The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Carpenter Ant Killer + Reviews
Do you want the best carpenter ant killer, but you don’t know where to look? We have here the answer, as our research team worked hard to identify the product that offers the best outcome when applied. The TERRO T300B Liquid Ant Bait Ant Killer is the product we found to be an excellent option, regardless of how bad your ant situation is. The bait stations offered are completely sealed, so there is no risk of them leaking or evaporating before you open them. They attract ants, and those that get the poison on their feet will carry it to the colony, destroying it permanently. Made with Borax, the formula is strong enough to deal with large ant infestations without a problem. In case you don’t see this particular product anywhere, we also recommend the Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter as an excellent alternative.
Comparison table
1st Choice
Ready to use baits are some of the most convenient methods to get rid of ants. The simple yet effective formula is capable of dealing with large ant populations with ease. The baits are highly efficient and can help you get rid of ants for good.
Young ants won’t easily find their way inside the traps because of the raised entrance that could be difficult for them to navigate.
These ready to use baits are easy to use and, because they are slow-acting, they manage to infect the worker ants and let them carry the poison back to their colony so that the entire population of ants is destroyed.
2nd Best
Made for both inside and outside use, this formula deals with a lot of nasty bugs, including ticks and fleas, not just ants. It is easy to apply, and you will notice that it is capable of acting as a bug barrier so that those outside no longer find their way in, and as a bug killer inside.
If you intend to use it on-contact, you’ll be disappointed because the bugs don’t die right away, and the poison takes a while to work.
An easy to apply formula, it is strong enough to deal with bugs of various types you don’t want in your home, by killing them swiftly. You won’t have to worry about infestations, as it serves as a barrier.
Also To Consider
The baits are based on a formula made with borax, a powerful ingredient that will help you get rid of numerous populations of ants. You will like the possibility of placing them anywhere as they are flexible. They are work outside and won’t dry out easily.
The instructions on how to open the baits are somewhat confusing, and you might end up squishing the cap instead of opening it.
The baits are created to attract ants and have them go back to their colonies while infected for efficient elimination of pests. Their particular design keeps them from drying out, so you can expect them to work for a while.
10 Best Carpenter Ant Killers (Updated Reviews) in 2024
If you are looking for a formula to help you get rid of ants in record time, you must take a look at the critically-acclaimed products listed below. We put together this list so that you don’t have to, and we hope that it will save you a lot of precious time and effort.
1. TERRO T300B Liquid Ant Bait Ant Killer
You will often hear that a Terro carpenter ant killer is among the most efficient you can get when you want to get rid of entire colonies. This company is well-known for making excellent products, and the T300B is one of them. With your purchase, you will get 12 bait stations that will work like a charm for killing both the ants that are visible and those that aren’t.
So, how does this formula work? You simply place the bait stations along the areas you know ants are passing through to get to the food they intend to carry back to their colonies. It must be mentioned that this formula is made for household ants, so it’s not good to place the bait stations outside.
The sugar content inside the baits will attract the ants, and they will hurry to it, so, at first, you will notice more ants than usual. After they have their fill, the worker ants return to their colonies, but now they also carry the poison with them. They spread the poison throughout the colony, destroying it.
Pros
For household ants, there is hardly any other product that can do the job, and this formula is based on Borax as the main ingredient.
You will be able to get rid of entire colonies because the infested ants will go back to their siblings carrying the poison with them and spreading it inside.
There are many advantages these bait stations have, and one of them is that you don’t have to touch dangerous substances with your hands.
As soon as you open them, the baits will start doing their thing to attract the ants with their sugar content so that the destruction occurs swiftly.
The formula will not dry out quickly due to the specific design of the bait.
Cons
The entrance to the trap is a bit high off the ground, which means that smaller ants won’t get inside easily, affecting the overall effectiveness of the formula.
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2. Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter
Many homeowners prefer an indoor carpenter ant killer, but what should you do if you want a formula that works both inside and outside? The Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer is the correct answer because it deals quickly with ants and other bugs inside your home and outside, where they live.
