Dealing with ants in your yard can be a frustrating experience, especially when they invade patios, gardens, or even your home.
The best yard ant killer can help you regain control of your outdoor spaces quickly and effectively. Whether you’re battling fire ants, carpenter ants, or common pavement ants, choosing the right treatment is crucial for long-term protection.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed 10 top-rated yard ant killers, including granules, sprays, and natural solutions, to suit every need and budget. Discover which product works best for your yard and say goodbye to ant infestations for good.
1. Puremint Ant Killer
Puremint Ant Killer is a natural insect and pest control spray that uses a powerful 5% peppermint oil formula. It comes in a large 128 fl oz (1 gallon) container with a trigger sprayer.
The product is made in the USA using premium grade, domestically sourced ingredients. It is designed to repel and control ants and other insects, and is safe for both indoor and outdoor use.
Best For: Homeowners seeking a natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly solution to repel ants and other insects in and around the home.
Pros:
- Contains 5% peppermint oil for effective natural repellent action
- Safe for use around people and pets
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications
- Large 128 fl oz size for extended use
- Made in the USA with premium ingredients
Cons:
- May not kill insects on contact, but rather repels them
- Peppermint scent may be strong for sensitive individuals
- Effectiveness may vary depending on infestation severity
2. Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer1
Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer is a fast-acting granular insecticide designed to protect lawns and outdoor spaces from a wide range of pests including ants, spiders, ticks, fleas, armyworms, grubs, and beetles.
The product works both above and below ground, killing insects on contact within minutes (except fire ants) and creating a long-lasting barrier that provides up to 6 months of ant control and 3 months of protection against other listed insects.
It can be applied to lawns, ornamental plants, flower beds, vegetable gardens, and home perimeters. For best results, granules should be spread evenly and watered in immediately after application. One 10 lb bag covers up to 16,500 square feet.
Best for: Homeowners wanting effective, broad-spectrum insect control to protect lawns and gardens from common outdoor pests.
Pros:
- Fast-acting, kills insects on contact
- Long-lasting residual protection (up to 6 months for ants)
- Versatile use on lawns, flower beds, vegetable gardens, and home perimeters
- Covers large areas efficiently
- Easy to apply with a spreader and water in
Cons:
- Not effective against fire ants
- Requires watering in for activation
- Outdoor use only; keep away from children and pets until dry
3. Advance 375a Select Granular Ant Bait – 8 oz. ant Killer
The Advance 375A Select Granular Ant Bait is a professional-grade, ready-to-use granular bait designed to control a wide range of ant species both indoors and outdoors.
Its protein-based formula contains the delayed-action insecticide abamectin, which worker ants carry back to their colony, leading to colony elimination over time.
It is effective against many common ants, including Acrobat, Argentine, Carpenter, Crazy, Field, Fire, Harvester, Little Black, Pavement, Pharaoh, Odorous House, and Thief Ants.
Best For: Homeowners and professionals seeking effective, broad-spectrum ant control for both indoor and outdoor infestations, especially for protein-seeking ants.
Pros:
- Highly effective against a wide range of ant species
- Delayed-action formula allows bait to be shared within the colony for complete elimination
- Easy to apply and economical
- Suitable for use in homes, commercial buildings, lawns, and food storage areas
- Minimal callbacks and high customer satisfaction
Cons:
- Should not be used near recent insecticide treatments (reduces bait attractiveness)
- Works best when paired with a sweet bait for sugar-seeking ants
- Universal fit may not address all ant preferences at all times
4. Sevin Insect Killer
Sevin Insect Killer Lawn Granules by GardenTech is a versatile granular insecticide that kills over 100 insect pests by contact, providing protection for up to three months.
It targets pests both above and below the surface in lawns, home perimeters, ornamental plants, and edible gardens.
The product is easy to apply using a broadcast spreader, and it works effectively against ants (except carpenter and pharaoh ants), aphids, armyworms, beetles, caterpillars, fleas, ticks, and many other common garden and lawn pests.
