The Best Fire Ant Killers, Vetted

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Fire ants are potentially dangerous pests that can quickly infest a yard and home if not brought under control. Take your property back with an effective fire ant killer.

Like other creepy crawlies, fire ants can wreak havoc on a yard and home. But unlike merely annoying insects, fire ants are dangerous. Their painful bites can cause welts or even life-threatening allergic reactions.

Luckily, there are plenty of products on the market to eliminate these pests from the entire property, inside and out. But with so many pesticides on the market, it can be difficult to decide which will be the safest and most effective.

Read on to learn about some of the best fire ant killers and why the products below are some of the most effective.

1. BEST OVERALL: Cedarcide Natural Cedar Oil Outdoor Bug Control
2. RUNNER-UP: Orange Guard Fire Ant Control 
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth
4. BEST CONTROL GRANULES: EcoSmart Insect Killer Granules
5. BEST GEL: Syngenta Advion Ant Gel
6. BEST SPRAY: Mighty Mint Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil
7. BEST FOR LAWNS: Wondercide EcoTreat Outdoor Pest Control Spray
8. BEST FOR HOME: Harris Ant Killer Spray
9. BEST PET-SAFE: Dr. Killigan’s Six Feet Under Insect Spray

Before You Buy Fire Ant Killer 

Before purchasing a pesticide to take care of an ant problem, first consider that many products, including organic ones, can inflict collateral damage by killing beneficial insects as well as pests. With that in mind, try using a repellent that keeps insects from invading a property before turning to more lethal methods.

Also consider personal safety when dealing with fire ants, which deliver a painful and venomous bite that can cause potentially deadly allergic reactions to some humans. If family members are allergic to insect bites, consider hiring a professional to ensure the threat is eliminated.

How We Chose the Best Fire Ant Killers 

We researched the most sought-after fire ant killers in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, ingredients,  compatibility with multiple insects, response time, and other special features included by top brands.

Our selections come in dust, granule, gel, and spray forms. These fast-acting products are capable of killing fire ants on contact or eliminating an entire colony within a few days. Many also serve as repellents that prevent ants from coming back, lasting for weeks after application.

In making our selections, we went with products that use natural active ingredients, such as essential oils and diatomaceous earth. Unlike pesticides that use harsh chemicals, products that use organic ingredients don’t leave a damaging footprint on the environment after serving their purpose. In fact, many of our selections have ingredients that are listed as safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Many of the products we chose offer complete pest protection with their ability to kill a variety of insect pests. Finally, each of these top picks comes with a large enough quantity of pesticides to eliminate multiple infestations.

Our Top Picks

Though they use different active ingredients and strategies to control ants, the pesticides below are some of the most effective and come from some of the best-known names in pest control. This list includes products that use ingredients that are environmentally friendly and safe for use around people and animals.

Best Overall

Cedarcide Natural Cedar Oil Outdoor Bug Control

Cedarcide sets itself apart from the many other fire ant killers on the market with a formula that’s very effective at eliminating fire ants while using only environmentally friendly ingredients. Per the product name, Cedarcide uses essential oil from cedarwood along with lemongrass oil to both kill and repel fire ants. Cedarcide comes in a concentrated form and includes a separate sprayer that attaches to a standard garden hose.

While Cedarcide is one of the more expensive ant control options, it has excellent coverage. When properly diluted, 4 ounces of Cedarcide is capable of treating about 5,000 square feet of yard. Cedarcide comes in quart and gallon sizes and is also available in granules. For best results, apply monthly.

Product Specs

• Type: Hose sprayer or granules
• Active ingredient(s): Cedarwood oil, lemongrass oil
• Insect compatibility: Fleas, ticks, mites, ants, mosquitoes, wasps, roaches
• Response time: Kills on contact and repels for up to 1 month

Pros

• Concentrated form can cover a large area
• Hose sprayer included for application
• Safe for use around animals and people
• Acts as pesticide and repellent

Cons

• Expensive

Get the Cedarcide fire ant killer on Cedarcide.com.

Runner-Up

Orange Guard Fire Ant Control

With an eco-friendly formula designed specifically for treating fire ant mounds, Orange Guard is one of the best options for taking out these dangerous pests. Orange Guard consists of orange peel extract, which the FDA includes on its list of substances that are generally recognized as safe, and it’s approved for use in organic products by the OMRI. However, the company says to avoid contact with eyes and to keep pets away from the wet treatment sites.

