Unfortunately, the neighborhood of man and insects is not always useful and beneficial. For example, ants can cause quite a lot of harm both in the house itself and in the garden. Because of this, owners of cottages, other private residential buildings, summer cottages, vegetable gardens, and so on regularly fight with them. In garden stores there are many different products that differ from each other in their chemical composition, mode of action, cost, and other parameters.
Not every person is able to easily navigate in the presented assortment and give preference to the most suitable substance. We will try to fill this gap with our article: for this, we have collected in our review of the best ant remedies only the most popular formulations that will help to cope with these pests in the shortest possible time. Moreover, we decided to give some tips on choosing the right product, depending on the habitat and the number of such pests. Let’s start with this.
How to choose the right ant repellant?
Despite the fact that at first glance it seems to people that ants are absolutely harmless and are not able to interfere with a person in any way, such insects can cause a lot of problems. First of all, they multiply very quickly — over time, ants are able to fill the entire space of an apartment, house and plot. In most of the territory of our country, there are two types of these insects — red (they prefer to live indoors) and garden ones (they settle in the soil, near the roots of trees, but they can also breed comfortably in housing).
Ants carry various pathogenic bacteria, they also arrange warehouses of their food behind baseboards, wallpaper, furniture, which ultimately leads to mold and fungi. The latter can have a very negative impact on the health of the human body. In addition, they are capable of spoiling food if left in the open.
Their main harm on the site is the spread of aphids, with which ants have symbiosis. These small arthropods severely damage the stems and leaves of cultivated plants, reducing the yield, and in especially severe cases, their damage even leads to the death of plants. The ants themselves cause irreparable harm to the internal parts of the buds, they gnaw the roots of seedlings, spoil ripe berries, fruits, root crops. A large colony of ants can even destroy newly planted shrubs such as raspberries, currants.
In general, all ant repellents can be divided into two large groups: the first is intended for pest control, in other words, for the destruction of insects, the second is designed to repel them. Powder formulations are produced on the basis of a contact-type insecticide — it penetrates through the chitinous cover of insects, stops their vital processes. When using such substances, care must be taken that direct sunlight does not fall on the treated surface, as they will lead to the breakdown of active compounds.
Even on sale you can find gels that infect only insects that have touched such a drug. The principle of operation is the same as that of powders, but the gels do not dry out for a long time, they resist the effects of sunlight well. The substance can function for several months, it can be applied to any surface, the consumption of preparations is small, so one package will last for a long time.
Aerosols work on the same principle as a cockroach remedy, but you will have to use them quite often. There are ant traps — they contain a special tool that lures insects. After falling into such a trap, the ants can no longer get out and die. There are special electric repellers on sale — they can be used both in the apartment and on the land. They create discomfort in insects and force them to leave their chosen places. Such means are considered the most humane.
For summer cottages, powders are the most effective, as ants like to settle in the shade. Gels are also good, traps will be useful, but it is advisable to install them on a flat surface, otherwise their effectiveness will be significantly reduced. When choosing products to include in our ranking of the best ant remedies, we were guided by all the points above, as well as taking into account user reviews and value for money products. We decided not to include the most expensive drugs in the review, so that each of the readers has the opportunity to choose a substance according to their financial means.
Top 10 best ant killers
10. Hector Ant Powder
The tool consists of granules containing a poisonous substance and a bait that can attract ants within a radius of up to 1m. Having found the granules, the ant transmits information about the find to other individuals. Since the remedy does not work instantly, the infected ants, having returned to their nest, have time to spread the poison among their relatives. Thus, the entire colony dies, as the poison eventually reaches the larvae and the queen.
If you know where the anthill is, you should pour plenty of pellets into this place. This will increase the number of infected individuals at the first stage and speed up the process of getting rid of ants. In other cases, it is worth processing near the beds and around the perimeter of the greenhouse. It is recommended to do this when the insects are most active, that is, in dry weather.