After application, watering is recommended to activate the product. It is safe for use around fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, and berries, but should not be applied directly on open blooms to protect pollinators.
Best for: Homeowners and gardeners seeking broad-spectrum insect control for lawns, flower beds, and edible gardens.
Pros:
- Kills over 100 insect species by contact
- Long-lasting protection for up to 3 months
- Works above and below ground
- Safe for use on many fruits and vegetables
- Easy to apply with spreader
Cons:
- Not effective against carpenter and pharaoh ants
- Requires watering after application
- Toxic to aquatic life; avoid runoff
5. Raid Ant Killer Baits
Raid Ant Baits III are child-resistant indoor ant traps designed to kill ants where they hide and eliminate entire colonies, including the queen. The baits contain Avermectin B1 (0.01%) as the active ingredient, which worker ants consume and carry back to their colony, effectively reducing ant activity within days and providing up to three months of protection. The bait stations are easy to place along baseboards, corners, under sinks, inside cabinets, and near plumbing fixtures.
Best For: Homeowners seeking an effective, long-lasting indoor ant control solution that targets the entire colony, including hard-to-reach nests.
Pros:
- Kills entire ant colonies, including queens
- Child-resistant design for safety
- Long-lasting effect up to three months
- Easy-to-use bait stations for discreet placement
- Works on a wide variety of common household ants
Cons:
- Not for outdoor use
- Contains ingredients that may cause moderate eye irritation; handle with care
- Must use all baits at once for maximum effectiveness
6. BioAdvanced Complete Brand Insect Killer
BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer for Soil & Turf Granules (10 lbs) is a fast-acting, two-way formula insecticide designed to control both surface and soil insects in lawns, flower beds, around trees, shrubs, and home perimeters.
It kills over 30 common outdoor pests including ants, fleas, ticks, grubs, mole crickets, armyworms, and mosquitoes within 24 hours.
The product provides up to 3 months of residual protection against soil insects, helping maintain pest-free turf and garden areas.
The granules are easy to apply with a broadcast or drop spreader and should be watered in after application for optimal results. Pets can safely return to treated areas once dry.
Best for: Homeowners and landscapers seeking effective, long-lasting control of a wide range of lawn and garden pests above and below ground.
Pros:
- Kills over 30 surface and soil insect pests quickly
- Provides up to 3 months of residual protection
- Controls mosquitoes and nuisance insects
- Easy to apply with spreader and water in
- Safe for pets once dry
- Suitable for lawns, flower beds, shrubs, and home perimeters
Cons:
- Requires watering after application
- Not for use in certain states/counties (e.g., NY, CT, VT)
- Needs proper timing for best effectiveness
7. Sunday Ant Adios – Bug & Ant Killer
Sunday Ant Adios is a 2 lb granular insect and ant killer formulated with Spinosad, a naturally derived soil bacterium.
This OMRI-listed product is approved for organic gardening and provides effective control of ants, earwigs, cutworms, sowbugs, pillbugs, crickets, and other common outdoor pests.
It works as a bait that ants carry back to their colonies, eliminating the entire nest. Ant Adios is suitable for use on lawns, home perimeters, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and ornamental plants.
The granules provide up to four weeks of protection and are biodegradable, making them safe for families, pets, and the environment.
Best For: Homeowners and gardeners seeking a safe, organic, and effective solution for controlling ants and other insects in outdoor spaces, including edible gardens.
Pros:
- OMRI-listed and safe for organic gardening
- Contains bio-based, biodegradable ingredients
- Effective against a wide range of insects
- Provides up to 4 weeks of protection
- Suitable for use on lawns, gardens, and home perimeters
- Easy to apply with granular bait form
Cons:
- Requires reapplication after rain or watering
- Results may take 3–14 days to appear
- Must be applied during active pest seasons for best results
8. Atticus Savitri Ant Gel Bait (4 x 30 Grams) – Indoor and Outdoor Use – Indoxacarb Ant Killer
Savitri Ant Gel Bait by Atticus is a high-performance, ready-to-use gel bait formulated with 0.5% indoxacarb, designed to control over 17 species of sweet-feeding ants both indoors and outdoors.