To take out an ant’s nest, simply mix three parts water to one part Orange Guard in a spray bottle and saturate the mound. A 1-gallon bottle is enough to take out about eight mounds. Orange Guard can also be used as a barrier repellent by applying it around the perimeter of a yard. Just be wary when applying Orange Guard to the lawn as it can damage grass when mixed at full strength.

Product Specs

• Type: Concentrated liquid
• Active ingredient(s): d-Limonene (orange peel extract)
• Insect compatibility: Ants, fire ants
• Response time: Kills on contact and repels for up to 4 weeks

Pros

• Safe for use around pets and other animals
• Concentrate formula makes an ample amount of pesticide
• Also works as a fire ant barrier

Cons

• Can damage grass

Get the Orange Guard fire ant killer on GardenWorms.com.

Best Bang For The Buck

Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth

With its ability to kill a broad range of pests, including ants, diatomaceous earth (DE) is one of the more versatile pest control products on the market. Safer Brand DE consists of the tiny fossilized remains of aquatic organisms. And, while that may sound like an odd active ingredient, it’s very effective. Each tiny particle of DE has razor-sharp edges capable of slicing through the tough exoskeleton of ants, dehydrating them.

Safer Brand DE is formulated for use as a pesticide (never use DE intended for pool filters). In addition to ants, DE will also take out a host of other pests, including cockroaches, fleas, and bed bugs. To eliminate a fire ant mound, sprinkle DE around the perimeter and over the top of the mound. Load the DE into a puffer bottle and puff powder into the nest to reach the queen ant. While Safer Brand DE is an environmentally friendly pesticide—it’s approved by OMRI—it can harm lungs if inhaled, so wear a dust mask when applying it.

Product Specs

• Type: Powder
• Active ingredient(s): Diatomaceous earth
• Insect compatibility: Ants, fleas, roaches, silverfish, earwigs, and bed bugs
• Response time: Kills within 48 hours of contact

Pros

• Environmentally friendly formula
• Kills broad range of pests
• Lasts indefinitely as long as it’s kept dry

Cons

• Can take up to 2 days to kill

Get the Safer Brand fire ant killer on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Best Control Granules

EcoSmart Insect Killer Granules

A safe formula makes this granule pest killer an ideal option for taking out fire ants in a yard frequented by people and pets. EcoSmart’s active ingredients include clove and thyme oils, so the formula won’t harm the environment or create a hazard for people and animals. Users can apply it using a handheld or wheeled spreader, making it easy to distribute around a yard.

Each 10-pound bag is enough to cover about 5,000 square feet, and treatments last up to 4 weeks. Fire ant mounds usually require two applications of the granules to destroy the entire colony. EcoSmart is also versatile. In addition to ants, it will also kill ticks, crickets, fleas, and flies.

Product Specs

• Type: Granules
• Active ingredient(s): Clove oil, thyme oil
• Insect compatibility: Ant, ticks, crickets, fleas, and flies
• Response time: Begins killing on contact and lasts up to 4 weeks

Pros

• Safe ingredients make it ideal for yards with people and pets
• Large coverage area
• Easy to apply quickly with spreader
• Kills multiple pests

Cons

• May take 2 applications to eliminate a fire ant mound

Get the EcoSmart fire ant killer on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Best Gel

Syngenta Advion Ant Gel

While other ant killers use a shock-and-awe approach that typically involves inundating the ant mound with a spray, powder, or granules, Syngenta’s Advion Ant Gel uses precision tactics. Its syringe applicator allows users to apply small amounts of the gel in crevices and cracks where fire ants tend to be spotted indoors. Once a worker ant ingests the gel, it returns to the colony to share it, killing the colony along with the queen, though it can take several weeks to eliminate the entire mound.

While Advion’s active ingredient, Indoxacarb, is not as safe as active ingredients found in organic ant killers, only a small amount of Advion is needed to take out a colony. Therefore, it has a minimal impact on the environment.

Product Specs

• Type: Gel
• Active ingredient(s): Indoxacarb
• Insect compatibility: Ants
• Response time: Can take several weeks

Pros

• Is effective even in small amounts
• Can take out an entire colony
• Easy to apply

Cons

• Can take several weeks to destroy a colony
• Harsh chemical active ingredient

Get the Syngenta fire ant killer on Amazon.

