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CNN
10 hours ago
- General
- CNN
Ant problem? We interviewed 8 pest-control experts and found the 15 best ant killers
Ant killer quick picks A reliable indoor ant killer: Terro Liquid Ant Baits, 12-Pack For targeted application: Combat Max Ant Killing Gel A pet-friendly natural ant killer: Harris Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade A DIY ant deterrent: Heinz Distilled White Vinegar Finding the best ant killer isn't as simple as buying the first product you see in the home and garden aisle. Not only will the wrong solution prove ineffective but it could also put your children or pets at risk. Sprays are a prime example. Though they might kill a few ants, they 'do not penetrate the colony' and can 'present certain health concerns,' said Allan Bossel, an operations expert at Bed Bug Exterminator (BBE). Instead, you need bait, which ants 'carry back to the colony, making [it] ideal for long-term results,' said Nick Ferrante Jr., an associate certified entomologist at Excel Pest Services. To help you find the right product for your infestation, I spoke with several pest-control experts, compiling a list of the best ant killers, along with a few tips to keep ants from entering your home in the first place. Terro Liquid Ant Killer, 12-Pack Terro Liquid Ant Bait is Ferrante's go-to choice for general indoor use. 'It contains borax and works by allowing ants to ingest the poison and return it to the nest, wiping out the entire colony over time,' he said. Combat Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel Need something more targeted? You can apply gel baits like this fipronil-based solution 'directly into cracks and crevices' with the included syringe, Ferrante said. Like with Terro's ant killer, the ants will introduce the gel to the colony, eliminating your pest problem at the source. Advion Ant Gel Bait You can also try Advion's Gel Bait, which relies on the insecticide indoxacarb. "It attracts ants while killing the entire colony," Bossel said. Amdro Fire Ant Bait 'Amdro Fire Ant Bait is highly effective when it comes to controlling fire ants because it targets and destroys their queen and the entire colony within two weeks," Bossel said. Note, however, that this poison is designed for application to mounds and lawns outdoors. Basf Advance Carpenter Ant Bait It's difficult to know if you have carpenter ants, according to entomologist R. Tracy Ellis of FarmSense, because they act a lot like termites, 'excavating tunnels for nests' in wood. That's why she suggests consulting professionals. However, if you opt for the DIY route, Bossel recommends this bait from Basf. "[It] can go down into the voids where carpenter ants build their nests," he said. "Carpenter ants love rotted wood, so once you've deterred them from the area, replace the wood they're eating in addition to persistently spraying the products that kill them." Terro Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits "These baits, when used consistently and as directed, can be really effective,' Bossel said, adding that these are his top choice for a weather-resistant, outdoor solution. That said, consider if you need to kill ants outside to control an infestation. 'At least for me, there is no need to try to 'eradicate' the ants out in the garden,' said Dong-Hwan Choe, a professor of entomology at the University of California, Riverside. 'Managing ants is the better way to approach this.' Ortho Home Defense Ant Bait Enclosed bait stations like these have the advantage of being safer for children, pets and animals, Ferrante said, as the insecticide isn't out in the open. Harris Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth 'The safest nonchemical insecticide that's safe for pets is food-grade diatomaceous earth," Bossel said. "As long as it's not inhaled in significant quantities, diatomaceous earth does not harm humans and pets, but it does 100% kill ants by mechanically dehydrating them and destroying their exoskeletons." EcoLogic Ant and Roach Killer Made with corn mint, cinnamon and clove oil, this contact spray is a 'more natural option that's safer for families,' Ferrante said, though he added that it 'may take longer to see results.'Borax 20 Mule Team Laundry Booster Ferrante calls a 3:1 mix of borax and sugar one of the most reliable homemade baits. 'The sugar lures the ants in, while the borax acts as a slow-acting poison that the ants carry back to the colony,' he said. 'Over time, this can help eliminate the nest at its source, though it does require patience and careful placement along active trails.' JT Eaton Eaton's Answer Boric Acid Insecticidal Dust According to Cody James Pace, an associate certified entomologist and market technical director at Terminix, boric acid, made from the same naturally occurring substance in your borax laundry booster, can also kill ants naturally. Shannon Harlow-Ellis, an associate certified entomologist and technical services manager at Mosquito Joe, recommends this boric acid-based powder for fire ant infestations in particular. Heinz Distilled White Vinegar Vinegar doesn't kill ants, Ferrante said, but it can act as a scent disruptor. Mix a 1:1 solution with water and apply it as a natural deterrent that's child- and pet-friendly. Arizona Chemical Group Fipronil Plus C Pest-Control Concentrate Matt Smith, a