13 Best Carpenter Ant Killers In 2023

Are you looking for a way to get rid of carpenter ants once and for all? 

Carpenter ants can cause serious damage to your home if not treated properly. 

In this post, I’ll go over the best carpenter ants killers on the market today.

This  post makes it easy to decide which product works best for you. 

Let dive in!

1.Bayer Maxforce Fleet Ant Gel – best Sugar Gel Bait

 

Pros

✅Unique sweet taste to attract carpenter ants

✅Works on various ants including honey, Pharaoh, cornfield, and more

✅Gel smoothly covers the fissures and gaps

✅Swift action – works in three to five days

✅Deferred toxic ingredients to attract and destroy ant colonies

✅Works through contact or ingestion of the ge

✅Safe on pets

✅Each bait consist of a reusable plunge

Cons

🚫 Effective only in smaller areas

🚫Expensive

🚫Only targets ant interested in sugar not protein

🚫Gel to be reapplied once every two weeks

🚫Certain ants avoid gel baits

🚫Syringe prone to damage

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient – Fipronil .001%
  • How Fast Does It Work: Three to five days of application
  • How Long Does It Last:  Remains effective up to two weeks
  • Amount /Quantity: 4 x .95 oz (27 Gram) non-refillable syringes.

What I Like

Sugar-based gel formula

Maxforce Fleet Ant Bait Gel is sugar based, which makes it attractive to carpenter ants.

Easy application

You can easily apply this bait on cracks and crevices.

Compact size

Its compact size allows you to reach small areas and confined spaces such as cabinets, draws, and pipes. 

Speedy result

Maxforce gel produces the desired result within three to five days. You will not have to wait for weeks to see results.

Value for money

One tube of the product can produce 27 pea-sized drops of the product. It is quite economical and a real value for money.

Eradicates the entire colony

This product has been shown to eliminate an entire ant colony in less than eight days.

Adaptable applicator

The applicator tip is versatile and comes with metal and plastic tips to access hard-to-reach areas.

What I Dislike

Speedy moisture loss

The gel dries out faster. Once the gel dries out it loses its efficacy.

Not effective in damp conditions

May not work during raining days or in damp places. Water drains out the product and making it less effective.

Expensive

Pricey when compared to similar baits.

Messy

The gel is very sticky and difficult to remove.

Unsafe for kids and pets

Fipronil is toxic when ingested.


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2. Syngenta Advion Ant Gel – Protein Bait

 

Pros

✅Is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use

✅Works on a wide variety of ants

✅Reasonably priced

✅Easier to open tab

✅High success rate and consistent performance

Cons

🚫The active ingredient is dangerous to humans and animals if ingested

🚫Entrance is a bit to high for ants

🚫The container is flimsy and can leak

🚫Bait is colorless, so detection of a leak is difficult

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient: Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate (Borax) (5.40%). Other Ingredients (94.60%). Total (100.0%).
  • How Fast Does It Work:   Each ant that consumes the bait will die within 24 – 48 hours.
  • How Long Does It Last:  two years.
  • Amount /Quantity: 6 bait stations

What I Like

Complete eradication of colony

Advion facilitates complete eradication of the colony.

Works on a wide range of ant species

It has a broad spectrum control and works on a wide range of ants including, Black House Ant, Hairy Ant/Crazy Ant, Pedicel Ant, Coastal Brown Ant, Pharaoh’s Ant, Red Imported Fire Ant, Ghost Ant, and Sugar Ant.

Stainless and odor-free

This product is a colorless gel, making it stain-free. It is also odorless, so you will not be having any signs of insecticide being used.

Versatile

It is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. 

Economical

It is reasonably priced than many of its expensive counterparts.

Effective results

Works effectively from the very first usage. You will not have to wait for weeks to see the desired results.

Easy application

Comes provided with a push rod for easy application in corners and crevices. The applicator tip makes it super easy to apply the product to even the hard to reach areas.