Best Spray

Mighty Mint Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil

For homes with children and pets running around, preventing fire ants with natural ingredients is essential. For protection inside and out, rely on the Mighty Mint Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil. This easy spray-on formula is 100 percent plant-based, with peppermint essential oil for preventing infestations of fire ants, beetles, carpenter ants, mosquitoes, and many more.

The 1-gallon quantity of this product is extra concentrated and comes with an easy-to-use spray trigger. To use, simply add 16 ounces of water to every 1 ounce of concentrate and then spray. For a stronger solution, simply apply more product.

Product Specs

• Type: Spray
• Active ingredient(s): Peppermint oil
• Insect compatibility: Fire ants, beetles, carpenter ants, and more
• Response time: Unlisted

Pros

• 100 percent plant-based formula
• Easy-to-use spray trigger
• Works on a variety of insects
• Works indoors and outdoors
• Ample quantity provided

Cons

• Requires dilution before use
• Deters but does not kill fire ants

Get the Mighty Mint fire ant deterrent at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.

Best For Lawns

Wondercide EcoTreat Outdoor Pest Control Spray

Wondercide is easy to apply over broad areas and uses safe active ingredients that make it ideal for lawns that have people and pet traffic. This ant killer uses a mix of cedarwood oil, sesame oil, and sodium lauryl sulfate to kill and repel pests. Wondercide comes in a 32-fluid-ounce container, which is enough to treat lawns spanning 5,000 square feet. It includes a hose attachment for application, and this hose sprayer includes a dial that allows the user to control the concentration of the mix.

In addition to ants, this versatile pesticide will also control mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Wondercide is a longer-lasting repellent than other pesticides, with a single treatment lasting for up to 6 weeks.

Product Specs

• Type: Spray
• Active ingredient(s): Cedarwood oil, sesame oil, sodium lauryl sulfate
• Insect compatibility: Mosquitoes, ants, fleas, ticks, gnats
• Response time: Begins killing on contact; lasts for up to 4 weeks

Pros

• Uses essential oils as opposed to harsh chemicals
• Attaches to garden hose for easy application
• Sprayer allows for adjustments to concentration
• Covers large area

Cons

• Expensive

Get the Wondercide fire ant killer on Amazon.

Best For Home

Harris Ant Killer Spray

With active ingredients that include natural plant oils from clove and cottonseed, Harris Ant Killer Spray is a safe and effective way to eliminate fire ants that may have found their way into a home. It kills ants within 30 minutes of contact with it. Plus, Harris Ant Killer Spray won’t stain baseboards or flooring and leaves a pleasing scent with no strong chemical odor.

In addition to red ants, this spray pesticide will also take out pharaoh, black, and Argentine ants. The product, which comes in a 20-ounce spray bottle, is safe for use indoors and also serves as an effective outdoor perimeter fire ant treatment for preventing ants from getting inside the home.

Product Specs

• Type: Spray
• Active ingredient(s): Clove oil, cottonseed oil
• Insect compatibility: Red ants, black ants, pharaoh ants, Argentine ants
• Response time: Kills within 30 minutes

Pros

• Uses natural active ingredients
• Spray bottle makes it easy to apply
• Kills wide variety of ants
• Starts killing in 30 minutes or less

Cons

• Does not prevent ants from returning later

Get the Harris fire ant killer on Amazon.

Best Pet-Safe

Dr. Killigan’s Six Feet Under Insect Spray

Pet owners can apply this colorfully named insect spray indoors or outdoors without risk to Fluffy or Spot thanks to its use of nontoxic, animal-friendly ingredients. While Dr. Killigan’s may be a bit pricier than other insect sprays, it doesn’t use harsh chemicals. Its pest-killing ingredients consist of a mix of soybean, clove, and castor oils with sodium benzoate.

The spray is designed to kill bugs on contact, including mosquitoes, roaches, ticks, and silverfish along with ants. In addition to being safe for use around pets, Dr. Killigan’s also leaves behind a pleasing aroma of cinnamon and clove. The 24-ounce spray bottle’s nozzle has settings for spray or stream, making it easy to apply.

Product Specs

• Type: Spray
• Active ingredient(s): Soybean, clove, castor, sodium benzoate
• Insect compatibility: Mosquitoes, roaches, ticks, silverfish, and ants
• Response time: Kills on contact

Pros

• Pet-friendly mix of essential oils
• 2 spray settings to kill different types of insects
• Easy to apply

Cons

• Doesn’t work as long-term pest control
• Expensive compared to other pesticide sprays

Get the Dr. Killigan’s fire ant killer on Amazon