It is effective not only against ants, but also against spiders, ticks, centipedes, and even larger critters like beetles and scorpions. That said, this formula is an efficient weapon against all the creepy crawlers that want to find their way inside the house.
The formula is made in such a manner that it doesn’t stink or leave stains, something you can surely appreciate as a homeowner. An interesting aspect is that it can also act as a barrier so that the insects won’t come inside while killing those in your home with maximum efficiency.
Pros
If you are looking for a formula that does everything in terms of eliminating critters such as ants, ticks, fleas, cockroaches, and even larger species like beetles and scorpions, this product is for you.
The formula works like a charm not only when used inside the house, but outside, as well, where all the bugs are coming from.
You will be happy to see that the formula is long-lasting since it can keep bugs and other creepy crawlers at bay for up to one year.
It is a barrier against the bugs that might want to come from the outside, so it’s not just a bug killer that deals with a present issue.
Cons
Don’t expect this formula to work instantly, and if you spray it directly on a bug, it won’t die; it is made to be long-acting, so the insect won’t die right away.
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3. Terro 1806 Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits
The Terro ant killer carpenter ants simply don’t like at all must be this one. Exceptionally efficient and easy to use, it is a solution that you will find both convenient and optimal for dealing with large infestations. You will get 6 ant baits in one package so that you can have enough to spread around the house.
It is well-known that Borax is a powerful ingredient that can deal with ants without a glitch, and that’s the main ingredient in this product. The baits are all pre-filled and ready to use, which means that you will only have to open them and place them in areas where they can get to work right away.
Using the stakes provided, you can place the baits in the ground, or directly on any flat surfaces. Because of the particular design of the bait, the weather elements won’t affect its content and dry it out.
Pros
Killing entire ant colonies with the help of this product is easy because it is slow acting and promotes the infestation of the whole population of critters.
Because it is made with Borax, it is highly efficient, and you will be able to get rid of the ants that are visible and those that remain hidden inside their colonies.
You will like the stakes they come with allow you to place them anywhere, even in the ground, if that’s something you want.
Because the manufacturer thought of everything, the content of the stations won’t dry out, as it is kept well by the design of the traps.
The stations are ready to use, so you won’t have to do much to put them to work.
Cons
Be careful when opening the baits because pushing the caps too hard will damage them, which means you’ll end up with unusable traps.
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4. Amdro Ant Block Granule
Ant killers come in different designs and formulas, but if you want a cheap carpenter ant killer, this granule option may be just for you. All you have to do is to spread the granules following an invisible line surrounding your perimeter. Once you do that, the ants will stop at this barrier and will start eating from it.
The granules appear very tasty for them, so the ants will mistake it for food and will carry it to their colonies. All the ants will eat from it, and that’s a sure way to destroy an entire colony. The barrier you spread around the house will last for 3 months, a time during which you will no longer have a problem with ants.
Because the content of one 24-ounce bottle can be spread over 1,080 linear feet, it is enough to repeat the operation for an average home perimeter up to 5 times.
Pros
It is designed to destroy an entire colony, so it is capable of killing the visible ants, as well as those you don’t see.
A 24-ounce quantity is enough for treating 1,080 linear feet, so, depending on how large the perimeter you need to protect is, you may find it that one bottle is perfect for several treatments.
The manufacturer lists that the formula is capable of killing carpenter ants, fire ants, as well as other 23 species.
It is easy to apply as all you have to do is to spread it around and observe the effects once you no longer have any ant problems.
The product is made to create a powerful anti-ant barrier around your house.
Cons
Depending on how numerous the ant population is, or what species it is, you might have to reapply the solution once every 6 weeks, and not 3 months, as recommended by the manufacturer.
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5. Syngenta – TRTD11568 – Optigard Ant Bait Gel Box
Among the many products that promise you to take care of your ant problems, some offer more than most. This carpenter ant killer review will show you why this gel is effective in getting rid of and dealing with ants, which can be some of the most stubborn critters to invade your house.