What I Dislike

Does not come with a bait station

They are not provided with bait stations. You may run the risk of children or pets accessing the bait.

Highly toxic

Not safe for children and pets. Indoxacarb is highly toxic and accidental ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other side-effects.

Frequent reapplication required

Advion is not a one-time solution. It needs to be reapplied every 2 – 4 weeks. 

Instant reaction

Some ants die instantly. This prevents horizontal transfer,  which is essential for the eradication of the entire colony.

Not effective

Advion does not work on heavy infestations. It can be ideally used for milder infestations and spot treatments.

Messy

Difficult to clean out once dry. The gel sticks and cleaning becomes a challenge.


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3. Terro Liquid Ant Killer Bait Stations – Sugar Base

 

Pros

✅Is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use

✅Works on a wide variety of ants

✅Reasonably priced

✅Easy to open tab

✅High success rate and consistent performance

Cons

🚫Not safe around children and pets

🚫Can take one to two weeks to see results

🚫The container holding the liquid bait is flimsy and can leak

🚫Bait is colorless, so detection of a leak is difficult

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient: Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate (Borax) (5.40%). Other Ingredients (94.60%). Total (100.0%).
  • How Fast Does It Work:   Each ant that consumes the bait will die within 24 – 48 hours.
  • How Long Does It Last:  two years.
  • Amount /Quantity: 6 bait stations

What I Like

Versatile

You can use the bait in both indoors and outdoors. It’s also very easy to place along corners or cervices. 

Since the bait is protected you don’t have to worry about placement as much. 

You also don’t need to worry about the weather. If it rains or gets knocked over the bait remains safe and unaffected. 

Broad spectrum control

Effectively works on various species of ants.

This sugar based bait can target any ants who prefer sweets compared to protein or oil. 

Reasonably priced

It is reasonably priced and a real value for money. For less than $10 you can get bait station to cover the inside and outside of your house with ease. 

Elimination of an entire colony

The formula is highly efficient. 

The slow-acting formula makes it possible to target the entire colony of ants. The horizontal transfer and effective sugar lure work together to produce a high mortality rate. 

What I Dislike

Toxic for pets and children

Borax is highly toxic and causes serious side effects if ingested. You will have to be cautious in keeping it away from pets and children.

Regular monitoring required

You need to monitor the bait level regularly. The bait can get less palatable after the shelf life.

Hard to open

The twist-off tops are too high for smaller ants to get in. The bait is hard to open and can result in spillage if not cautiously handled.

Not effective on all ant species

This bait station only work on ants who prefer sugar rather than protein or grease. Ants that do not consume sweets will leave the traps alone. 


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4. RESCUE Ant Baits – Best Sugar + Protein Base Bait Station

 

Pros

✅ Stain free and fast drying

✅Odorless

✅Works as both disinfectant and insecticide

✅Designed to kill bacterias and bugs including dust mites, fleas, and bed bugs

✅Easy to use

✅Available in different sizes

Cons

🚫Cannot spray on waxed surfaces

🚫Cannot be used outdoors

🚫Costly

🚫No clear instruction for use

🚫High Isopropyl Content

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient : Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate (Borax) 5.4%
  • How Fast Does It Work: Start working within hours.
  • How Long Does It Last:  Each trap lasts until it dries out.
  • Amount /Quantity:  Six bait stations

What I Like

Easy to use

The rescue baits are ready to use, and spillage is unlikely as the bait is well placed in a secured container. The baits are packed in compact boxes and are completely mess-free.

Attracts most Ants with Sugar + Protein Base 

This bait station is great because it has two bait option inside. It has a protein based bait and a sugar based bait. 

This means you don’t have to worry about some ants not being interested because all your bases are covered. 

Effective and potent

Visible results can be seen in a few days. It’s more effective than liquid sugar baits and sugar ant traps.

