Because ants are such a big problem, the ant killer industry is a big one. But because there are so many products on the market, knowing the pros and cons of each is important. While some are relatively harmless to children and animals others use dangerous chemicals that can cause harm.

Below is a list of the 5 most common types of ant killer – along with the pros and cons to using each one:

1. Ant Bait

One of the best ways to kill off a colony, ant bait is designed to kill its victims slowly, so that ants have enough time to bring the bait back to their colony. Once the queen eats part of the bait and dies, the rest of the colony will not be able to survive. Usually, the entire colony can be wiped out in a few days.

Related:  Ant Control

Most ants will eat any type of ant bait, but there are some products on the market that cater to specific varieties like carpenter ants or fire ants.

Pros:

It’s a fast-working ant killer that keeps ants from coming back.

Cons:

Small children and animals may try to play with it – not knowing it’s dangerous. You will have to put the baits in places where ants can get it, but your kids and pets can’t.

2. Killer Dust

Ant killer dust comes in a spray bottle with a long tube designed to make spraying more accurate. That way, you can get the dust into any cracks or areas where ants are entering your home. The dust releases chemicals that disrupts ants’ senses and eventually kills them. Usually, it takes at least a week to kill all of the ants.

Pros:

You can get ant killer dust that’s considered “all natural” or “safe for pets”, so you don’t have to worry about kids and pets getting ahold of it.

Cons:

Ant Killer dust does not target the queen ant – which makes it harder to kill off the colony. Some brands do use chemicals that are harmful to pets and kids.

3. Yard Spray

An effective ant killer, yard spray targets both mounds of ants and the entrance ways they use to get to your home. All you need to do is spray a one-foot radius around your home. If you have any spray let over, you can target concentrated areas like doorways. Once it’s been sprayed, this ant killer will last for up to a month, and it will kill any ant that gets near it. Plus, if you use it early enough, you may never see ants inside your home at all!

Pros:

All of the chemicals are sprayed outside, which means there’s nothing toxic inside.

Cons:

It can take awhile to spray all around your home. Additionally, this ant killer can also be a plant killer.

4. Ant Stations

Ant stations make pest control easy because their baits come in plastic containers that can be placed safely anywhere in your home. Once your ants spot them, the stations can wipe them out in as little as a few days.

Pros:

The plastic containers are easy to move and can last for months. Plus, your kids and pets won’t confuse them with treats.

Cons:

It may take time for ants to discover – and go near – them .

5. Corn meal

Mix some corn meal with water, and simply leave it out where your ants can get to it. Once ants eat it, the corn meal starts to expand. Their tiny bodies can’t handle all of that expansion and they slowly start to shut down. Once ants discover the corn meal, the colony can be dead within a week. Plus, it’s easy for the ants to deliver the mixture to their queen.

Pros:

Corn meal is harmless to humans and pets. It’s a completely non-toxic ant killer.

Cons:

It can be messy. Plus, your pets may try to eat it before the ants get to it!

Related:  Pest Control