First of all, it is good to know that this formula works for both indoor and outdoor use. Made to deal with carpenter ants, it is equally effective when dealing with argentine ants, ghost ants, and several other species. Just so you know, the gel is not effective in eliminating fire ants, pharaoh ants, or harvester ants.
The active ingredient in this formula is Thiamethoxam that comes in a concentration of .010%. You only need to apply it to cracks and crevices, and the ants that pass through will get infested right away.
Pros
You will be able to use this formula for both indoor and outdoor ant infestations, so it’s universal, and it works to help you get rid of a severe problem.
Because the gel’s content is desirable for the ants, they will rush to take bits of it and turn back to the colony with the poison that will destroy them all.
It doesn’t matter if the bait touches a worker, a brood, or a queen; without fail, it will cause the death of these insects that can often become a nuisance.
You only have to apply the formula to the cracks and crevices in which the ants like to crawl so that they get infested as soon as they come through.
Cons
Be aware that the gel becomes quite runny when you apply it on vertical surfaces, and that might feel like you are wasting in before managing to treat all the problematic areas.
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6. TERRO T600 Ant Dust
You will find carpenter ant killer reviews praising baits, but if you prefer a different method, there is always one available. This product from Terro is an excellent alternative because it is delivered in the form of dust that doesn’t have to be consumed directly to do its job. The ants will just get a lot of it on their legs and carry it to the colony where the infestation will begin.
You will be happy to hear that this formula is capable of killing ants on contact. Also, it is quite strong, as it continues to kill ants for 8 months, something that not many other products on the market can brag that they can do.
The dust is waterproof, so it won’t get washed away by rain, and you will notice that the shaker it comes in is very convenient for spreading it around. It is equally efficient both inside and outside.
Pros
It is a powerful formula that works like a charm against ants, cockroaches, as well as other insects that invade homes such as spiders.
The dust is highly efficient, and it will kill the ants on contact while continuing to remain just as effective for up to 8 months.
Because it is waterproof, it won’t get washed away, and that means that you can use it outside and expect the same long-lasting benefits.
The formula is delivered in a shaker, and you will find it ideal for spreading the dust around and over large surfaces without a problem.
You can use it to spread on cracks and crevices, and you will also discover that it’s an excellent choice for inside and outside treatments against ants.
Cons
When you apply it, you need to wear a mask and gloves as it comes as a powder, and it can quickly get in your nose and eyes.
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7. TERRO 3 lb Ant Killer Plus
Sometimes you have a huge ant problem, which means that an affordable carpenter ant killer would be a good solution since it doesn’t drain your wallet. This formula is ideal since you will get 3 pounds of formula at an unbeatable price. Many insects will be easily eliminated with its help since it deals efficiently with fire ants, fleas, and cockroaches, among many others.
The formula comes as granules, and you will notice that it is highly efficient. Most insects will die within the first 24 hours of exposure, and you can spread the granules to form barriers between your property and them.
The granules are delivered in a shaker bag that can be resealed so that you can use only what is needed at a time. Bear in mind that this is an outdoor formula and shouldn’t be used indoors under any circumstances.
Pros
If you want to keep critters like ants and fleas out of your property, you can do so by spreading these granules in the shape of a natural barrier around your home.
The formula is fast-acting, and the insects will die within 24 hours after contact, thus ensuring that they won’t invade your property again.
You will get 3 pounds of granules that can last you for a long time and repeated treatments; it is also affordable.
Clear instructions on how to use the granules to make sure they are highly effective are provided with your purchase.
The bag can be resealed so you will not have to use the entire quantity in one go but dose it properly as you see fit.
Cons
This formula is not easy to use, and you must take extra precautions when you want to spread it as the bag itself is not a comfortable way to spread the granules.
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8. BioAdvanced 700420A Termite & Carpenter Bee Killer
Ant killers come in various formulas and ways of delivery, and you just have to figure out which one you prefer. In this case, this insect killer is a foam that can expand 30 times its original volume, which means that you will get quite a lot for treating your perimeter. It is highly effective not only against the ants you see but also against those that never leave their colonies.
