mineral oil, Silica Hydrate, Isopropyl Myristate, Diatomaceous Earth
The mode of action of cedarwood oil is based on the repellent properties of the various terpenoid substances which are not liked by ants and other commonly found insects. Similarly, other ingredients such as the silica hydrate present in this spray work by creating a barrier that helps repel ants and other insects effectively.
This ant repellent spray is available in different sizes including 1oz, 2oz, 4oz, 8oz, Pint, Quart, Gallon, Small Kit, Medium Kit and Large Kit etc.
Instructions to use
For Adults and Children
It can be sprayed directly into the skin every 4 to 6 hours or as needed. It can be applied on face avoiding eyes and mouth. Adults should use hands to apply it to children.
For Pets
It can be lightly sprayed or applied with hands-on coat and massaged into the legs, underbelly, around ears and tail. It can be applied with hands on the face of your pet, avoiding eyes, and mouth.
It can be applied after every 5 to 7 days or as needed.
For Cats
Apply sparingly using hands. If your cat shows signs of sensitivity, it is advised to stop using it and give a bath to your cat.
Indoors
It is advised by the manufacturer to lightly mist or applies using a cloth on doorways, window frames, pet areas and other indoor spaces weekly for prevention or as needed.
It is suggested to not use in food preparation areas.
In order to be used on furniture or clothing, it is advised to use on a small piece of the area first to make sure that the spray does not stain any surface upon contact.
In order to clean it up from a surface, it is advised by the manufacturer to use soap and water.
2. Ortho Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray
Ortho Home Defense insect killer spray is produced by an American multinational company called Scotts Miracle Gro which specializes in making various pest free products.
What’s Good?
- It kills ants and other common house insects effectively
- Its non-staining formula does not leave any messy residue
- This ant killing spray is odour-free
- Provide control from ants and other insects for up to 12 month
What’s Wrong?
- Nothing Wrong
The active ingredients in this bug killer spray are Bifenthrin (0.05%) and Zeta-Cypermethrin (0.0125 %). Bifenthrin and Cypermethrin interfere with the nervous system of insects upon contact. Both of these ingredients are approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This ant killing spray can be used indoors and outdoors along the perimeter. It can be used indoor including bathrooms, kitchens, family rooms, pantry, attics, garages, basements, closets, storage areas, and bedrooms.
It is recommended to keep children and pets away during treatment and do not allow them to return back to treated area before the treatment has dried.
This ant killer spray is not toxic for birds. However, birds and mammals that eat aquatic organisms may get affected because of the high toxicity of these ingredients for fish and small aquatic organisms.
This ant killer is also toxic to bees and can last a long time in the environment. Therefore, it is also advised to keep this product away from water supplies and animals.
For Indoor Use
It is advised to shake well before use.Then, set spray nozzle to indoor setting.
Manufacturers suggest to hold sprayer 12 inches from surfaces being sprayed.
Apply a 4 inch band along the interior of your home in areas where insects are a recurring problem.
It is suggested to spray until slightly wet, without soaking.
For Outdoor Use
It is advised to shake well and set spray nozzle to outdoor setting.
Manufacturers recommend holding sprayer 12 inches from surfaces being sprayed.
Apply a 12-inch band along the exterior perimeter of your home in areas where insects are a recurring problem.
Spray until slightly wet, without soaking
It is advised to not allow the spray to get mixed with water supplies. Do not allow to spray into the air.
3. Eco defence Home Pest Control Spray
Eco Defense is the world’s leading Natural and Biobased Pest Control Line that manufactures a number of effective pest control products.
What’s Good?
- All natural and non toxic spray
- Helps keep ants and a number of other insects such as roaches, spiders, fleas, earwigs, stink bugs, mites, scorpions, silverfish etc
- It is safe to be used around children and pets
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors
- This is a fast acting spray and kills insects by contact
What’s Wrong?
- According to some customers it does not provide long lasting results as compared to other similar products.
The EcoDefense home pest control spray is one of the natural and non toxic spray that can help keep away ants and other commonly found pets such as house roach, spiders, fleas, earwigs, stink bugs, mites, scorpions and silverfish etc.
The active ingredients present in this ant repellent spray are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (4.0%), Geranium oil (0.11%) and Peppermint oil (1%) in addition to other inert ingredients.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a surfactant or cleaning agent that is used in making many personal care and hygiene products such as soaps, shampoos and toothpastes.
Just like any other essential oil based product this naturally derived formula uses a powerful blend of plant oils that might be too strong for some users. Therefore, it is recommended to spray it in a well ventilated area.