It works by attracting worker ants to consume the bait and carry it back to their colonies, effectively killing worker ants and queens within days.
The gel is odorless, non-staining, and non-repellent, allowing ants to feed without detection. It is EPA-approved and comparable to leading ant bait gels like Advion.
The product comes in four 30-gram syringes, making it easy to apply in spots or beads along ant trails, nests, or bait stations.
Best For: Homeowners and pest control professionals seeking an effective, long-lasting solution to eliminate a broad spectrum of ant species, including Argentine, Carpenter, Fire, Pavement, and Odorous House ants, except Pharaoh ants.
Pros:
- Controls over 17 ant species with a slow-acting, colony-killing effect
- EPA-approved for indoor and outdoor use
- Odorless, non-staining, and non-repellent formula
- Easy-to-apply syringe packaging for precise bait placement
- Long-lasting and highly attractive to sweet-feeding ants
Cons:
- Ineffective against Pharaoh ants
- Results may take several days to fully eliminate colonies
- Requires careful placement to avoid disruption of ant foraging
9. Wondercide – Ready to Use Mosquito and Insect Killer
Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray is a plant-based, natural insecticide designed to kill and repel fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and their eggs and larvae on pets and in the home.
It contains steam-distilled essential oils such as cedarwood oil (4.2%) and lemongrass oil (1.5%), which are safe for dogs and cats of all ages when used as directed.
The formula is free of DEET, artificial colors, dyes, fragrances, and phenols, making it safe for pets, people, and pollinators.
It works by suffocating and repelling pests on contact, providing an effective alternative to conventional chemical treatments.
The spray can be applied directly to pets’ coats (avoiding eyes and mouth) and used around the home to treat pet-frequented areas.
Best for: Pet owners seeking a natural, non-toxic flea and tick treatment for dogs, cats, and household use that is safe for all ages and environmentally friendly.
Pros:
- Made with natural, plant-based essential oils
- Kills and repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and their eggs
- Safe for dogs and cats of all ages when used properly
- Free from DEET, artificial fragrances, and harmful phenols
- Suitable for use on pets and around the home
- Pleasant natural scent (lemongrass or other variants)
Cons:
- Requires daily reapplication for continuous protection
- Some pets may need gradual acclimation to the scent
- Not a one-time permanent solution; ongoing use needed
10. Mighty Mint – 16oz Natural Peppermint Oil Ant Killer
Mighty Mint Insect & Pest Control Spray is a natural, plant-based insect repellent and contact killer made with 4% pure US-farmed peppermint oil.
It offers a safe, eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, effectively repelling and killing spiders, ants, roaches, silverfish, flying insects, and more.
The spray emits a pleasant mint scent that is tolerated by humans but deters pests by disrupting their sensory systems.
It provides long-lasting protection indoors and outdoors, covering up to 5,000 square feet per application.
The formula includes natural emulsifiers and soap to ensure even coverage and adherence to treated surfaces.
Best For: Families and pet owners seeking a safe, non-toxic, and natural pest control solution for homes, gardens, and outdoor areas that avoids harsh chemicals.
Pros:
- Made with 100% plant-based, US-grown peppermint oil
- Dual-action as a contact killer and repellent
- Safe for use around children and pets when used as directed
- Pleasant mint scent for humans
- Effective against a wide range of common household and garden pests
- Easy-to-use pump spray with broad coverage
Cons:
- Strong peppermint scent may be overpowering for some people
- Requires reapplication every 1-2 weeks for continued protection
- May not eliminate large infestations on its own