co-owner of Green Pest Management, said that fipronil-based solutions like this one make effective ant killers that won't put pets at risk. The insecticide 'spreads like a bacteria; it will attach to the arm and leg follicles and spread from one ant to another,' he said. You'll have to dilute this bulk solution (it makes 21 gallons) and apply it using your own spray bottle. Chapin 20000 1-Gallon Sprayer If you go the bulk route and want to mix your own insecticide, you'll need a sprayer. This widely available model comes with a pump and an adjustable nozzle for easy application. Raid Ant & Roach Killer Spray, 2-Pack Bossel said that contact sprays are 'best used as a last resort." But if you need results in seconds, you can try this spray from Raid, which he said 'provides quick knockdown results for visible ants on contact.' First, consider the type of ants you're dealing with. 'Since each species has unique nesting habits and food sources, correctly identifying the type of ant in your home is essential to choosing the most effective control strategy,' Ferrante said. 'For instance, odorous house ants, also known as sugar ants, are typically attracted to sweet bait products and will readily carry options like Terro back to their colony,' he added. 'In contrast, carpenter ants, which are larger and capable of causing structural damage, often require more intensive solutions, such as targeted gel baits or professional-grade treatments. Pavement ants and grease ants tend to respond better to protein- or grease-based baits, as their dietary preferences differ.' Choosing the right product for your space is another consideration, as indoor and outdoor treatments have different formulas. If you're applying poison around pets and children, opt for enclosed bait stations, which Ferrante said 'significantly reduces the risk of accidental contact or ingestion while still allowing ants to access the bait and carry it back to the colony.' Ferrante added that you can also ensure your product works by looking for 'borax, hydramethylnon and indoxacarb' in the ingredients, which are effective pesticides. If all else fails, call a professional. 'There are currently more than 15,500 known species of ant, with an estimated 12,000-plus species not yet identified, so it's important to have a trained expert diagnose your individual case and come up with the best treatment option,' said Frank Meek, an entomologist at Orkin. Prevention is the best way to keep ants at bay in the long term, according to Pace. He offered the following five steps: Keep your space clean: 'Wipe up crumbs, spills and food residue immediately. Store food in airtight containers.' Seal entry points: 'Caulk cracks and crevices around windows, doors and foundations to block ant access.' Remove food: 'Don't leave pet food out for extended periods. Clean up fruit that falls from trees in your yard.' Trim vegetation: 'Trim tree branches and shrubs away from your house, as ants can use them as bridges.' Fix leaks: 'Ants are attracted to moisture, so repair any leaky pipes or damp areas.' The following FAQs have been answered by insect and ant experts Dong-Hwan Choe, Nick Ferrante Jr. and Frank Meek. How do I stay safe while using ant killers? How do I stay safe while using ant killers? Choe said it might be a good idea to wear safety gear — gloves and protective eyewear — while using ant killers. Usually this safety information is printed on the product, he added, but most people make the mistake of not reading or following these instructions. Does vinegar kill ants? Does vinegar kill ants? The experts I spoke to were skeptical about the effectiveness of vinegar as an ant killer, but Ferrante Jr. said it can work as a deterrent. 'Ants rely heavily on scent trails to navigate and communicate with their colony,' he said, 'and vinegar helps erase these trails, temporarily deterring them from returning.' Does baking soda kill ants? Does baking soda kill ants? Ferrante said that baking soda is sometimes an ingredient in DIY ant killers. 'The idea is that ants are attracted to the sugar and will ingest the baking soda, which may react with their digestive systems,' he added. But both he and Meek agreed that home remedies aren't that effective. How can I kill ants naturally? How can I kill ants naturally? 'The best natural solution when fighting ants is prevention,' Meek said. 'Seal up your home, practice cleanliness measures and ensure landscaping is properly maintained to reduce access and the likelihood ants can thrive near your home.' For this article, we consulted the following insect and pest-control experts for their professional insights: Allan Bossel, operations expert at Bed Bug Exterminator (BBE) Dong-Hwan Choe, professor of entomology at the University of California, Riverside R. Tracy Ellis, award-winning entomologist at FarmSense Nick Ferrante Jr., associate certified entomologist at Excel Pest Services Shannon Harlow-Ellis, associate certified entomologist and technical services manager at Mosquito Joe Frank Meek, entomologist at Orkin Cody James Pace, associate certified entomologist and market technical director at Terminix Matt Smith, co-owner of Green Pest Management CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate writer Maxwell Shukuya interviewed entomologists and pest-control experts, including industry professionals and academics.