Bees, ants, beetles, and any other pests won’t stand a chance in front of this foam formula. Based on 0.05% Imidacloprid, it is a formula that offers dependable results. What’s essential about the foam delivery is that the substance will be capable of reaching areas that are usually difficult to treat.
You only have to spray for up to 5 seconds, and the entire area will be covered. It is particularly suitable for protecting wood structures that are typically affected by carpenter bees.
Pros
You will get a foam insect killer capable of expanding 30 times its original amount so that it provides excellent coverage for the areas where the critters prefer to dwell.
No more than 5 seconds are needed for spraying an area, as the expansion process will begin right away, and it would be a shame to waste any product.
It works against carpenter bees, ants, and beetles, which is extremely powerful, so you will want to use it judiciously.
The active ingredient is 0.05% Imidacloprid, and it is highly effective against a wide range of critters that might damage your property.
It deals with the colonies of bees and ants by letting the infested individuals return to their homes.
Cons
Ensure that you have your face and skin protected when you apply this formula, as it is quite powerful, and you don’t want it to get anywhere near the possibility of you inhaling it.
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9. Advance Granular Carpenter Ant Bait
Various active ingredients can be used to get rid of ants of different species, and, in this case, the manufacturer decided in favor of Abamectin B1. This compound is slow-acting, and it will not kill the insects right away so that they can get the poison back to their colonies and infest the entire population.
The application is simple, and it consists of placing small piles of granules in areas that are heavily trafficked by ants. If you intend to treat a larger area outside, you should know that you need about 1 pound of this product for one acre.
You can use the formula inside if that’s where the ant infestation is causing your trouble. It is mainly meant for carpenter ants, unlike other formulas, so you can rest assured that it is efficient against this species. The foods included in the formula are highly attractive for ants, so they will hurry to grab it and take it to the colony.
Pros
You will be able to apply this formula indoors and outdoors to deal with ant infestations that are not clustered in one place in particular.
The GABA inhibitor Abamectin B1 is the main ingredient in this formula, and its purpose is to act slowly to allow the ants to carry it as food back to the colony.
It is efficient for wiping out entire colonies because the workers will take it to the queen and other members of the colony, killing them all, as a result.
Within 24 hours, all the ants that eat the formula will be dead, so there is plenty of time for the workers to make a few trips to the piles of granules and back home.
Cons
When dealing with large colonies, you may want to use this formula in combination with others, but make sure you read what is allowed and what isn’t.
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10. Bonide (BND568) – Termite and Carpenter Ant Killer
A Bonide termite and carpenter ant killer couldn’t be amiss from our selection of highly efficient products against such pests. The product listed here is a great insect killer as it deals with more than carpenter ants. It is also a good option for eliminating carpenter bees, beetles found in wood, fleas, mosquitoes, and many others.
It is a concentrated formula, which makes it one of the affordable carpenter ant killers, although the price tag might make you think otherwise. You can use it to protect your lawn, garden, ornamental trees, and the outside areas of any building.
You can use this powerful formula for treating the soil so that ants and other critters don’t invade your property. This application method can ensure that the formula will remain active for up to 5 years, which is more than anything else you can find on the market.
Pros
For pest control, you can’t get any better as this formula can deal with termites, carpenter ants, beetles, crickets, fleas, flies, wasps, and many others.
You will be able to create a strong barrier against insects of all kinds, as the formula is designed to last for 5 years without a problem.
It works on contact, too, and you will notice that spraying it on an insect will kill it right away, something that cannot be said by other products on the market.
Because of its dual action, it is more versatile than other similar ant killers you can find.
The manufacturer provides clear instructions on how to use the product in the safest conditions possible.
Cons
It is a powerful chemical product, so you will need to make sure that it doesn’t get on your skin, and careful manipulation is a must.
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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Carpenter ants can be a real issue for your property, and you need a dependable method to get rid of them. While the Bayer advanced carpenter ant and termite killer plus can be a solution, many other brands do a great job. You will need to go through the information we supply below about how you will find the right formula for your needs.
