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 Garden Safe 32 oz. Insecticidal Soap Ready-to-Use is a convenient option for those dealing with insect issues in their gardens. One of its main strengths is the ease of use – no mixing is required, and you can spray it directly on all parts of the plant, including leaf undersides. This makes it user-friendly, especially for those who prefer a straightforward application process. It effectively targets a variety of pests such as aphids, mealybugs, mites, and more, making it versatile for different gardening needs.

Additionally, it's suitable for organic gardening and can be used indoors, outdoors, and in greenhouses, even on the day of harvest, which adds to its flexibility and safety for edible plants. The active ingredient, potassium salts of fatty acids, is designed to kill bugs on contact, ensuring quick results. However, the need to spray pests directly may require thorough application to ensure effectiveness. In terms of safety, it's considered safe for plants and humans, which is a reassuring aspect for families and pets.

On the downside, its residual effect is limited since it only works on direct contact, potentially necessitating frequent applications. The environmental impact is relatively low, aligning with organic gardening principles. With a solid customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 10,000 ratings, many users have found it effective for their needs. However, some users might find the necessity for direct contact spraying a bit tedious.

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.