Top effective ant sprays for indoor and outdoor use

Ants are a pervasive problem for households and gardens alike. They will often enter homes in search of food or refuge. They nest in the ground outdoors, either in the soil, under a pavement, or close to a foundation. Pharaoh ants, among others, may even transmit bacteria. Whether inside or outside, ant infestations can quickly become a serious problem.

The most effective, fastest way to get rid of ants is the application of ant sprays. These sprays will also kill ants on contact and leave the trace of a barrier behind to prevent the ants from coming back. The right spray can be what keeps a small problem from becoming a big one. This article will highlight the best ant spray for the house.

Ant Spray Types

There are various types of ant sprays, and each type is most effective when used for a particular need. Some are more pet- and kid-friendly than others, and some are stronger for those with more serious infestations.

1. Pet‑Safe Sprays

Pet-safe sprays are formulated with less harmful ingredients to pets and people. These frequently involve plant-based oils, natural acids or low-toxicity substances such as boric acid. They’re made to be able to kill ants, without making it dangerous for pets or small children.

These sprays are a solid option for families with dogs, cats or young children. They’re something people can use in their homes without too much safety fear. They may have to be applied more frequently than the heavy-duty chemicals, but they still work quite effectively and are great for small indoor issues.

2. Natural Sprays

Organic sprays contain organic elements like peppermint oil, lemon oil, or clove oil. Some will also use vinegar or other indoor ant spray non-toxic liquid. These sprays do not contain the harsh synthetic chemicals.

They are safe for humans, pets and the environment. They are ideal for people who like chemical free products. They may not last as long or take effect as fast as chemical sprays. They are ideal for light infestations on regular basis as preventive measure.

3. Heavy‑Duty Sprays

Heavy-duty sprays are potent insecticides designed to eliminate large ant infestations. They may contain potent chemicals such as Orthene or fipronil. These sprays are frequently used by pest control professionals, and are designed to quickly kill large colonies.

For outdoors or indoors  use in heavy infestation areas. They are not ideal for use around pets or kids and should be used with care. For severe problems, these sprays can clear out nests and stop ants from coming back for weeks.

How to Choose Ant Spray?

When selecting the best ant spray, it’s helpful to consider more than just speed of action. There are different sprays for different purposes. Here are the main factors to consider when shopping for an ant spray.

• Efficacy

One of the first things users want to find out is just how quickly the spray kills ants and how long it remains active. Some sprays kill ants immediately, while others take time and also eliminate ants in the nest. The good ones leave a residue, forming a protective barrier that lasts for days or weeks.

• Safety

Safety is a top concern if there are pets or small children in the home. Some sprays contain strong chemicals that can be harmful if touched or breathed in. Others are made with natural or low-toxicity ingredients that are safer to use around family members. It's also helpful to choose eco-friendly sprays that don't harm the soil, air, or water.

• Coverage

All sprays are not equal in all areas. Some are best used inside, for cleaning floors and countertops. Others are designed for outdoor use on the exterior of the home, foundations, garden beds or patios. Additionally, perimeter sprays establish a barrier that prevents ants from entering the home in the first place.

• Ease of Use

There are various types of long-lasting ant sprays. Some are sprays in bottles ready to use, others are granules to sprinkle outdoors. Bait stations are another option that is easy to place and requires little effort. People should choose a style that fits their comfort level and the size of the problem.

Top Indoor Ant Sprays

Ants in the house are a common issue, particularly in the kitchen, pantry, and storage rooms. The right spray may be able to help address the problem easily and without harm. Here are some of the best indoor ant sprays offered by Growcycle.

Safer Home 13.5oz Ant Roach Spider Natural Insecticide

This spray is ideal for families who are seeking something gentle, natural, and chemical free. It’s formulated from essential oils like clove, cedarwood and rosemary, which have proven effective at smiting and banishing the average household pests.

The product is safe around kids and animals when applied as directed.