What I Dislike

Hard To Find 

The downside to these bait stations is that they are hard to come by. They are not easily found at department stores or hardware stores. 

In addition, the online availability fluctuates which means you might need to wait before you can get your hands on some. 

Highly toxic

This product can be toxic for pets and children. Borax ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and drooling in humans and pets.

Contact with Borax can cause skin irritation. Inhalation of Borax can cause shortness of breath.

Chronic exposure to Borax can cause damage to the endocrine system and other internal organs.


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5. Maxforce Quantum Liquid Bait With Stations

 

Pros

✅ Eliminates complete colony

✅Reasonably priced

✅Easy to use

✅Effective for up to three months

✅Syringe applicator for precise applications

✅Odorless and clear formula

Cons

🚫Not safe for pets and children

🚫Quite pricey

🚫Can get messy

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid 0.03%
  • How Fast Does It Work: Allow Three to five days to see a decrease in ant activity.
  • How Long Does It Last:  Last three months
  • Amount /Quantity: 10 Stations

What I Like

Potent ingredient

The active ingredient is “Imidacloprid,” which acts as a neurotoxin, and affects the central nervous system, paralyzes the ants, and eventually leads to their death.

Slow Acting

The slow release action of the bait helps the ant to carry the bait to the colony. This creates a domino effect which ensures the complete elimination of the ant colony.

Impressive results

The effect remains for over three months. Very effective with over many ant species. The bait gel stays moist for over long periods.

Reusable 

Unlike other bait stations these are reusable. You don’t need to continue buying more bait stations when they run our of your throw them away. 

With these you can refill if they run our or clean if if the bait dries. 

Comes with the gel bait. 

The gel bait offers versatility because you can use the gel bait in hard to reach areas and still use the bait stations with ease.  

What I Dislike

Highly toxic
Imidacloprid is a highly toxic agricultural insecticide. The bait is not safe for pets and children.

Design flaw

Ants can’t make it into the interior of the trap. The bait mouth is placed too high for small ants.


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6. Terro Outdoor Liquid Bait Stations

 

Pros

✅Works well for killing many species of ants

✅Can be used both indoors and outdoors

✅The design of bait stations ensure that there is no leakage

✅Slow acting with horizontal transfer 

✅Weatherproof stations 

✅Easy to use and move

✅Potent in fight extensive infestations

Cons

🚫Despite the design, working with extra care is a necessity as the liquid is toxic
🚫Fluid contents might spill due to lack of attention while opening or improper opening method
🚫Toxic to humans and pets

🚫Unsafe to use in zones where edible stuff is growing or kept

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient: Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate (Borax) – 5.40%; Other ingredients – 94.60%
  • How Fast Does It Work: Works in under 24-48 hours
  • How Long Does It Last: 3 months
  • Amount/ Quantity:1 , 2, 6 (1oz packets)

What I Like

Weatherproof

I did not have to replace the bait station after rain, wind or heat. The station is durable and keeps the bait safe. 

Quick to install and effective against an entire colony

This station is easy to install. Open that pack and place it in the desired location. Once set up the trap is active and ready to go. 

Cost-effective solution to fight infestations

Unlike many other alternatives, I didn’t need to buy the stations separately. I was never compelled to find tasteless and odorless bait to couple with it. The pre-filled stations started clearing away the ant menace from day one. 

What I Dislike

Messy

The bait station design is delicate. It requires force to push down and turn the cap leading to filling the station with liquid. I slipped the station and spilled the contents the first time around. 


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7. Kness 12 Pack Ant Bait Stations

 

Pros

✅Covers a large area

✅Long effective period

✅Kills mold and mildew as well

✅Does not damage fabric

✅Reduces allergic symptoms

Cons

🚫Odor is unpleasant

🚫Should not come in direct contact with animals and humans

🚫Does not kill dustmites only eliminates allergens

🚫No specific ingredients listed

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient: N/A 
  • How does it work: Place bait inside station and allow ants to enter and consume. 
  • Amount: 12 stations

What I Like

Easy To Use

The best thing about these stations is that they are easy to use. Putting it together take two quick steps. 

