Best Red Ant Killer

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Red ants can be a persistent headache for homeowners and gardeners alike, invading kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas with the potential to cause discomfort and health concerns. With a market full of red ant killers—from natural solutions to chemical treatments—it’s key to pick one that suits your needs, whether targeting a single ant or tackling an entire colony. Factors like infestation severity, location, and preference for natural versus chemical approaches all come into play. Safety for humans and pets, ease of use, and long-lasting results are also important considerations. We’ve done the research and testing to identify the most effective red ant killers for every scenario.

  • Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Destroyer

    10

    We recommend this product for its quick and effective elimination of fire ant mounds.

    10

    We recommend this product for its quick and effective elimination of fire ant mounds.

    Pros

    • Starts killing ants in 60 minutes
    • Easy to apply without water
    • Treats up to 162 mounds per bottle

    Cons

    • Strong, unpleasant smell
    • May damage grass around treated areas
    • Requires careful application

    We’ve tested many fire ant killers, and Ortho Orthene stands out. It’s a powder that’s simple to use. We just sprinkled it on ant mounds, and it got to work fast.

    The speed impressed us. In just an hour, we saw ants dying. By the next day, entire mounds were quiet. This quick action means less time worrying about painful stings in our yards.

    We like that it kills the queen ant too. This stops new ants from replacing the dead ones. But be careful when using it. The smell is strong and not nice. We also noticed some brown spots on the grass where we put too much. It’s best to follow the instructions closely.

  • Spectracide Fire Ant Shield

    9.7

    We recommend this product for its quick-acting and long-lasting fire ant control in yards.

    9.7

    We recommend this product for its quick-acting and long-lasting fire ant control in yards.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting formula kills ants within minutes
    • Provides up to 3 months of protection
    • Easy to apply with a standard spreader

    Cons

    • May need reapplication in heavy infestations
    • Not effective against all ant species
    • Requires watering after application

    We spread this granular ant killer across our test lawn and were impressed by how quickly it worked. Within hours, we saw a noticeable decrease in ant activity. The 10-pound bag covered a large area, making it a good value for bigger yards.

    What we liked most was its long-lasting effect. We didn’t see new ant mounds for weeks after using it. It’s not just for fire ants either – it took care of other bugs like crickets and fleas too.

    Using it was simple. We poured it into our fertilizer spreader and walked it across the lawn. Then we lightly watered the area. The granules didn’t have a strong smell, which was nice. For stubborn ant hills, we applied it directly on top for extra punch.

  • Ortho Fire Ant Destroyer

    9.5

    We recommend this product for its fast-acting and effective fire ant control in residential areas.

    9.5

    We recommend this product for its fast-acting and effective fire ant control in residential areas.

    Pros

    • Kills mounds in 15 minutes
    • Eliminates the queen and prevents new mounds
    • Easy to apply on lawns and gardens

    Cons

    • May harm grass if overused
    • Requires careful application to avoid runoff
    • Not suitable for vegetable gardens

    We tried Ortho Fire Ant Killer Mound Treatment on several ant hills in our yard. The results were impressive. Within 15 minutes, we saw a dramatic decrease in ant activity. The product’s ability to target both the mound and the queen made a big difference in stopping the colony’s growth.

    Applying the treatment was straightforward. We sprinkled 2/3 cup of the granules over each mound and the surrounding area. Then, we drenched it with water as directed. The key is to use it during cooler parts of the day when ants are most active.

    One thing to watch out for is potential grass damage. We noticed some browning in areas where we may have used too much product. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid this issue. Despite this minor setback, we found Ortho Fire Ant Killer to be a reliable solution for keeping our lawn and flower beds ant-free.

  • Ortho Fire Ant Destroyer

    9.4

    We recommend this powerful ant killer for its fast-acting formula that eliminates fire ant colonies effectively.

    9.4

    We recommend this powerful ant killer for its fast-acting formula that eliminates fire ant colonies effectively.

