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10 Best Lawn Insecticides 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control, Fertilizer and Insect Killer, 15,000 sq. ft., 40.05 lbs.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,204
Target Pests
Application Method

Most important from
7817 reviews

Target Pests
Promotes lush, green growth and effectively gets rid of common lawn pests.
Application Method
Easy to apply, and a noticeable difference in the lawn in just a couple of weeks.

Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control is a dual-action product designed to nourish your lawn while protecting it against various pests. The active ingredients effectively target a wide range of pests such as ants, armyworms, chinch bugs, crickets, fleas, grasshoppers, spiders, and ticks. This makes it highly versatile for pest control. The formulation type is granules, which are easy to apply and can be used on any grass type, providing flexibility in usage.

You should apply it to a dry lawn when you notice insect activity or damage, which is convenient for mid-summer applications when lawns are typically more vulnerable to pests and environmental stressors like heat and drought. Covering up to 15,000 square feet, it offers substantial coverage for larger lawns. The residual effect ensures continued protection over time, reducing the need for frequent reapplications. Safety and environmental impact are also important considerations, and this product is designed to be safe for use on lawns without significant adverse effects on the surrounding environment when used as directed.

However, the granule form may require careful handling to avoid uneven application or overuse, which could potentially harm the lawn. The product comes in a sizable 40.05 lb. bag, which might be heavy and cumbersome for some users to maneuver. It's also worth noting that while it is effective against listed pests, it may not address all possible lawn pests you might encounter. Nevertheless, Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control is a reliable choice for those looking to maintain a healthy, pest-free lawn during the summer months.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,204
Target Pests
Application Method

Most important from
7817 reviews

Target Pests
Promotes lush, green growth and effectively gets rid of common lawn pests.
Application Method
Easy to apply, and a noticeable difference in the lawn in just a couple of weeks.
#2

TERRO T901SR Ant Killer Plus Multi-Purpose Insect Control for Outdoors - Kills Fire Ants, Fleas, Cockroaches, and Other Crawling Insects - 2 Pack, Granule

Rating
9.6
Target Pests
Application Method
Residual Effect

Most important from
12875 reviews

Target Pests
Its versatility in targeting a broad spectrum of pests, including fire ants, fleas, cockroaches, and other crawling insects, is a significant advantage.
Application Method
The application process is straightforward and efficient, requiring no specialized equipment or extensive effort.
Residual Effect
Users have seen a marked reduction in pest activity shortly after application, with long-lasting results that extend well beyond the initial treatment period.
Safety and Environmental Impact
It is important to note that this product is not safe around pets and should be applied with caution.

The TERRO T901SR Ant Killer Plus Multi-Purpose Insect Control for Outdoors offers a versatile solution for dealing with various crawling insects such as ants, fire ants, cockroaches, and fleas. It comes in granular form, packaged in two convenient shaker bags that make application straightforward without the need for additional spreaders. These granules act fast, killing insects within 24 hours, which is particularly advantageous for those seeking quick results.

It can be used both as a band treatment around house foundations and directly on insect nests, providing flexibility in usage. The resealable shaker bags also add practicality, ensuring that the product remains fresh and easy to store after use. However, while the product is effective and user-friendly, it is important to consider its safety and environmental impact. Being a chemical insecticide, caution is required during application to avoid harm to pets, children, and beneficial insects.

Additionally, the long-term environmental impact of repeated use of chemical insecticides should be taken into account. This product would be well-suited for homeowners looking for an effective and easy-to-use solution for a variety of insect problems, provided that they are mindful of safety precautions and potential environmental impacts.

Rating
9.6
Target Pests
Application Method
Residual Effect

Most important from
12875 reviews

Target Pests
Its versatility in targeting a broad spectrum of pests, including fire ants, fleas, cockroaches, and other crawling insects, is a significant advantage.
Application Method
The application process is straightforward and efficient, requiring no specialized equipment or extensive effort.
Residual Effect
Users have seen a marked reduction in pest activity shortly after application, with long-lasting results that extend well beyond the initial treatment period.
Safety and Environmental Impact
It is important to note that this product is not safe around pets and should be applied with caution.
#3

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Max, 16 oz Concentrated Cold Pressed Neem Oil, Multi-Purpose Insecticide, Fungicide, Miticide, and Nematicide for Organic Gardening