Then all you have to do is insert the bait station into the ground and add bait and you are ready to go. 

Reusable 

Rather than continuing to spend money on disposable bait stations you can use these stations instead. 

Easily refill and adjust the type of bait you are using depending on the ants you are treating. 

Even if the ant infestations change by season – you will be covered and ready to fight of those pesky ants. 

What I Dislike

Unsightly

These don’t like nice in your yard. 

They are quite unsightly and stand out quite a bit. 

Ants Get Trapped

Another downside is that ants can get trapped inside the station. 

Overtime this can cause issues discouraging ants from entering the station and even clogging the station itself. 


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8. Advance 375a Select Granular Ant Bait

 

Pros

✅Stops egg production in the colony to control ant numbers

✅Straightforward application by simple spreading

✅Effective against fighting infestation by a variety of ant species

✅Does not require reapplication after weather fluctuations

✅Can be applied in areas that process or store food in bulk

Cons

🚫Works by spreading, so it doesn’t trap ants into methodical killing

🚫Ants may start roaming into a wider area for some time, and some may find a way indoors

🚫Granules may be bulky to tackle, capture, or carry for smaller ants

🚫It may require additional spreading equipment

🚫Risk of miscalculation of the amount to be spread in an area despite the r

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient: Abamectin (0.011%); Other Ingredients (99.989%) 
  • How Fast Does It Work: 1-2 weeks after first use
  • How Long Does It Last: Last in several weeks
  • Amount/ Quantity: AED 156.20/ 8 ounces bottle

What I Like

Ants love the ant bait formula

I could see the ants going crazy over the granules. I’m sure it’s because of its sweetness.

Prevents the spread of ants

The granules work in two ways. They kill the ants and prevent their multiplication by paralyzing their reproductive system.

Works against most ant species

I have witnessed its effectiveness against pavement ants, the little black ones, carpenter ants, and the Argentine variety.

Pets stayed away from the bait

My pet cat and dog have hardly ever bothered to check granular bait. I think that’s because it is odorless and insignificant in size and color.

What I Dislike

Have to track the trails, which increases the cost

Tracing ant tracks is never fun. 

It requires observation, a lot of time, and some trial and error if you want them gone but only have limited bait. I ended up wasting some of the granular ant bait before I could see its effects. It was somewhat tedious too.

Did not work against small ants and sugar ants

The granules lack the sweet smell and are heavy for ghost ants. I could see them roam free despite my patience that the bait would do its job.

It does not restrict the movement of ants

In one instance, I sprinkled and spread the granules after careful observation and meticulous planning. 

It was disheartening to see that the ants that were trouble outdoors started coming inside my home. The ant colony got fascinated with the bait and released more worker ants than usual!


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9. Maxforce Complete Granular Insect Bait

 

Pros

✅Fights and kills 15 different species of ants

✅Contact killer

✅Can be applied both by sprinkling or by filling in bait stations

✅Suitable for use both indoors and outdoors

✅Quick and easy to apply

✅It works well in cracks, crevices, and voids

Cons

🚫Granules are large, so small ants neglect the bait

🚫Cannot kill an entire colony of ants

🚫Works well only for fragmented and limited area infestations

🚫The probability of ants accepting the bait is low

🚫Does not withstand rain, which leads to wastage

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient: Abamectin (0.011%); Other Ingredients (99.989%) 
  • How Fast Does It Work: 1-2 weeks after first use
  • How Long Does It Last: Last in several weeks
  • Amount/ Quantity: AED 156.20/ 8 ounces bottle

What I Like

Ants love the ant bait formula

I could see the ants going gaga over the granules. I’m sure it’s because of its sweetness.

Prevents the spread of ants

The granules work in two ways. They kill the ants and prevent their multiplication by paralyzing their reproductive system.