Advantages:
- Chain reaction effect;
- The tool is already ready for use;
- Large package 300g.
Flaws:
- Apply in dry weather.
Ant Powder Hector
9. Combat SuperAttack from ants
The trap was developed taking into account all the biological characteristics of such insects, which made it possible to achieve maximum efficiency. In one anthill, regardless of its location — in an apartment or on a plot — from 400 to 4800 individuals can live, and the vast majority of them (about 95%) are ordinary worker ants. They are females that are not able to have offspring with undeveloped wings. The trap is designed in such a way that the ants can come out and carry the treat to their nest. There they feed the larvae with this composition. The larvae subsequently digest and process it, after which they are fed to the queen and most of the colony.
The main active agent is hydramethylnon, a special substance that blocks the transmission of impulses through nerve receptors. The ants themselves, who have been trapped, also receive a dose of this substance, but it is characterized by a delayed action, so they have time to return to the anthill and share it with other individuals. The effect of the remedy is noticeable in just a couple of days.
Advantages:
- High degree of efficiency;
- The trap is safe for humans and pets, since the poisonous substance is hidden under its body;
- Acceptable cost;
- Shows itself effectively indoors.
Flaws:
- Weak double-sided tape for attaching to the surface — it will not be possible to install it vertically;
- If there is a desire to install on the street, then you need to consider that rainwater does not get into the trap;
- It can destroy about 6-8 thousand ants, so it is only suitable for two or three anthills. If there are more of them on the site, you will need to use a more powerful tool.
Combat SuperAttack from ants
8. Raid against ants
This product is an aerosol product that is produced on the basis of an aqueous solvent. The drug is relatively safe for human health, as well as for pets. However, it is advisable to treat ants with open vents or windows. The tool is universal, as it is suitable for fighting not only ants, but also cockroaches, bedbugs and other crawling insects. Working with the aerosol is very simple — just shake the can vigorously while holding it in an upright position. Surfaces are processed from a distance of about 20 cm, it is advisable to do this in the area where insects live. The consumption of funds is insignificant — about 20 grams per 1 sq. m.
After using the drug, you need to thoroughly ventilate the room for half an hour, and also wash the surfaces with which the active substance of the aerosol could come into contact, and this should be done only with rubber gloves. Spray should be done only if the temperature is not lower than 10 degrees. It is pointless to use the product in open areas, since it can be blown away by the wind, and on the ground it will most likely be blown away along with dust.
Advantages:
- There is no foreign smell;
- Insects die immediately;
- High activity of substances;
- Can be used for other crawling insects.
Flaws:
- Practically zero efficiency when applied outdoors;
- It is necessary to ventilate the room during the spraying process, and after using the aerosol;
- If the product has got on surfaces in contact with food, they must be thoroughly washed.
Raid against ants
7. Gel Raptor from ants
It is a universal remedy for fighting ants, so this gel can be used both in an apartment or house, and outside it. The substance attracts insects with an original smell that combines vanilla and apricot. Once the ant has come into contact with the gel, it becomes an active carrier of the poison. Lambda-cyhalothrin is used here as a poisonous substance, the concentration of which in the gel does not exceed 0.1%. According to the characteristics, the compound is an active insecticide of the pyrethroid group. It enters the body of the ant by contact, getting through the digestive system into the intestines.
Absorption into other organs of the arthropod occurs within half an hour. During this time, the ant manages to return to its home, where it is overtaken by paralysis and subsequent death, which occurs within a day. During the whole time, both before and after death, the insect is in contact with other inhabitants of the anthill. In turn, they also take a dose of poison, which, after transformation in the host’s body, acquires the ability to penetrate chitinous covers. Accordingly, literally five to ten ants that have been in contact with the gel are ways to almost completely destroy a large anthill.
Advantages:
- Pretty economical consumption, which allows you to use one package to destroy a very large population of insects;
- Can be used to fight cockroaches;
- It is permissible to apply at home — after the gel there are no traces or stains left;
- The composition can be used as a barrier protection;
- The room after application does not need ventilation;
- The gel is absolutely safe for pets and people;
- Acceptable cost.