• Uses natural plant-based ingredients.
• No harsh chemical smell.
• Kills ants, roaches, spiders, flies, and more.
• Works on contact without leaving a residue.
• Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and pet areas.

Hot Shot 17.5oz Ant Roach Spider Unscented

Hot Shot is for people who need a potent and fast-acting spray without a residual odor. This unscented aerosol kills ants (except harvester and pharaoh ants), roaches, and spiders on contact and keeps killing for up to weeks.

• Kills ants (except harvester ants), roaches, and spiders.
• Unscented and non-staining.
• Residual protection for up to 3 months.
• Easy to spray along baseboards and behind appliances.

Terro 16oz Spider & Ant Killer

Terro’s spray is both fast-acting in knockdown power, but also works as a repellent over time. It is formulated with deltamethrin, a popular professional insecticide that's formulated to kill pests on contact and keep protecting with residual control and action.

The can also features an exclusive 360° spray nozzle that’s designed to reach in hard-to-reach places behind furniture, interior crack, etc. where pesky ants like to hang out.

• Strong insecticide with quick results.
• Effective against ants, spiders, scorpions, and other insects.
• Provides lasting control for weeks after application.
• 360-degree nozzle for better coverage.
• Works well in garages, attics, and basements.

Harris 1 gal Carpenter Ant Killer & Termite Control RTU

Harris has a heavy-duty spray that comes pre-mixed for large infestations and hardy bugs (like carpenter ants and termites).

The formula contains permethrin, a powerful insecticide used by professionals. Its indoor and outdoor application uses are meant to work in multiple locations, particularly where ants are hiding away.

• Large 1-gallon size for extended use.
• Kills carpenter ants, fire ants, termites, and more.
• Ready-to-use formula (no mixing needed).
• Residual control for up to one month.
• Good for wall voids, crawlspaces, and garage areas.

Top Outdoor Ant Killer Sprays

An outdoor ant infestation can be just as annoying as an indoor one. Nests in gardens, patios, along walkways and at home foundations are common. Without being treated, these colonies can grow and invade indoor environments. A powerful outdoor ant killer spray can help kill ants fast and prevent them from returning.

TERRO 19oz Outdoor Ant Killer Aerosol

Great for outdoor use, this powerful aerosol spray kills ants and other pests on contact.

It is perfect for spraying the baseboards along patios, driveways and garden edges.

• Long-range sprayer reaches up to 20 feet.
• Kills ants on contact and eliminates trails.
• Leaves a protective barrier that keeps killing for weeks.
• Easy to apply around decks, windows, and cracks in walls.

IMG 32oz Ant Control Ready to Use

IMG provides organic ant control. This spray is ready to use and is made with essential oils and other good things from nature that kill ants on contact, without any synthetic toxins.

• Plant-based formula, safe for kids and pets (when used properly).
• Biodegradable and eco-friendly.
• 32oz trigger bottle for fast and easy application.
• Works well in gardens, flower beds, and along walkways.

Spectracide 18.5oz Wasp & Hornet Spray

Designed for wasps and hornets, but extremely powerful, this outdoor spray effectively kills other crawling insects like ants.

Its long-reaching spray allows users to treat nests and problem spots from a safe distance.

• Shoots up to 20 feet to reach nests and high areas.
• Kills wasps, hornets, and other insects on contact.
• It can reduce ant attraction by controlling other outdoor pests.
• Good for use around eaves, fences, and outdoor seating areas.

BioAdvanced 1.3 gal Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Power Sprayer

This heavy-duty spray is meant for serious outdoor infestations. It also eliminates carpenter ants, termites and other wood destroying insects.

The included power sprayer offers easy, even application on large areas.

• 1.3-gallon size with attached battery-powered sprayer.
• Targets wood-destroying insects like carpenter ants and termites.
• Offers up to 30 days of protection.
• Great for perimeter treatments and mulch beds.

DIY & Natural Alternatives

Some people choose to use natural or homemade treatments, looking to avoid chemical sprays to control ants. These are good alternatives where small infestations exist or in the form of protection. Here are some popular DIY and natural options that homeowners can try.