Works against most ant species

I have witnessed its effectiveness against pavement ants, the little black ones, carpenter ants, and the Argentine variety.

Pets stayed away from the bait

My pet cat and dog have hardly ever bothered to check granular bait. I think that’s because it is odorless and insignificant in size and color.

What I Dislike

Have to track the trails, which increases the cost

Tracing ant tracks is never fun. It requires observation, a lot of time, and some trial and error if you want them gone but only have limited bait. I ended up wasting some of the granular ant bait before I could see its effects. It was somewhat tedious too.

Did not work against small ants and sugar ants

The granules lack the sweet smell and are heavy for ghost ants. I could see them roam free despite my patience that the bait would do its job.

It does not restrict the movement of ants

In one instance, I sprinkled and spread the granules after careful observation and meticulous planning. It was disheartening to see that the ants that were trouble outdoors started coming inside my home. The ant colony got fascinated with the bait and released more worker ants than usual!


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10. Rockwell Labs ITAB004 InTice Thiquid Ant Bait

 

Pros

✅Effective against a wide variety of ants

✅Suitable for use indoors and outdoors

✅An odorless and viscous fluid that does not flow outside the area of application

✅Extremely inviting for the ants with its nutrient-rich formula

✅Can be applied in the food areas without much risk

✅Dilutable for targeting a multi-queen colony or for multi-colony action

✅No harm to the environment

Cons

🚫Not effective against ants that find food following the smell

🚫Not the best product for garden use

🚫Frequent refilling for severe and large infestations

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient: Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate (borax) – 5%; Other ingredients (95%)
  • How Fast Does It Work: May take up to two weeks
  • How Long Does It Last: N/A
  • Amount/ Quantity: 4 oz dropper bottle; The product is currently unavailable in Amazon; no selling price given

What I Like

Kills unseen ants

Rockwell Labs ITAB004 InTice Thiquid Ant Bait kills the invisible ants besides the visible ones. I witnessed a nearly complete elimination of an entire colony in 15 days that had become a nuisance.

Most ants perish inside the drains or ground

The bait supply to the colony begins the process. Most ants are killed inside the mound, underground, inside the drain, etc. I never had to wipe off the dead ants beyond 15 minutes.

Double whammy effect 

It is usable with other non-repellent insecticides for maximizing the impact. It is not a product that asks for uncompromising commitment or limits options. It helps in fighting infestations. I like that!

Neither smelly nor messy

I have observed that the pets and children have not particularly gone curious about the bait. It is odorless. It has hardly ever created a mess by flowing to unwanted areas.

What I Dislike

Dilution brings down effect and shoots up cost

Rockwell Labs ITAB004 InTice Thiquid Ant Bait is dilutable to target multi-queen colonies and multi-colony zones. However, I had to refill and reapply very often to ensure that the job gets done. Ultimately, I found that I have overspent.

Not effective across ant species and behaviors

I can’t claim that this is a sure-shot success product for killing all types of ants in all seasons. I’ve noticed that ants became aware of the bait laid out for them and did not return. Perhaps they did not like the bait food. In another instance, the fluid was ineffective against carpenter ants. They have an excellent sense of smell. 


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11. Taurus SC

 

Pros

✅Effective on many insects

✅Eliminates entire colonies

✅Proven and tested by professional pest control companies

✅Safe for pets and yards 

✅Non-repellent 

✅Effectiveness can last for years in the soil

✅Penetrates wood and soil

Cons

🚫Expensive; 

🚫Time consuming to apply

🚫It takes time to see results

🚫Only for outdoor use

🚫Not long-lasting like Termidor

🚫Does not come with a separate sprayer when purchased

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient:Fipronil 9.1%
  • How Fast Does It Work: May take up to 90 days to kill termites depending on the colony size
  • How Long Does It Last: Protects against termites up to 10 years
  • Amount /Quantity: 20oz. bottle

What I Like

Ease of Use

 Since Taurus SC does require some preparation before it can be used, like diluting it with water, it is manufactured in a way that it can be automatically measured with the appropriate amount of chemicals.