Rating
9.4
Active Ingredients
Target Pests
Formulation Type

Most important from
4028 reviews

Active Ingredients
This neem oil is unique in that it can be used as a drench on soil, making it systemic and allowing plants to absorb it, which deters pests by making plant tissues unpalatable.
Target Pests
Using it as a drench not only controls underground pests like root knot nematodes but also seems to repel gophers, protecting plants from being eaten.
Formulation Type
The product stays well suspended in water without needing extra additives, simplifying preparation and application.
Application Method
A diluted, frequent application works best for sensitive or struggling plants, preventing stress while maintaining pest control.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Max is a versatile and organic insecticide made from cold-pressed neem oil. It targets a wide range of pests including mites, flies, and nematodes, and also helps control fungal issues, making it a multi-purpose solution for lawns and gardens. Because it’s a concentrate, you’ll need to mix it with water before use, but it already includes ingredients that help it stick to plants, so no extra additives are needed. You can apply it as a spray or drench, which adds flexibility depending on the type of pest problem you’re facing. One of its strengths is that it kills insects at different life stages—eggs, larvae, and adults—helping to stop infestations early.

The product is suitable for use on a variety of plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, and even turf, making it useful for diverse gardening needs. It’s also designed for organic gardening, so it’s safer for the environment and beneficial insects than many chemical pesticides. On the downside, because it’s made from neem oil, its residual effect is relatively short, meaning you might need to reapply more often, especially after rain. Also, mixing the concentrate correctly is important for effectiveness and safety, which might be a bit tricky if you’re new to garden treatments.

This makes it a solid choice for gardeners looking for an organic, multipurpose insecticide that covers pests and fungal problems with a natural ingredient base.

Rating
9.4
Active Ingredients
Target Pests
Formulation Type

Most important from
4028 reviews

Active Ingredients
This neem oil is unique in that it can be used as a drench on soil, making it systemic and allowing plants to absorb it, which deters pests by making plant tissues unpalatable.
Target Pests
Using it as a drench not only controls underground pests like root knot nematodes but also seems to repel gophers, protecting plants from being eaten.
Formulation Type
The product stays well suspended in water without needing extra additives, simplifying preparation and application.
Application Method
A diluted, frequent application works best for sensitive or struggling plants, preventing stress while maintaining pest control.

Buying Guide for the Best Lawn Insecticides

Choosing the right lawn insecticide is crucial for maintaining a healthy and pest-free lawn. The right product will help you manage and eliminate pests without causing harm to your grass, plants, or the environment. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Here are the essential factors to consider when selecting a lawn insecticide.
Active IngredientsThe active ingredients in an insecticide are the chemicals responsible for killing or repelling pests. This spec is important because different ingredients target different types of insects and have varying levels of toxicity. Common active ingredients include bifenthrin, carbaryl, and permethrin. If you have a specific pest problem, such as grubs or ants, look for an insecticide with an ingredient known to be effective against that pest. For general pest control, a broad-spectrum insecticide may be more suitable.
Target PestsThis specification indicates which pests the insecticide is designed to control. It's important because using the wrong product may not effectively eliminate the pests or could harm beneficial insects. Insecticides can be categorized based on the pests they target, such as grubs, ants, mosquitoes, or a combination of several pests. Identify the specific pests causing issues in your lawn and choose an insecticide that lists those pests on its label.
Formulation TypeInsecticides come in various formulations, including granules, liquids, and sprays. This spec is important because the formulation affects how the product is applied and how it interacts with your lawn. Granules are easy to spread and are often used for soil-dwelling pests, while liquids and sprays are better for surface pests and can provide more immediate results. Consider your application preference and the type of pests you are dealing with when choosing a formulation.
Application MethodThe application method refers to how the insecticide is applied to your lawn. This is important because it affects the ease of use and the effectiveness of the treatment. Common methods include hose-end sprayers, spreaders, and handheld sprayers. If you have a large lawn, a hose-end sprayer or spreader may be more efficient. For smaller areas or spot treatments, a handheld sprayer might be sufficient. Choose a method that you are comfortable with and that suits the size of your lawn.
Residual EffectThe residual effect of an insecticide refers to how long it remains effective after application. This is important because it determines how often you need to reapply the product. Insecticides with a longer residual effect provide extended protection and reduce the frequency of applications. However, they may also pose a higher risk to beneficial insects and the environment. If you prefer less frequent applications, look for products with a longer residual effect. For immediate but short-term control, a product with a shorter residual effect may be more appropriate.
Safety and Environmental ImpactSafety and environmental impact refer to the potential risks the insecticide poses to humans, pets, and the environment. This is important because you want to protect your family, pets, and beneficial insects while effectively controlling pests. Insecticides can be categorized as synthetic or organic. Organic options are generally safer for the environment and non-target organisms but may be less effective or require more frequent applications. Consider the safety of your household and the environmental impact when choosing an insecticide.

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