10 Best Plant Insect Killers 2025 in the United States

The Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor and Perimeter Concentrate is designed to effectively kill and prevent a range of home-invading insects, including ants, cockroaches, and spiders. One of its major strengths is its versatility; you can use it both indoors and outdoors. It’s particularly useful for creating a long-lasting barrier that prevents new infestations for up to 12 months on non-porous surfaces indoors. This makes it highly effective for long-term pest control.

Additionally, its non-staining and odor-free formulation ensures it won’t damage your surfaces or leave unpleasant smells, making it user-friendly for indoor environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, the product does require dilution with water and the use of a tank sprayer, which could be considered inconvenient for some users who prefer a ready-to-use solution.

As for safety, while it is designed to be safe for use around humans when applied as directed, it's always important to follow safety guidelines to avoid any potential risks. The active ingredients, Bifenthrin and Zeta-Cypermethrin, are effective but can have environmental impacts if not used correctly, so careful application is advised. This product would be most beneficial for homeowners seeking comprehensive and long-lasting pest control solutions both inside and around their homes.

The Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control is a granular insect killer designed for indoor and outdoor plants in containers. It's particularly effective against pests like mealybugs, aphids, and scale, and provides up to 8 weeks of protection as the granules are absorbed by the plant's roots. One of its strengths is its ease of use – simply mix the granules into the soil and water them in. Additionally, it's low odor and won't wash away with watering, making it convenient for regular plant care routines.

However, it is not suitable for edible plants such as herbs, vegetables, or fruit-bearing plants, which limits its use for those who grow food plants. Another point to consider is that its systemic action only affects insects that feed on the plants, so it won't harm beneficial insects that do not ingest the plant. On the safety front, the product is designed to be safe for use around humans and other non-target organisms, but users should follow the instructions carefully.

Environmentally, the systemic nature of the insecticide means it’s less likely to run off into the surrounding area. This product is well-ranked in the Pest Control Products category, suggesting it is a reliable option for those looking to protect their houseplants from insect damage.

Bonide Insect Control Systemic Granules offer a convenient and effective way to protect outdoor ornamental plants from common feeding insects like aphids, mealybugs, and scale. The granules are applied to the soil, where they are absorbed by the roots and move throughout the plant, providing systemic protection that lasts up to 8 weeks. This water-resistant feature means the treatment won't wash away easily, reducing the need for frequent reapplication. Because it works through ingestion, it specifically targets plant-feeding insects without harming beneficial insects that don’t feed on plants, which is a plus for maintaining a balanced garden environment.

This product is not safe for edible plants such as herbs, fruits, or vegetables, so it’s best suited for decorative outdoor plants. The low odor and ready-to-use format make application straightforward, but users need to be mindful to mix the granules thoroughly into the soil and water them in for best results. While Bonide's systemic approach offers long-lasting protection, it’s not suitable for those looking to treat a wide range of insect types beyond those that feed on plants.

Users should consider that systemic insecticides can have environmental impacts, so careful use according to label instructions is important. This product represents a solid choice for gardeners seeking an easy-to-use, persistent insect defense for non-edible outdoor plants.