10 Best Insecticides 2025 in the United States

The Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer is designed to protect your home from a wide range of common insects including ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, ticks, and more. It comes as a ready-to-use spray with a 1.33-gallon container and a battery-powered Comfort Wand, which makes applying the product easier and more controlled. One of its notable strengths is the long-lasting protection it offers—up to 12 months on non-porous indoor surfaces like kitchens and bathrooms, as well as around your home's perimeter outdoors. This makes it a good choice for both prevention and treatment of insect problems.

The spray formulation is liquid, which is typical for indoor and outdoor barrier treatments, but the weight and size mean it’s better suited for use in larger homes or yards rather than small apartments. The product effectively targets a broad variety of household insects.

This insect killer is a strong option for homeowners looking for an easy-to-apply, long-lasting insect barrier for common pests, though those with specific safety concerns or needing detailed chemical information might want to research further.

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter2 is a versatile insecticide designed to tackle various household pests, including ants, roaches, spiders, and more. The active ingredients, Bifenthrin and Zeta-Cypermethrin, are effective in eliminating a wide range of insects. This product offers a long-lasting residual effect, providing up to 12 months of protection against ants, roaches, and spiders indoors on non-porous surfaces, which is a significant strength for those seeking extended relief from pests.

The formulation as a spray makes it easy to apply both indoors and outdoors, ensuring versatile use around kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas like patios and garages. The Comfort Wand feature enhances user experience by allowing precise application without bending or hand fatigue, making it user-friendly. However, it's important to note that while it is effective against many pests, the toxicity of the active ingredients might pose risks to pets and children if not used carefully.

Additionally, its large liquid volume of 1.1 gallons might be more than needed for smaller infestations, potentially leading to wastage. This insecticide is best suited for homeowners dealing with frequent and severe pest issues who need a reliable and easy-to-use solution for both indoor and outdoor environments.

The Hot Shot Fogger with Odor Neutralizer is designed as an easy-to-use insecticide for indoor spaces, targeting common pests like roaches, ants, spiders, and fleas. It uses active ingredients tetramethrin and cypermethrin, which are synthetic chemicals known to kill insects quickly upon contact. The fogger releases a fine mist that penetrates deep into cracks and crevices, helping to reach hidden bugs, which is a strong point especially for heavily infested areas.

The product can keep working for up to two months, providing a decent residual effect. Each can covers about 2,000 cubic feet, making it suitable for typical rooms or small enclosed spaces like basements, garages, or campers. The formula is non-staining and clears up without leaving a wet mess, so cleanup is easy.

The fogger's mode of action is contact kill via neurotoxic effects on insects, which is typical for these chemicals. It is a quick, effective solution to indoor insect problems, particularly in enclosed areas, but may not be ideal for outdoor use or those seeking organic options.