Different types of ant killers available
Once you start searching for the best carpenter ant killers around, you will be invaded by a plethora of products that all promise to do the same thing. The first thing you must do is to narrow down your choices by deciding which type of product is right for you.
Traps and bait stations are popular because they are easy to use, and you don’t have to manipulate them with extreme care. The substance is trapped inside, and the ants will come and get it. They are convenient and optimal for indoor use.
Sprays are also common, and they are considered among the best carpenter ant killer products because their action is longer lasting than traps. They can also be used for creating barriers for critters that might want to invade your home. They are also easy to apply.
Gels can be very good at providing long-lasting protection because of the way of delivery. However, they can be a little messy when applied, and you will have to take measures so that you don’t get the active substance on your skin.
Granules, dust, and foam are other types of ant killers that you will find on the market. Each type has its ups and downs, so you will have to decide which one works best for you.
How efficient is the formula?
This is an important question to ask when you go through the various products available on the market. You will notice that many formulas use Borax, but other strong chemicals make the active ingredients in the ant killers you can find for sale. Reading a little more about how they work may help you decide which one you want to use.
The active ingredients may work on contact, killing ants right away, while others are slow acting. Each of them has significant benefits. An instant termite and carpenter ant killer will make sure that the insects invading your property are dead right away. These formulas are great for forming barriers in the soil as nothing gets past them.
The alternative is no less efficient, only that it works in a different way. The slow-acting ingredients allow the worker ants to carry them to the colony, killing the queen and, thus, the entire population.
Ease of application
The best outdoor carpenter ant killer is the one you can safely use without worrying that your health may be at risk. Some ant killers, like traps and bait stations, are convenient because they are easy to place and forget about. Granules are an easy choice, too, because you only have to sprinkle them around.
However, other formulas, like dust and foam, can get in contact with your skin, which is why you need to take some measures to protect yourself. It will be a good idea to use a mask and gloves so that you don’t inhale the product or allow it to get on your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you find a carpenter ant nest?
Carpenter ants prefer damaged wood as a residence for their colonies, so they might appear in the same area as other insects that are known for destroying wood structures. Also, it is a known fact that carpenter ants usually live in moist wood as they like humidity and warm temperatures.
If you suspect that you have an infestation, a carpenter ant and termite killer can be the answer. However, before getting there, it would be a good idea to find where the nest is. That could be done by knocking on wood structures until you reach an area that sounds hollow.
Carpenter ants are nocturnal creatures, so you might have to inspect the areas you suspect for any nighttime activity. Make sure you get a formula that can destroy not only the workers that venture outside the nest in search of food but also the queen and the broods.
Q: How do I get rid of ants permanently?
When ant infestations become a problem, you will have to take measures or, otherwise, the small critters might begin swarming the place. The Bayer advanced carpenter ant and termite killer is a good formula, but not the only one.
To get rid of ants for good, you will need a specific type of product. It is not enough to kill the ants in sight; other workers will appear, in their constant search for food. Of this foraging habit, you must take advantage to eliminate all the ants.
Luckily, many products on the market today offer you the possibility to destroy entire colonies. They disguise themselves as food for ants and fool the workers into taking bits of them to the colony. There, the queen and the broods will consume them, too, and that is how the entire colony is destroyed. Pick a potent formula to make sure your ant problem disappears for good.
Q: Should I be worried if I see one carpenter ant?
A single carpenter ant is enough reason to worry, as the habits of this particular species are excellent indicators for the presence of an entire colony nearby. The worker ants from this species don’t usually feed where they forage, and their primary purpose is to find food they can carry to the colony.
The presence of a carpenter ant is a signal that an entire nest must have found an optimal place inside a window frame or a door. There are many places the nests can hide, and it’s not easy to identify them. The good news is that, once you see one of them, you’ll know it’s time to take measures.
Even cheap carpenter ant killers can wreak havoc in a population of ants. As long as you opt for long-lasting, slow-acting active ingredients, you will be able to destroy the entire nest and eliminate the infestation threatening to take over your house.
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