EcoDefense pest control spray can be used both indoors and outdoors. This 16 fl oz of the product provide fast acting and long lasting insect control. Moreover, it is safe to be used around children.
Directions to use
It is advised by the manufacturer to shake well before use.
The spray should be applied in areas with high activity of pets or in the places where they like to hide.
It is suggested to spray around window frames and doorways.
It is also recommended to spray under the sink, in cabinets and around appliances.
Manufacturers also suggest keeping this spray out of reach of children. It is also suggested to avoid contact with eyes and skin.
4. Ecosmart Organic Home Pest
It is a natural insect repellent spray produced by an American pest control brand that makes a wide range of natural insecticides.
This pest control spray works in keeping away ants, cockroaches, beetles, crickets, fleas, ticks, spiders and other pests easily.
What’s Good?
- It is effective for keeping ants and other household pests away
- It can be used both indoor & outdoors
- Safe to use around children and pets
- This is a fast acting spray and kills insects by contact
What’s Wrong?
- Might not give long lasting results as some of the commercially available products
The active ingredients used in this insect repellent spray are 2-Phenythyl Propionate (5.00%), Rosemary Oil (0.50%), Clove Oil (0.50%) and Thyme Oil (0.25%).
Phenythyl Propionate is a compound that is naturally found in various plants and plant products including guava, peanuts, apple cider, beer, rum, apple brandy and various types of cheese.
It can also be synthesized artificially and is widely used as a fragrance and food flavoring, as well as an insecticide. It is relatively non toxic substance but might cause mild irritation or allergy in some cases according to the integrated Pest Management Program of New York.
EcoSmart spray contains a mixture of different essential oils that contains non toxic ingredients making them safe to be used inside the home and strong enough to be used along the outside perimeter of the house.
This natural ant repellent spray makes it perfect to be used around children and pets. Also, its non staining formula does not leave any messy residue or stains and can be used on carpets, wooden floor or furniture.
Moreover, it is an eco friendly product that will not contaminate ground water supplies, hurt mammals, birds, fish or other aquatic life.
Instructions to use
- It is suggested to hold the container upright and aim nozzle away from face while spraying.
- Then firmly pressing the button to spray
- Manufacturers recommend directly spray it at insects, in order to contacting as many insects as possible.
5. Wondercide Natural Indoor Pest Control Spray
Wondercide is an American company that specializes in making a wide range of natural pest control products for pets, home, yard and the entire family.
It is a natural insect control spray that works remarkably well for killing ants. It performs the dual function of killing and repelling most commonly found insects at home.
What’s Good?
- It is an all natural product made up of mainly plant derived essential oils.
- Non toxic–safe to be used around children and pets;
- It can also be used around the kitchen and food preparation areas
- Effectively kills and repels insects
- Available in four pleasant fragrances including peppermint, cedar, lemongrass, and rosemary
What’s Wrong?
- Some customers might not appreciate the scent very much
It is known for exterminating flying, crawling, biting and stinging pests such as ants, spiders, roaches, flies, fleas, ticks, wasps, scorpions, mosquitoes, fruit flies, silverfish, moths, gnats, carpet beetles, earwigs, palmetto bugs and waterbugs etc.
The active ingredients present in this spray are plant based natural oils including Cedarwood oil (4.2 %), Peppermint oil (1.5%), Sesame oil (0.1 %), and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, (2.2%), in addition to other products.
Just like most of other natural essential oils, cedar oils affects the octopamine receptors in insects as it these receptors are responsible for regulating heart rate, movement and behavior in insects.
Cedar oil blocks the octopamine neurotransmitter receptors in pests; making them to be repelled from the area as a result they suffocate and die.
Humans and other mammals, birds, fish and amphibians do not get affected by the plant based oils such as cedar oil because they do not have octopamine neurotransmitters unlike insects
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a surfactant or cleaning agent that is used in making many personal care and hygiene products such as soaps, shampoos and toothpastes.
Wondercide Natural Indoor Pest Control spray is a natural spray that is why it does not contain any harmful chemicals and can be used multiple times a week around your children and pets indoors.
This spray despite being natural is powerful enough to fully eliminate annoying spiders and other commonly found pests and provide long lasting repellent power.
This spray comes in four aromatherapeutic fragrances including rosemary, lemongrass, cedar and peppermint.
Instructions to use
In case of active insect problems, manufacturers recommend using spraying it every 2-3 days to gain control. Once control is established, application frequency can be reduced.
