The most effective way how to kill ants in your house is to use ant bait (gel or station-type) placed directly along their active trails. Bait is superior to spray because worker ants carry the poison back to the colony to eliminate the queen—the actual source of the infestation. While sprays kill individual ants on contact, they do nothing to stop the colony. For a faster approach, combine baiting with a perimeter insecticide spray around external entry points.

The species of ant matters: most house ants (odorous house ants, pavement ants, Argentine ants) respond well to sweet bait. Carpenter ants need protein bait. Identify what you’re dealing with before buying products.

Best Ant Control Methods

Method How It Works Best For
Ant bait gel (Terro, Advion) Slow-acting poison carried to colony Most house ant species – best long-term solution
Ant bait stations Covered bait, safer around kids/pets Kitchens, around counters
Perimeter insecticide spray Kills on contact, residual barrier Fast knockdown + entry point sealing
Diatomaceous earth Physical damage to exoskeleton Natural option, dry areas, attics
Borax + sugar DIY bait Borax is toxic to ants, sugar attracts Budget natural option
Peppermint oil / white vinegar Disrupts scent trails, repels Very mild deterrent only

Step-by-Step: Getting Rid of an Ant Infestation

Step 1 – Identify the ant and the trail. Follow the ants to find where they’re coming from (entry cracks, windowsills, baseboards) and where they’re going (food source, water source).

Step 2 – Do NOT spray the trail with contact killer first. This disrupts the colony and causes ants to scatter and split into multiple sub-colonies, making the infestation worse. Put the spray down.

Step 3 – Place ant bait directly on the trail. Use Terro Liquid Ant Bait for sugar ants – the borax in the bait is slow-acting enough for workers to bring it back to the nest before dying. You’ll see more ants initially – that’s the bait working.

Step 4 – Be patient. Bait takes 3-7 days to work through the colony. Don’t spray or disturb the bait station. Keep replacing bait until ant activity stops.

Step 5 – Seal entry points. Once the colony is eliminated, use caulk to seal cracks around windows, pipes, and baseboards.

Best Products That Actually Work

  • Terro Liquid Ant Bait – #1 consumer-rated ant bait, highly effective for most common house ants
  • Advion Ant Gel – professional-grade bait, faster acting than Terro, excellent for stubborn infestations
  • Ortho Home Defense – perimeter spray for entry points and outdoor use
  • TERRO Ant Killer Plus – granules for outdoor/garden ant control

Preventing Ants From Returning

  • Clean up food and drink spills immediately – ants are attracted to any sugar or protein residue
  • Store food in airtight containers, especially sugar, honey, and cereal
  • Fix leaky pipes – moisture attracts ants as much as food does
  • Seal cracks in foundation, windows, and door frames
  • Keep pet food in sealed containers and clean pet bowls daily
  • Apply an outdoor perimeter spray in spring before ant season begins

Final Thoughts

Ant bait is the most effective long-term solution – resist the urge to spray individual ants and let the bait do its work over several days. Terro Liquid Ant Bait handles the majority of home ant infestations. Once the infestation is resolved, sealing entry points and maintaining a clean kitchen prevents them from returning.