10 Best Insecticides 2025 in the United States

Terro Ant Killer Bait Stations use a liquid bait formulation with sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax) as the active ingredient, which is a common and effective insecticide against ants. This product is designed to attract and kill indoor ants, including varieties attracted to sweets, by allowing worker ants to carry the bait back to the colony. This targeted approach helps eliminate both visible ants and hidden nests, offering a thorough indoor solution. The bait stations are ready to use with no setup needed, making them convenient for placement along baseboards, corners, and counters where ants frequent.

Users typically notice a reduction in ant activity within a few days, reflecting the fast-acting nature of the bait. In terms of safety, borax is moderately toxic and should be kept away from pets and children, but it is generally safer than many spray insecticides when used as directed. The product's residual effect depends on how long the bait remains attractive and accessible, which can vary based on environmental conditions like humidity or food availability.

These bait stations excel at indoor ant control and have a strong reputation with high customer ratings, though they may not be suitable for outdoor use or for other types of pests. Additionally, they require ants to find and consume the bait, so in very large infestations or resistant species, results may be slower or less complete. Terro Ant Killer Bait Stations offer homeowners an easy and effective way to control common indoor ants while minimizing exposure to harsh chemicals.

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.