For crawling insects including spiders it is recommended by the manufacturers to spray around baseboards and other hiding spots. When the insects are visible, it can be sprayed directly onto them resultantly insects crawl away and die.
Also it is recommended to apply anywhere a food or drink gets spilled as more insects join the area and so does spiders.
When applying to fabrics and home surfaces, manufacturers recommend a test spray on a small, hidden area prior to full application.
For prevention and maintenance purposes it is recommended to spray under sinks, in pantry, closets, bathroom, laundry room, cracks & crevices or anywhere insects reside.
Also it is advised to spray around windows and doors and to repeat every four weeks or as needed.
6. Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Spray
This insect killing spray is manufactured by the renowned America based company known as Spectrum Brands that specializes in making various pest control products.
This insect killing spray is perfect for killing the most commonly found insects including ants and other household pests such as house crickets, carpenter ants, harvester ants, lady beetles and earwigs.
What’s Good?
- Fast acting and odorless spray
- Kill ants and a number of other insects on first contact
- Eliminates insects from above and underground
What’s Wrong?
- Hazardous to aquatic life
- Not effective during rainy season
The active ingredient present in this ant killing spray is Gamma-Cyhalothrin (0.08%) i.e. known for its excellent insect killing properties. Gamma Cyhalothrin works by disrupting the functioning of the nervous system in insects leading to causing paralysis or death.
Spectracide Triazicide Insect killing spray can be used in your lawn and garden for taking care of the ant infestation problem. This ant killing spray is especially effective as it kills insects from both above and below ground.
It is ranked as one of the most effective lawn insect killers due to excellent insect repelling properties and keeps them away for more than three months. It consists of a Quick Flip hose-end sprayer that activates spray at the flip of a switch.
Moreover it can cover up to 5,120 square feet of area with the single bottle of 32 fl oz of the product.
It does not damage natural plantation and can be safely used in lawn, orchards, shrubs and in house foundation too.
Gamma Cyhalothrin can be very toxic if inhaled for prolonged time in concentrated form. Therefore, care should be taken whilst using this product.
Directions for Use
It is advised to not allow children or pets into the treated area until dry.
Also, it is suggested by the manufacturers to not water the treated area so that it seeps into sewerage or drains. Also, it should be avoided to use this product in rain.
Moreover, all outdoor applications must be limited to spot or crack-and-crevice treatments only, except for treatment to soil or vegetation around structures or applications to lawns, turf and other vegetation.
An application to building foundations, up to a maximum height of 3 feet is allowed. Other than applications to building foundations, all outdoor applications to impervious surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, patios, porches and structural surfaces (such as windows, doors and eaves) should be limited to spot and crack-and-crevice applications only.
It is toxic to fish and other aquatic life and should not be spilled near water bodies
Care should be taken while handling this insecticide
Using the ready spray nozzle
It is advised to shake the container well before using and connect a garden hose to the Ready Spray nozzle whilst making sure that the dial on the nozzle is in the “off” position with the safety tab in the valve notch.
Then it is suggested to turn on water at faucet. Extend hose to the farthest area to be treated and work back toward the faucet so you don’t come in contact with the treated area.
To start spraying, point nozzle toward treatment site and bend the safety tab back (located at right of dial) with your thumb and hold while turning the dial clockwise until it stops. Water will automatically mix with the product.
Spray until wet to control insects. Walk at a steady pace while spraying using an even sweeping motion, slightly overlapping treated areas.
To stop spraying, it is suggested to turn the dial quickly to counterclockwise until it stops and the safety tab engages into the notch on the valve. Turn water off at faucet. To relieve pressure before removing nozzle from hose, bend the safety tab back and turn dial “on” until water stops spraying.
In order to store the unused product, make sure the dial is in the “off” position with safety tab in the valve notch. Place in a cool area away from heat, sunlight or open flame.
Still can’t figure out if it’s the one for you, check out complete review.
7. Terro Outdoor Ant Killer Spray
This ready to use spray is manufactured by the brand Terro i.e one of the popular US based brands owned by the Woodstream Corporation Inc. The company is a global manufacturer and marketer of quality pest control products.
What’s Good?
- This ready to use spray kills ants, carpenter ants, spiders, cockroaches & other insects upon contact
- It is perfect for killing ants before they get inside home—as a perimeter treatment
- This spray is effective for providing long term control
- Spray reaches up to 10 to 15 feet away
What’s Wrong?
- This ant killer spray gives off strong odor
- The spray nozzle is not very durable
Some of the other common brands owned by the company include Victor, Safer, Havahart, Perky-Pet, Zareba and Mosquito Magnet etc.