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Get rid of gnats from the home as bugs arrive with the 'heatwave' weather
Gnats are a common pest in homes and gardens - and are particularly prevalent in the warmer months. Here's how to get rid of them using household items or special products The arrival of warmer weather brings with it a host of delights, from barbecues and beach trips to chilled wine and tasty salads. However, it also heralds the arrival of tiny gnats. These common household flies are drawn to fruit juice and alcohol, but they can quickly become a nuisance if not kept in check due to their rapid breeding. After all, who wants a picnic swarming with flies or a fruit bowl crawling with pests? Gnats thrive in warm conditions and have varied preferences depending on the species. Some feed on fungus, others inhabit sandy areas, but all are known for their biting habits. Scientifically speaking, a gnat is a small fly and a suborder of the Nematocera species, which also includes the equally unwelcome midge (found in both highlands and lowlands), and mosquitoes, which need no introduction. Ultimately, while gnats play a role in nature by providing food for birds, bats, and large insects, they're not welcome house guests. To help you tackle these pesky invaders, pest company Terro has provided some tips on how to properly identify a gnat: Colours: The two most common fruit flies, the Red Eyed Fruit Fly and the Dark-Eyed Fruit Fly, have striped abdomens. Their eye colours are, as the name suggests, red or black, respectively Size: Red Eyed Fruit Flies are about ⅛-inch long. Dark Eyed Fruit Flies are a bit bigger, at about 3⁄16-inch long Body type: Similar to a house fly, but much smaller Where: Fruit flies may be buzzing around your fruit bowl, inside a trash receptacle, in a recycling bin or in your drain or garbage disposal What attracts gnats? Poor quality soil around house plants. Damp areas in the home, such as sinks and soggy clothes Open rubbish piles, bin bags and other mess Dirty dishes Any food source, but particularly fruit, alcohol, and anything left out for a prolonged period, so has intensified Preventing gnats from ruining summer Organic Lesson has some handy tips to stop fruit flies coming along and spoiling the party... 1. Clean up your dirty dishes – gnats love to buzz about eating leftovers. It's arduous, but getting into the habit of washing up straight away will help. 2. Rubbish in the bin – ensure bins are covered and, where possible, waste is disposed of quickly. You need to keep the odour contained. 3. Damp areas – gnats love pools of stagnant water but love anything damp. Fix leaking pipes and avoid leaving watering cans full. 4. Change your soil – if you have indoor plants and flowers, think abut changing the pot soil to a higher-quality variety. This is less likely to contain other pests and mites. Ways to get rid of gnats Here's a quick summary of home remedies: Create a trap by mixing apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap Another home-made trap is to pour leftover red wine into a jar Mash up banana slices in a jar and cover the top with a plastic wrap Pour bleach solution into the bathroom sink. Warning: do not mix bleach with ammonia Use an insect fogging product if you are dealing with a large-scale infestation Place rotten fruits into a jar to attract the gnats and fruit flies None of these methods guarantee success, but are worth trying. Vinegar You need apple cider vinegar, sugar, dish soap, water and a container. In the container, mix two tablespoons of vinegar, one tablespoon of sugar, a few drops of soap, and one litre of water. The insects are attracted by the smell and sweetness, jump in, then die because of the soap. Bleach If the flies are buzzing around the drain, pour bleach down it. Chances are they're breeding in the pipe. Please note: don't pour the bleach as is, but dilute it. It may be that bleach doesn't reach the furthest clutches of nests, but it's a start. Just in case you read something else, don't ever mix bleach with ammonia (deadly combination). Red wine This is much like the vinegar trap. All you're doing is enticing the bugs with booze. Like Wetherspoons and humans. Just pour some cheap wine (don't waste the 2012 Oregon Pinot Noir your dad bought you for your birthday) and wrap the top with clingfilm and punch a few holes in it. Rotten fruit The oldest trick in the book. Put some old fruit in a container, cover with plastic wrap, and pierce with holes big enough for the gnats to get in. Wait... and you should have a box full of mouldy apples and dirty flies. Or, special products: Of course, the easiest and most convenient of way of getting rid of gnats is by purchasing a reputable gnat trap, as Organic Lesson explains. You can buy pest traps online. Fogging mists are also worth trying. There are lots of retailers and your best bet is googling. Notable products include non-toxic fly lures, gnat formulas, which you pour into water-based fly traps, and light-based killers, which attract the flies to bright artificial light. And you've probably all seen the buzzing electric lights used in kitchens.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The only kind of ant killer I'll buy is on sale for spring — 18 traps are just $16