Homemade Sprays

Making sprays yourself at home is an easy method of keeping ants away. A popular do-it-yourself version combines vinegar, dish soap and water.

• Vinegar interferes with ants’ scent trails, making them confused and unable to find food. The dish soap helps breaks down their protective exterior coating, which kills the ants by contact.
• Dilute white vinegar with an equal amount of water, and add a few drops of dish soap. Place the solution in a spray bottle and spray on ants, trails and entry points, such as door frames or windowsills.

This lotion is most effective for mild problems but must be reapplied often.

Boric Acid / Borax Baits

A borax or boric acid and sugar solution makes a potent bait that the ants take back to their colony.

• The sugar lures ants, and the boric acid gradually poisons the colony.
• Mix a small amount of boric acid or borax with sugar and water to form a paste. Place the bait in shallow containers near ant trails, but out of reach of children and pets.

Precautions: Boric acid is poisonous if ingested in large quantities, so use baits carefully, and don’t put them where there are pets or kids.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a naturally occurring soft rock that is crumbled into a fine off-white powder. It works by destroying the exoskeleton of ants, so it kills them.

• Sprinkle food-grade DE around the foundation of the house, along baseboards, and near ant entry points.
• It is neither harmful to humans nor animals but don't breathe the fine dust.
• DE acts over time, so it should be used weekly as a part of the regular routine.

Essential Oil Sprays

Some essential oils are natural ant spray safe for pets. Common selections include peppermint, citrus and tea tree oils.

• Mix 10-15 drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
• Spray windowsills, baseboards, doorways, kitchen counters, and anywhere else users think ants might be sneaking in.
• The sprays work well, smell nice and are safe for use around animals and children (as long as they’re mixed correctly).

Safe Application & Best Practices

Preparation

Before using any type of long-lasting ant spray, users need to figure out where the ants are working.

• Avoid trails of ants, which travel to and from food or water.
• Look around for foundations, under rocks, within mulch, and in wall cracks.
• Pay attention to where ants are entering the home (doors, windows, pipes and vents).

Application Techniques

Various ant sprays call for different methods of re-application.

• Apply directly to ants, trails and nests. Also spray around cracks, baseboards and doors.
• Some are granules that can be spread around the garden or foundation. Grains create a barrier the ants won’t cross.
• Put bait “stations” or homemade bait that you know ants are attracted to in places they frequently visit that are also away from kids and pets. Baits lure ants to take poison home to their colonies.

Timing

Sprays are most effective when applied at the correct time.

• Don’t spray before it rains, or if it’s very windy. Don’t spray just before it rains or when it’s very windy—rain can wash away the spray, and wind can carry it off target.
• Spray when ants are most active, often early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Some sprays require reapplication every couple of weeks to stay on top of things.

Protective Measures

Safety is important when handling any insecticide.

• Gloves, masks, and long sleeves protect skin and lungs from exposure to chemicals.
• Open windows and doors to release the fumes, especially when spraying inside.
• Keep pets and children away from treated areas until sprays have dried or as directed.

Cleanup & Re-Treatment

After using, rinse any remaining spray or spilled granules safely.

• If sprays touch food prep areas or toys, wash with soap and water.
• Keep sprays and baits where children and animals cannot get them.
• The sprays would have to be reapplied when ants return.

Regular inspection and maintenance help keep ants away for good.

The Bottom Line

To select the best spray, consider where ants are found, how many appear and whether pets or children are around. Natural ant spray safe for pets and for indoors are best for small indoor issues and houses with kids or pets. Stronger sprays are best for large outdoor infestations or hard-to-reach nests.

In addition to sprays, natural and do-it-yourself remedies can be effective at eliminating ants without resorting to harsh chemicals. However, for sprays to be most effective, they should be used carefully and at the appropriate time. Safety is another important consideration in protecting family and pets. Check out Growcycle for the best ant spray for house and pest control products for specific needs.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.