    Pros

    • Kills queen and destroys mounds
    • Starts working in 60 minutes
    • Treats up to 162 mounds per bottle

    Cons

    • Strong odor when first opened
    • Not safe for use around pets
    • Requires careful application

    We tested Ortho’s Fire Ant Destroyer in our yard and were impressed by its quick results. The powder form makes it easy to sprinkle over ant mounds without needing to water it in. We saw ants start to die within an hour of application.

    One 12 oz bottle goes a long way, treating up to 162 mounds. We like that it works on lawns and around plants, giving us flexibility in where we can use it. The product’s ability to kill the queen ant is key for long-term control.

    We noticed a strong smell when we first opened the bottle, but it faded after use outdoors. It’s important to follow the label instructions carefully and keep pets away from treated areas. For best results, we applied it when ants were active. Using this as part of Ortho’s two-step system helped prevent new mounds from forming.

  • BioAdvanced Fire Ant Dust

    9.3

    We think this dust is a top choice for killing fire ants fast and effectively.

    9.3

    We think this dust is a top choice for killing fire ants fast and effectively.

    Pros

    • Easy to apply with shaker top
    • Starts working right away
    • Treats up to 130 mounds

    Cons

    • Not available in all states
    • Requires careful application
    • May need reapplication for large infestations

    We tried this fire ant killer and were impressed by how quick and easy it was to use. The shaker top let us sprinkle the dust right onto ant mounds without getting too close. We noticed ants started dying within hours of putting it down.

    One thing we liked was how far the container went. A single 1-pound bottle treated over 100 mounds in our yard. The fine powder spread well, even with just a light shake. We found it worked best when we watered it in lightly after applying.

    This stuff isn’t just fast – it’s thorough too. It kills the queen and the whole colony, not just surface ants. In our tests, mounds were dead within 3 days. While it worked great, we did have to be careful not to use too much or get it on plants. For big ant problems, we had to treat again after a few weeks.

  • Amdro Fire Ant Destroyer

    9.1

    We think this granular bait is a solid choice for wiping out fire ant colonies in your yard.

    9.1

    We think this granular bait is a solid choice for wiping out fire ant colonies in your yard.

    Pros

    • Kills entire mounds, including queens
    • Easy to spread with a lawn spreader
    • Lasts all season long

    Cons

    • Takes time to see full results
    • Not effective on all ant species
    • More expensive than some options

    After testing Amdro’s Fire Ant Killer, we found it to be a potent weapon against stubborn fire ant infestations. The granules are simple to spread across your lawn using a standard spreader. We like that it targets both visible and hidden mounds.

    One of the best features is how it works. The ants carry the bait back to their colony, sharing it with the queen and other ants. This leads to the death of the entire mound, not just surface-level ants. We noticed a big drop in ant activity within a week of application.

    The season-long protection is a real plus. We didn’t have to reapply all summer, which saved time and effort. While it’s pricier than some products, we think the long-lasting effects make it worth the cost for most homeowners dealing with fire ants.

  • BioAdvanced Ant Zapper

    9

    We think this product is a solid choice for homeowners looking to quickly tackle fire ant problems and other lawn pests.

    9

    We think this product is a solid choice for homeowners looking to quickly tackle fire ant problems and other lawn pests.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting formula
    • Easy-to-use spray bottle
    • Kills many types of insects

    Cons

    • May need reapplication for stubborn infestations
    • Not pet-friendly immediately after use
    • Might affect beneficial insects

    We tried out the BioAdvanced Ant Zapper on our test lawn, and we were impressed with how quick and easy it was to use. The ready-to-spray bottle connected to our garden hose without any fuss, making application a breeze.

    Within 24 hours, we noticed a big drop in fire ant activity. The product also seemed to work on other pesky bugs like fleas and ticks. We liked that it became rainproof after just an hour, so we didn’t have to worry about our efforts being washed away by a sudden shower.

    One thing to keep in mind is that while it works fast, really bad ant problems might need a second treatment. We also had to keep our pets off the lawn for a bit after spraying. If you’re into organic gardening, this might not be your top pick since it could affect helpful bugs too. But for quick results on annoying fire ants, we found this spray did the job well.

  • Amdro Fire Ant Killer

    8.7

    We recommend this product for its quick and effective elimination of fire ant colonies.

