10 Best Ways to Get Rid of Ants in Your Grass for Good

I’ll help you eliminate ants from your grass using targeted bait stations like TERRO’s borax-based formula, which workers carry back to destroy entire colonies within 24-48 hours. You can also apply outdoor ant dust for eight months of residual protection, use plant-based sprays for eco-friendly control, or strategically place liquid bait stakes along ant trails. For immediate results, precision gels work within 3-5 days when applied to entry points and cracks. Below, you’ll discover extensive strategies tailored to your specific situation.

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Notable Insights

• Use TERRO Ant Killer Bait Stations along grass borders to eliminate entire colonies including queens within two weeks.
• Apply TERRO T901-6 granular ant killer around lawn foundations for results within 24 hours and ongoing protection.
• Target specific ant species like fire ants with protein-based baits or black garden ants with sweet substance baits.
• Use TERRO T600 Ant Dust Powder for long-term control lasting up to eight months in outdoor areas.
• Place liquid bait stakes like TERRO T1812SR in grass areas where worker ants carry poison back to nests.

TERRO Ant Killer Bait Stations (T300B) – 12 Count

When you’re dealing with persistent ant colonies that have invaded your lawn and garden spaces, TERRO Ant Killer Bait Stations (T300B) offer a targeted solution that eliminates entire colonies from the source. These ready-to-use stations contain borax as the active ingredient, which worker ants consume and carry back to their nests, effectively targeting hidden colonies and queens. You’ll notice a significant reduction in ant activity within 24 to 48 hours, though complete elimination may take up to two weeks depending on infestation severity. The 12-count pack provides excellent coverage for larger outdoor areas, and you can strategically place these mess-free stations along ant trails near garden borders and lawn edges where colonies typically establish entry points.

Best For: Homeowners dealing with common household ant infestations who want a mess-free, effective solution that eliminates entire colonies including queens without requiring professional extermination services.

Pros:

• Fast-acting borax formula that targets entire colonies, including queens, with noticeable results within 24-48 hours
• Ready-to-use design with no setup required, making it safe and convenient for homes with children and pets
• Highly cost-effective with excellent customer satisfaction (4.6/5 stars from 141,000+ reviews) compared to professional extermination services

Cons:

• Complete elimination can take up to two weeks depending on infestation severity, requiring patience for full results
• May show varying effectiveness in certain geographic regions based on local ant species and environmental conditions
• Requires regular monitoring and replacement of bait stations as they become depleted or affected by environmental factors

Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray with Natural Essential Oils (32 oz)

For homeowners seeking a family-safe solution to eliminate ants from their grass, Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray offers a powerful, plant-based alternative to harsh chemical treatments. This cedar oil-based formula targets ants along with mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and other common lawn pests effectively. You’ll appreciate that it’s safe around children and pets, requiring no waiting period before returning to treated areas. The 32-ounce concentrate attaches directly to your garden hose, covering up to 5,000 square feet of lawn, garden beds, and outdoor living spaces. Since it’s biodegradable and permethrin-free, you can treat your entire yard without environmental concerns while maintaining effective ant control.

Best For: Homeowners who want a natural, family-safe pest control solution that eliminates ants and other lawn pests without harsh chemicals or waiting periods for reentry.

Pros:

• Safe around children and pets with no reentry waiting time required after application
• Covers large areas efficiently with up to 5,000 square feet of coverage from one 32-ounce bottle
• Environmentally friendly formula that’s biodegradable, permethrin-free, and made from plant-based ingredients

Cons:

• May require more frequent reapplication compared to synthetic chemical pesticides for long-term control
• Effectiveness can be reduced by rain or watering, requiring reapplication after heavy moisture
• Higher cost per application compared to conventional chemical pest control products

Raid Ant Killer Baits (4 Count)

Raid Ant Killer Baits offer homeowners a strategic solution for eliminating persistent ant colonies that’ve established themselves in lawn areas and subsequently invaded indoor spaces. These child-resistant baits work by attracting worker ants, who then carry the poison back to their underground nests, effectively targeting the queen and entire colony. You’ll achieve maximum results by placing all four baits simultaneously in corners, along walls, and near entry points where ants typically travel from your grass into your home. The baits continue killing ants for up to three months, providing long-term protection against recurring infestations that originate from your lawn.

Best For: Homeowners dealing with persistent ant colonies that have established themselves in lawn areas and are invading indoor spaces.

Pros:

• Targets entire colony including the queen by having worker ants carry poison back to the nest
• Provides long-term protection for up to 3 months with a single application
• Child-resistant design ensures safety around households with children

Cons:

• Limited to indoor use only, cannot directly treat outdoor lawn colonies where ants originate
• Requires strategic placement of all four baits simultaneously for maximum effectiveness
• May take time to see results as it relies on worker ants finding and carrying bait back to colony

Combat Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel, 27 Gram

Combat Indoor and Outdoor Ant Killing Gel offers a precision-targeted solution that’s particularly effective for homeowners dealing with persistent ant trails, colonies that extend from lawn areas into indoor spaces. This 27-gram gel contains Fipronil, a powerful active ingredient that starts eliminating ants within hours of application. You’ll see results in just 3 to 5 days as the gel’s high water content encourages faster consumption by worker ants. The included syringe allows precise placement in cracks, crevices, and entry points where ants travel between your grass and home. Since worker ants carry the bait back to their colonies, you’re targeting the entire population rather than just visible ants.

Best For: Homeowners dealing with persistent ant infestations that travel between outdoor lawn areas and indoor spaces, who need a precision-targeted solution to eliminate entire colonies.