Ingredients

It has an active ingredient – fipronil, a toxic chemical that kills insects by attacking their central nervous system. It is a perfect weapon against flea-infestation.

Safe for Families and Pets

Taurus SC is safe and effective. However, it is important that users should carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take extra attention to keeping it away from the reach of children and pets, It should also be only used for outdoors around structures, wall voids, and in crawl spaces.

Slow Acting

Taurus SC targets the root cause of the problem making it a more sustainable solution. It attacks the breeding colony slowly to ensure infected insects share the poison with the rest of the colony.

What I Dislike

Expensive

It is expensive compared to other options in the market but this is mainly due to concentrated formula.

Since it should be diluted with water, it can last longer and it will only necessitate once or twice in a year for reapplication.

Time-Consuming 

To treat the soil with this product you need to dig a trench. Digging a trench is time-consuming and laborious. 

Keep this in mind before you purchase this product.  

Outdoor Use Only 

Taurus SC can only be used outdoors. 

This means you can not eliminate carpenter ants that have already infested your home. 

It will prevent new ones from entering but any carpenter ants inside your home will not be treated unless they forage outside. 


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12. BioAdvanced 700335A Ant & Termite Killer

 

Pros

✅You can apply it on the house perimeter, foundation, and lawn

✅Contact Killer

✅Pet-friendly when used properly

✅Kills over 75 species

✅Provides long-lasting effect

✅Can treat up to 21,000 sq. ft.

✅Granules have water-absorbing properties

✅Affordable

Cons

🚫Only good for outdoor infestations.

🚫Requires entire container or more even for one application only

🚫Sprayer is not included

🚫Requires to dilute solution when using
The smell can be overpowering

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient: Beta Cyfluthrin – 2.5%
  • How Fast Does It Work: Kills in contact
  • How Long Does It Last: Keeps working for up to three months
  • Amount/Quantity : 1.3-Gallon

What I Like

Safe and Effective

It is safe for humans and other mammals because the chemicals in the product are less toxic for as long as you follow the instructions in the label. It is effective because any termite that makes contact with the applied soil will immediately be killed as it attacks pests’ central nervous systems given its active ingredient is imidacloprid.

 

Easy & Simple Solution

What makes it a good buy is it’s easy and simple to use. If you are looking for a solution that won’t require you to dig a trench, measure out a concentrated product, or spend hours spraying your home or yard, this is the best product. 

With its simple treatment, it won’t take much of your effort and time. It is also a good solution because just two to three weeks after using it, termites are completely erased from your vision.

I also love how simple and easy to read and understand its instructions on the label. Also, the bottle is equipped with a measuring cup to perfectly gauge the amount of solution you will be needing.

Affordable

It is way cheaper than Termidor. It’s affordable but with just one bottle, it can treat an average-sized house and is already very effective in getting rid of termites.

Long-lasting effect

The protection from pest infestation can last up to three to four months after application.

What I Dislike

Limited to outdoor use 

If you have infestations inside your house, this product won’t help because it is engineered when integrated into the soil, it is only meant for outdoor application.

Spray nozzle and hose need improvement

When you try to put it off, it won’t stop completely. It also dribbles weakly. Also, another concern is the hose. It kept on getting kinked.


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13. Talstar P

 

Pros

✅Pet-friendly;

✅Safe both indoors and outdoors

✅Stain-free

✅Works on 75 insects

✅90-day residual impact

Cons

🚫Must be applied on dry soil and surface only

🚫Expensive

🚫Spray nozzle is sold separately

🚫Some customers find the spray’s odor bad

Key Details

  • Active Ingredient: Bifenthrin 7.9%
  • How Fast Does It Work: Within 20 to 30 minutes to a few hours.  How Long Does It Last:  Talstar P lasts for about 5 years in the ground
  • Amount /Quantity: 1 Gallon

What I Like

Active ingredient

Its active ingredient is 8% Bifenthrin. The chemical in its pure state can remain in the soil. 

