10 Best Ant Killers For Lawns 2025 in the United States

The Ortho Fire Ant Killer Broadcast Granules is a potent option for those struggling with fire ant infestations in their lawns. It utilizes granules that can be easily applied using a drop or broadcast spreader, offering convenience in application. One of its most notable strengths is its quick action, killing fire ant mounds within 15 minutes, allowing users to resume enjoying their lawns soon after treatment.

Additionally, it provides up to 6 months of protection, effectively preventing new mounds from forming and targeting fly-in queens. This makes it a long-lasting solution for lawn care and fire ant management. The product treats a substantial area of up to 5,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for large lawns.

Users should be mindful of its environmental impact and ensure they follow application guidelines for safe use around pets and children. The necessity of using it as part of a two-step system might be slightly inconvenient, as it requires an additional product to destroy existing mounds before applying the granules. Despite this, the product ranks high in both the Patio, Lawn & Garden and Weed Killers categories, reflecting its effectiveness and popularity.

The TERRO T901SR Ant Killer Plus Multi-Purpose Insect Control is a granular ant killer designed for outdoor use. It comes in two convenient shaker bags, making it easy to apply without needing a spreader. This product is effective against a variety of insects, including fire ants, cockroaches, and fleas, with fast-acting granules that begin working within 24 hours.

The granules can be used around house foundations as a preventative measure or as a spot treatment directly on ant hills, providing flexibility in application methods. Each bag weighs 3.2 pounds, and the packaging is resealable to maintain effectiveness over time. One of the main advantages is its ease of use and versatility in application, making it suitable for various outdoor areas.

It is essential to consider the safety for pets and children, as the active ingredients can be harmful if ingested or improperly handled. Additionally, users should be mindful of the environmental impact, as chemical granules can affect local ecosystems. This ant killer would be a good fit for homeowners looking for a convenient, multi-purpose insect control solution for their lawns and surrounding areas.

The TERRO Outdoor Liquid Ant Bait Killer comes as ready-to-use bait stations designed to attract and kill common household ants outdoors, making it a solid choice for tackling ant problems in your lawn or garden area. Its active ingredients include sucrose, which lures the ants, and sodium borate, which works to eliminate the colony by poisoning the ants that carry the bait back. You simply push down and twist the bait cup to start using it, so it’s easy and convenient without any mixing or spraying required.

This product includes 12 pre-filled bait stations, which provide good coverage for moderate outdoor areas and allow you to place baits where ants are active. Users often notice a drop in ant activity within just a few days, indicating a relatively quick effect. The product is designed more as a bait and trap system rather than a spray or broad-area treatment, so it primarily targets ant trails and nests rather than widespread ant infestation.

In terms of safety, the bait stations help contain the liquid, reducing the risk of pets and children directly contacting the poison, which is a plus for families with outdoor pets or kids. The active ingredient sodium borate is generally considered low in toxicity for mammals, but care should still be taken to place baits out of reach. Environmentally, it is also relatively safe compared to harsher chemical sprays because it targets ants specifically and uses a small amount of active substance. One limitation is that the bait stations might not cover very large lawns effectively, and persistent or very large colonies may require repeated or additional treatments. Also, the residual effect isn’t long-lasting once the bait is consumed, so reapplication is necessary to maintain control. For anyone looking for a simple, pet-safe, and targeted outdoor ant control solution, TERRO’s bait stations are a practical option, especially if you prefer not to spray chemicals broadly across your lawn.