Flaws:
- If the product is used at home, then after the destruction of insects, the remnants will need to be removed from the surface.
Gel Raptor from ants
6. Arnest Gel Killing Power
Another product made in the form of a gel, so its use is the safest, and compared to powders, aerosols and sprays, the efficiency is no lower. The volume of the package with this tool is 75 ml, but this amount is quite enough for the full processing of a large house and a large plot of land. The tool does its job well. The principle of operation is the same as that of all other similar gel products. After a single application of this gel in an apartment, you can forget about ants for up to ten months. When used in a summer cottage, ants disappear until the next season.
Such a tool can not be removed from the surface of the earth — the active substance used in it, which is fipronil, retains its useful characteristics for a long time. It is not subject to decomposition under the influence of water, sunlight, high and low temperatures. The gel will gradually dissolve and penetrate into the soil in the anthill area. This allows you to secure the most favorite places for ants, and the compound itself is safe for humans and animals, does not accumulate in the fruits of cultivated plants.
Advantages:
- With this tool, you can fight ants, cockroaches, even slugs;
- Very easy to use;
- Economic consumption;
- There is no smell and traces of use;
- Affordable cost;
- Completely safe for humans and animals.
Flaws:
- If some insects still survive, then they may develop immunity to this poisonous substance.
Gel Arnest Lethal Force
5. Trap Raptor Express
This is not just a trap, but a full-fledged complex designed to fight cockroaches and ants at home. In the kit there is a plastic trap into which a special gel is loaded, made on the basis of trace pheromones. It literally attracts insects that climb into the trap, absorb the bait. At the same time, it also remains on the legs and abdomen of ants. They can easily get out of such a trap, return to their nest, where they additionally infect the vast majority of the inhabitants. The action of the gel begins literally one to two hours after the ant eats it.
Here, three active components are used at once, so the habituation of individuals to them is immediately completely excluded. Substances are capable of destroying even ants that resist poison well. As users and experienced insect exterminators say, this tool belongs to the professional class. At the same time, it is not capable of harming humans, animals and beneficial insects. The trap can work in a warm room for a whole year.
Advantages:
- Quickly copes with cockroaches in the room;
- Contains three active ingredients that do not allow ants to get used to this tool;
- Can fight including cockroaches.
Flaws:
- Quite often comes across defective products.
Trap Raptor Express
4. Clean house Dust from ants
This is one of the most effective remedies for ants and other insect pests. This type of insecticide is characterized by excellent efficacy against both domestic and garden insects. Such a substance was developed several decades ago, it is used everywhere, but the ants could not get used to it and adapt to it. Initially, this product contained DDT, but this compound is dangerous to humans, so it was decided to abandon it. Today, malathion, pyrethrum, chlorpyrifos, karbofos and other similar compounds are used instead.
Together with them, a synergist of increased efficiency is used — piperonyl butoxide, which can significantly extend the time of exposure to the active substance. The product is available in the form of a powder. It is enough to scatter it around the anthill just once, its action will continue for many days. As additional substances, talc, solvent and other safe additives are used here. The only condition for the qualitative use of such a drug is dryness. Only if the powder remains dry will the effectiveness be maximized.
Advantages:
- Very easy to use;
- Universal tool — helps to cope with various harmful insects;
- Low cost;
- Economic consumption of the drug;
- It is found in almost every store of household and garden chemicals;
- Minimum level of toxicity.
Flaws:
- Precautions must be fully observed;
- It is problematic to calculate the dosage for correct spraying on the surface.