The active ingredient in this ant killing spray is Permethrin that works by affecting the nervous system of the insects causing muscle spasms, paralysis and death.
It can be used outdoors along the perimeter of the house to keep ants and other insects away from entering.
Terro ant killer provides instant knockdown and long-term control against ants and other unwanted home invaders.
It is an easy to use spray that uses precision tube that allows easy delivery in hard to reach places up to 10-15 feet away. Another good feature of this feature is that upon spraying, the outdoor ant killer expands and leaves an invisible residual deposit.
Terro Outdoor Ant Killer is ideal as a perimeter barrier around foundations, doors and windows.
It is especially useful outside in early spring when ants emerge and attempt to enter the house. It is suggested by the manufacturer to use the spray again in the fall when ants attempt to come inside in the winter season.
Instructions to use
It can be applied to foraging trails and other areas that ants and other insects use as common entry points.
Manufacturers advise using the spray with caution as during windy condition it may create a mist that may blow back to you.
Use the attached extension tube or the spare—when engaged, spray will shoot out a stream 10 to 15 feet long.
It is also advised to look for ant activity around the outside of the house and spray the outdoor surface areas, spraying as many ants as possible.
It is advised to avoid application of this product in or around bodies of water
8. Raid Ant & Roach Killer Spray
Raid Ant and Roach Killer Spray is one of the most effective insect killers manufactured by the renowned SC Johnson Inc. is an American multinational privately held company that specializes in making chemical based products and household cleaning supplies.
Other popular brands include Drano, Glade, Kiwi, Pledge, Shout, Windex, Scrubbing_bulbbles, Ziploc and fantastic, stink bugs and spiders etc
This ant killing spray can efficiently kills a number of other pests too such as roaches, ants, water bugs, silverfish, crickets, spiders, and multicolored Asian lady beetles.
The active ingredients present in this spray are Imiprothrin (0.060%) and Cypermethrin (0.100%) both of which are potent insecticides and keep ants away for a long time. Imiprothrin acts by over stimulation of the nervous system and Cypermethrin works by disrupting the nervous system of insects.
This ant and insect killing spray is available in 5 refreshing scents. It can be either used directly on the ants or can be sprayed into the cracks and crevices where insects hide mostly. This ant killer upon contact keeps killing ants for more than 4 weeks.
Moreover, it is advised by the manufacturers to not allow people and pets in the premises of area to be treated.
Instructions to use
It is advised by the manufacturers to shake well before using and hold the container upright.
Then it can be used by pointing spray opening toward surface and pressing button firmly. Hold about 18” from the surface being sprayed.
It is advised by the manufacturer to spray until surfaces are wet.
Moreover, it is suggested to cover or remove exposed foods, dishes, utensils and food handling equipment.
Also, it is advised to exit the area immediately and remain outside the treated area until sprays have dried.
It can be reapplied as necessary.
It is also advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
Upon exposure to skin or clothing it is suggested by the manufacturer to take off contaminated clothing and rinse skin immediately for 15 to 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ants cause diseases in humans?
Ants are known to transfer many diseases causing organisms such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Clostridium and Streptococcus to humans, according to The World Health Organization (WHO)
What type of food ants eat?
Ants live in colonies and communicate to other members of their colony by using chemicals based signaling mechanism—by doing so they can alert others to danger or lead them to a promising food source.
Ants generally eat sweet starchy foods, nectar, seeds, fungi, or insects. However, some species also tend to eat reptiles, birds, or even small mammals, according to the National Geographic.
How many ant killing methods are there?
Ants can be eradicated by using gel baits, glue traps or sprays based products. Some of these kill insects instantly but some have delayed effect and work by giving them enough time to share the insecticide with other members of the colony. Hence, killing the entire colony altogether.
Conclusion
Ants infestation in any residential or commercial area can turn out to be a nightmare. In order to keep these pesky insects from invading homes, help from a number of treatments options can be taken such as glue traps and spray based products.
Ant killer sprays serve as one of the most effective treatment method as these help in eradicating entire colonies instantly rather than working as just on-spot treatment option.
Some of the insecticides work instantly and kill ants on the spot upon contact while others give enough time to share the insecticide with the entire colony.
Chemical based insecticides sprays generally have long residual power and keep killing ants even after use. However, such sprays are not completely safe to use around children or pets and can cause harmful adverse effects if not used according to the label instructions. That’s why natural sprays are preferred but these do not have long residual effect. However, natural ant killer sprays can be used indoors and even outdoors in homes safely around children and pets.