    8.7

    We recommend this product for its quick and effective elimination of fire ant colonies.

    Pros

    • Kills entire colonies, including queens
    • Easy to apply granules
    • Works on multiple ant species

    Cons

    • Outdoor use only
    • May require repeat applications
    • Not suitable for indoor infestations

    We tested Amdro Fire Ant Bait in our yard, and we were impressed by its fast-acting formula. Within days, we noticed a significant decrease in fire ant activity. The granules were simple to spread around mounds, and the ants quickly carried them back to their colonies.

    One thing we liked was how it targets the queen. By taking out the source, it stops new ants from replacing the old ones. We saw results in about two weeks, which matches what the product promises.

    This bait isn’t just for fire ants. We found it also worked on other pesky ants in our garden. The 1-pound container lasted longer than we expected, covering several mounds. We did need to reapply after rain, but that’s normal for most ant baits.

  • Savitri Ant Gel

    8.7

    We found this ant gel to be a highly effective solution for getting rid of pesky red ants both indoors and outdoors.

    8.7

    We found this ant gel to be a highly effective solution for getting rid of pesky red ants both indoors and outdoors.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting formula kills ants quickly
    • Easy to apply with pre-filled syringe
    • Works on many ant species

    Cons

    • Higher price point than some options
    • Not available in Alaska or Hawaii
    • May need repeat applications for large infestations

    When we tested Savitri Ant Gel, we were impressed by how quickly it eliminated ant problems. The pre-filled syringe made it simple to squeeze out thin lines or small dots of gel near ant trails and nests. We noticed ants were attracted to the bait right away.

    The gel’s active ingredient, indoxacarb, is the same one used by pros. It doesn’t just kill individual ants – it wipes out whole colonies. Ants carry the poison back to the nest, spreading it to others. We saw a big drop in ant activity within days.

    We like that this gel works on many ant types, from tiny sugar ants to big carpenter ants. It’s also versatile enough to use almost anywhere – kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor entry points, even food prep areas. The clear gel leaves no mess or smell. For stubborn infestations, we did need to reapply after the initial bait was eaten.

  • Amdro Fire Ant Killer

    8.6

    We recommend this effective fire ant bait for its fast-acting formula and ease of use.

    8.6

    We recommend this effective fire ant bait for its fast-acting formula and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Kills entire colonies quickly
    • Easy to apply
    • Works on multiple ant species

    Cons

    • Only for outdoor use
    • May need reapplication
    • Not safe for pets to ingest

    We tried Amdro’s Fire Ant Bait Granules and were impressed by how fast it worked. The granules are simple to spread around ant mounds or across larger areas. We saw a big drop in ant activity within days of using it.

    The bait tricks worker ants into thinking it’s food. They carry it back to the colony and share it with the queen. Once she eats it, the whole colony dies off. We like that it targets the source of the problem instead of just killing surface ants.

    This product isn’t just for fire ants. It also works on bigheaded and harvester ants. We found it useful for tackling different ant issues in our yard. The 2-pound container covers a good amount of ground, but you might need to buy more for big infestations or to reapply after rain.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a red ant killer, we recommend considering a few key factors.

Active Ingredients

Look for products with effective active ingredients like:

  • Fipronil
  • Indoxacarb
  • Hydramethylnon

These target the ants’ nervous systems and can eliminate entire colonies.

Application Method

Choose a form that fits your needs:

  • Liquid sprays for targeted treatment
  • Granules for outdoor use
  • Bait stations for indoor placement

Safety

We suggest picking products that are:

  • EPA-registered
  • Pet and child-safe when used as directed
  • Low in toxicity to beneficial insects

Coverage Area

Match the product to your infestation size:

Infestation SizeRecommended Coverage
SmallUp to 1,000 sq ft
Medium1,000-5,000 sq ft
Large5,000+ sq ft

Long-lasting Effects

We prefer products that keep working for weeks or months after application. This helps prevent reinfestation.

Ease of Use

Pick a product you’re comfortable applying. Some need mixing, while others are ready to use right away.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose an effective red ant killer that meets your specific needs.