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.

BASF Alpine WSG is a water-soluble granule insecticide designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making it versatile for treating various pests around your home and property. It contains 40% Dinotefuran, an EPA-approved active ingredient recognized for its lower risk to public health and suitability in places like kitchens and food handling areas. This product is non-repellent and fast-acting, meaning insects do not detect it and are eliminated quickly after contact, helping control ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, flies, mosquitoes, and several other common pests effectively.

The granule form dissolves easily in water to create a clear spray solution, which is convenient and non-staining, with little to no odor when used as directed. One gallon of the prepared spray covers about 1,000 square feet, making it efficient for typical home treatment areas like foundations, attics, patios, and garages. It also has good transfer properties, especially for ants, meaning pests can spread the insecticide within their nests for better control.

While the product acts quickly to eliminate insects, its residual effect is relatively short, so reapplication may be needed more frequently than with some longer-lasting insecticides. Additionally, care must be taken to minimize exposure to beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, so following label instructions carefully is important to protect the environment. BASF Alpine WSG is suitable for homeowners or pest control users seeking a powerful, easy-to-apply insecticide targeting a wide range of pests indoors and outdoors, balancing strong pest control with reduced health risks and user convenience.

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.