Spring brings any number of lovely seasonal gifts, like daffodils. Budding trees. Warm, fresh breezes. That glowing ball that's suddenly back in the sky (what's it called again?). But one of the surest signs falls squarely in the "oh, you shouldn't have" category: bugs. Every April, without fail, I notice tiny ants darting around my kitchen counters. And every April, without fail, I slaughter them mercilessly with Terro Ant Killer Bait Stations. Right now, you can get 18 of these all-too-handy helpers for $16, down from $22. At $16 for 18 bait stations, you aren't even paying a buck apiece for these things — and trust me, they're worth their weight in thousands of tiny ant corpses. (Er, gold. Yeah.) And aside from one quick dip to $14, this is as low as the price has gone in the past year, according to our trackers. Unexpected ant parades happen to the best of us. This year, I spotted my first tiny visitors the day after Easter, thanks to a slow-cooker insert I'd left in the sink to soak. I was trying to soften up some burned-on mac and cheese, but the ants took that as a belated dinner invitation. Terro baits are filled with a sweet Borax solution that I liken to an ant Big Mac — they've gotta know it's bad for them, but they're powerless to resist. Plop down a few stations where you see the most action, cut off the plastic tips and wait. The ants will go from chaotically scurrying around your house to zombies that march to and from the bait. Talk about special sauce! (Just make sure the area is clean — you want 'em attracted to the bait and only the bait!) Some of the more gluttonous ants may meet their maker inside the bait stations, captured by the sticky goo. But most will make it out and take their prize back to the colony, where they'll die — but not before poisoning all their little friends. Positively Shakespearean, right? Mwuhahaha. This process rarely takes more than a few days, and it saves you from resorting to imprecise sprays or expensive pro-grade chemicals you may not want around the house, especially if you have kids or pets. More than 101,000 ant annihilators sing the praises of Terro bait stations in enthusiastic five-star reviews. "We have ants year-round," said this harried homeowner. "In the kitchen, in the living room, in the bathroom. We live in the woods... Every day, I sprayed cleaner on the countertops to kill them or just squash them. It was out of control, especially now that it's spring and the weather is warming up. I was at my wits' end. Nightmare horror movie moments. So, after reading all these reviews, I thought I'd give it a try. I set out the baits near my kitchen sink, stove, microwave, under the sink. The first night, nothing. The second day, I noticed they were inside the traps and obsessed with them. Third day, I see maybe two ants. I used to wake up to hundreds of ants all over the kitchen." "What was amazing to me was after I put the trap down and watched these ants go to it, it was shocking to see them run right back out of the corner of the windowsill," said one intrepid bug battler. "I just watched for a few minutes to see them either get trapped inside the trap or grab some of the food in the trap and run back outside or wherever they came from. And by the end of the day, they were gone." "We had such a bad ant infestation in our ground-floor apartment and it was terrifying and getting worse by the day!" wrote this earnest entomophobe. "I was pregnant and we have pets and I didn't want to have the maintenance spray everywhere. Also, I don't think spraying fully does the trick as I've read the ants need to bring the bait back to their lair. These ant traps were the most 'natural' I could find and OMG they worked so well! ... I truly thought there was no hope. But these wiped them out in like one weekend! I waited a month or so to write the review to see if they'd come back, but the only sign of them now is in my nightmares!" "The majority of my ant problem disappeared within three days," said this fan. "The only annoying thing I had to deal with was my cat liked to bat the trap around, so I had to strategically place them under things he could not reach or put heavy objects in front of them." (I also have cats and they mostly ignore these baits, but good tip for pet parents!) "Some of the contents will seep out a little ... if you are putting on hardwood floors or marble, PLEASE put down something to protect the area first," cautioned a wise buyer. "Tear a page out of a notebook or use a sheet of printer paper to put the bait on. The results are excellent, and the price is absolutely affordable." Don't want to stare at bait stations? Terro's got you covered there too. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