Clean house Dust from ants
3. Muracid
3rd place in our ranking of the best ant remedies, we decided to give the drug, which is available in liquid form and is designed exclusively for the fight against garden pests. It goes on sale in ampoules, the volume of which is 5 and 10 ml. One five-ml ampoule is diluted in a bucket of water, but a number of preparatory operations should be carried out. In its pure form, the product is very dangerous for human health, so when breeding, you need to use personal protective equipment — rubber gloves, respirators, goggles, and so on. When preparing the solution, all proportions must be strictly observed. The diluted preparation is poured into places where ant nests are located — about 1 liter of solution is spent on one anthill.
Muracid is also available in powder form. It is ideal for killing ants indoors. You don’t have to dissolve it in a liquid — just mix it with your favorite ant food such as eggs or any boiled porridge. After the drug enters the insect’s body, irreversible chemical reactions begin there, leading to convulsions, blocking the digestive system, after which paralysis of all organs of the insect comes. Poisonous substances pass through the infected ants throughout the colony. The average term for the destruction of an anthill takes about a day.
Advantages:
- Does not evaporate into the atmosphere;
- Absolutely safe for earthworms and beneficial bacteria;
- Does not affect green spaces, does not damage root crops, they do not absorb it;
- Depending on the form of release, it can be used both in personal plots and indoors;
- Acceptable cost.
Flaws:
- These precautions must be observed.
Muratsid
2. Zarit Spider
The original composition, which is produced in the form of dry bait, made in the form of granules. They can be used both indoors and outdoors. The tool perfectly copes with ants that find themselves in the human habitat. The function of active compounds here is performed by the substances imidocloprid and tanrek. Both of them are derivatives of nicotine obtained in artificial conditions of chemical laboratories. These compounds do not just easily seep through the chitinous cover of the insect, but penetrate into the intestines of the ant, have a contact effect. In other words, when they come into contact with other ants, they become infected. Substances retain their activity when interacting with the environment for four weeks.
The substance is afraid of sunlight, so the areas where it will be scattered should be protected from the sun to prolong the duration of the insecticide. The tool also copes with other pests — slugs, wood lice, centipedes. If you pour several pellets into the course of a bear, then not only she will die, but all her offspring — both eggs and larvae.
Advantages:
- High efficiency;
- Very low cost;
- Widely represented in garden stores;
- Pretty strong poison.
Flaws:
- These safety precautions must be observed;
- It can inadvertently destroy some beneficial insects.
Zarit Spider
1. DR granules. KLAUS for the destruction of ants
This tool turned out to be one of the leaders for many reasons. First of all, the composition is able to fight not only ants and other crawling insects such as cockroaches, but also some flying ones — mosquitoes, flies, midges, sometimes even cope with horseflies. The duration of effective protection reaches two months. Despite the fact that this agent is intended even for the destruction of flying insects, it does not evaporate, unlike fumigators. Accordingly, they can be used in residential areas without fear for their health and for the health of other family members. These granules contain an attractant, which acts as a universal bait. Insects, sitting on the granules, receive a share of a poisonous substance incompatible with life. It first disrupts the action of the intestines, then blocks the receptors of the nervous system. Flies and other flying pests simply cannot fly after that. Literally two or three hours later, death occurs.
To control insects in the premises, it is enough to sprinkle a small amount of the product on a paper, cardboard or plastic substrate. They are placed in any areas, because the tool is absolutely safe for pets and even for small children. For street ants, the substrate can not be used — in this case, the main thing is to correctly find the ways of their movement and scatter literally three or four granules there. The effect of them will be much higher compared to powder or gel. With direct contact with the product, even a large anthill can be completely exterminated within just two days.
Advantages:
- Very convenient to use;
- The tool helps to get rid of not only ants, but also other annoying insects;
- Acceptable cost;
- Safe composition for small children and animals.
Flaws:
- It will take quite a long time to look in stores.
Granules DR. KLAUS for the destruction of ants
In conclusion, a useful video
The review of the best ant repellents in 2022 is over. We tried to cover each position of the rating in as much detail as possible, to collect more information both on the effect of exposure and on the chemical composition. If you have had experience using this product, then you can always share it with us and with our readers in the comments to this article.