However, Talstar Pro’s concentration does not remain in the soil because it’s mild in nature. 

Because it is diluted before application, its toxicity is reduced significantly making it safer to humans and the environment.

Indoor and outdoor use

Because of its mild concentration and low-toxicity, this insecticide is safe and effective when used both indoors and outdoors.

Excellent coverage area

It comes in ¾ of a gallon or 96 oz (3.63 kg) packaging. When diluted, it can create up to 192 full gallons of the solution which can be used to spray an area of about 1,000 sq feet

Odorless, stain-free

Since it is water-based, this product contains no odor or plant-damaging solvents. Aside from that, it leaves no residues and stains after spraying

Broad spectrum of pests

Works effectively in killing more than 75 different types of bugs, including cockroaches, termites, fleas, bed-bugs, millipedes, spiders, and ticks.

Long-lasting effect

When applied correctly and dried completely, it is capable of protecting the areas from pest infestation up to three months without needing reapplication.

What I Dislike

Sprayer Not Included

A separate sprayer is required when you apply this insecticide. For better use and effectiveness, a one-gallon hand sprayer is recommended.

Not for large infestation

It can be effective on small infestations but when applied on large infestations, it will not work the same as promised.

Expensive

If you want professional quality chemicals you need to be ready to pay the price.

This product is expensive and much more expensive than some of the other options on this list but it can treat much larger areas since it needs to be diluted with water. 


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FAQ

How To Apply Gel Bait?

Applying gel bait is easy and straightforward.

Before you begin you need to wipe down any food or water in the areas you will be applying bait. 

Food and water will distract ants from your bait and make it less effective. 

Once your surface is clean you can begin applying pea-sized dots on ant trails, crevices, fissures, corners, and other areas mentioned on the label.

Continue applications for up to five days. Bait results will last for a couple of weeks.

Tips and Tricks 

When applying gel bait its is important that you do not apply other chemicals in the same area. 

Insecticides will drive away ants and they will never eat the bait. 

How Does gel Bait Work?

Gel bait is designed for trophallaxis.

Trophallaxis is the transfer of liquids between insects. 

When one ant consumes bait they take it back to their nest and feed it to the other ants in their nest. 

Over time, every ant in the nest will receive some of the bait. 

This is what is known as horizontal transfer and can be thought of as a domino effect.

This is the reason gel bait is slow acting. It allows for the spread of the bait inside the colony.

After consuming within 3-5 days the ants that have consumed the bait will begin to die off. 

The slow acting and horizontal transfer of gel bait is what allows it to eliminate entire colonies. 

How to Apply Bait Stations?

Bait stations are the easier side of applying gel bait. Instead of having to take the time to strategically place gel bait you can use a bait station. 

Once you have your bait stations all you have to do is make sure its active. 

Depending on the trap this can be pulling off a tab or removing a foil cover to expose the bait. 

Once the station is active all you need to  do is place it where there is ant activity. 

The ants will walk towards the bait stations and retrieve bait from inside and take it back to their nests.  

How Do Bait Stations work?

Bait stations work just like gel bait. 

Inside the bait station there is a compartment where gel bait is stored. 

Ants will enter the bait station and take back the bait to the colony. 

They will spread the bait throughout their colony. 

The slow acting bait will eventually kill the ants after 3-5 days. 

Due to the horizontal transfer or bait, similar to gel bait, bait stations can eliminate entire ant colonies. 

Conclusion

Carpenter ants are no joke. If left untreated they can cause serious damage. 

Take action today but using one of the carpenter ant killers on this list. 

You can be assured that these products are effective against carpenter ants. 

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