Pros:

• Contains Fipronil, a powerful active ingredient that starts killing ants within hours and shows results in 3-5 days
• High water content encourages faster consumption by ants, leading to more effective colony elimination
• Includes precision syringe for targeted application in cracks, crevices, and ant entry points

Cons:

• Small 27-gram size may not be sufficient for treating large or multiple ant infestations
• Gel format may dry out over time, potentially reducing effectiveness in outdoor applications
• Contains potent pesticide chemicals that require careful handling and placement away from children and pets

STEM Plant-Based Bug Spray for Indoor and Outdoor Use (12 fl oz)

Eco-conscious gardeners who prioritize family safety will find STEM Plant-Based Bug Spray an ideal solution for eliminating ants from grass areas. This 12-ounce botanical formula combines natural extracts with scientific precision, delivering effective results without harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. You’ll appreciate that entomologists have tested this spray to guarantee both safety and efficacy, making it suitable for use around children and pets when applied correctly. The plant-based active ingredients quickly eliminate ants, roaches, and flies while maintaining environmental responsibility. You can confidently treat both indoor and outdoor ant problems with this versatile solution that eliminates chemical odors completely.

Best For: Eco-conscious families and pet owners seeking a safe, plant-based solution to eliminate ants, roaches, and flies both indoors and outdoors without harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.

Pros:

• Plant-based formula with botanical extracts that’s safe around children and pets when used as directed
• Entomologist tested for proven effectiveness against ants, roaches, and flies
• No added dyes, fragrances, or harsh chemical odors making it suitable for sensitive environments

Cons:

• Limited to only three types of insects (ants, roaches, and flies) compared to broader spectrum pesticides
• Plant-based formulas may require more frequent applications than synthetic alternatives
• Single 12 fl oz size may not be cost-effective for treating large outdoor areas

TERRO T901-6 Ant Killer Plus Multi-Purpose Insect Control (3lb)

For homeowners dealing with persistent ant colonies that have spread beyond anthills into various outdoor spaces, TERRO T901-6 Ant Killer Plus offers extensive multi-pest control in a convenient granular format. This three-pound insecticide targets ants, fire ants, roaches, fleas, crickets, and numerous other problematic insects that invade your lawn areas. You’ll appreciate the fast-acting formula that eliminates listed pests within 24 hours of contact, while providing ongoing residual protection to prevent reinfestation. The resealable shaker bag design eliminates the need for specialized spreading equipment, allowing you to apply treatments directly around foundations, across lawn areas, or specifically on troublesome ant hills with precision and ease.

Best For: Homeowners dealing with multiple types of outdoor insect infestations who need a fast-acting, easy-to-apply granular solution that doesn’t require specialized equipment.

Pros:

• Kills a wide variety of pests including ants, fire ants, roaches, fleas, and crickets within 24 hours
• Provides residual protection to prevent reinfestation after initial treatment
• Convenient resealable shaker bag requires no spreader or specialized equipment for application

Cons:

• Limited to outdoor use only, cannot treat indoor infestations
• Granular format may not be as precise for targeting specific areas compared to liquid sprays
• 3-pound size may be excessive for smaller properties or minor pest problems

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Lawn and Landscape Ready-To-Spray

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer stands out as an exceptional choice for homeowners dealing with widespread ant infestations across large lawn areas. This ready-to-spray formula covers up to 5,300 square feet of lawn space, making it ideal for treating extensive ant colonies that have established themselves throughout your grass. You’ll appreciate the convenient hose-end sprayer design, which eliminates the need for mixing chemicals or using separate equipment. The product targets 235 different insects, including various ant species, while providing long-lasting protection that starts working within minutes of application. The non-staining, odor-free formula guarantees your lawn remains pristine after treatment, and you can safely return to treated areas once the spray dries.

Best For: Homeowners with large lawn areas who need to treat extensive ant infestations and other insect problems across up to 5,300 square feet of property.

Pros:

• Covers extensive areas with up to 5,300 sq. ft. of lawn coverage and kills 235 different insect species including ants, spiders, mosquitoes, and ticks
• Convenient ready-to-spray hose-end application eliminates the need for mixing chemicals or separate equipment
• Non-staining, odor-free formula that starts working within minutes and allows safe re-entry once dried

Cons:

• Requires a garden hose connection which may limit mobility and reach in some areas of the property
• At 32 fl. oz., may require multiple purchases for very large properties or repeated treatments
• No specific mention of organic or eco-friendly ingredients for those preferring natural pest control methods

TERRO T600 Ant Dust Powder Killer for Indoors and Outdoors (1lb)

When you’re dealing with persistent ant colonies that keep rebuilding despite your best efforts, TERRO T600 Ant Dust Powder Killer delivers the heavy-duty solution you need. This waterproof formula kills ants on contact, including stubborn fire and carpenter ants, while providing up to eight months of residual control. You can apply the dust directly onto ant hills, around your lawn’s perimeter, or in flower beds using the convenient shaker canister. The formula remains effective even after rain, ensuring your grass stays protected through multiple weather cycles. Simply scatter the powder where ants are active, and you’ll see immediate results with long-lasting prevention.

Best For: Homeowners dealing with persistent ant infestations who need a long-lasting, weatherproof solution that works both indoors and outdoors.

Pros:

• Kills ants on contact and provides up to 8 months of residual control
• Waterproof formula remains effective even after rain
• Versatile application with convenient shaker canister for easy use in various locations

Cons:

• May require careful application around pets and children due to insecticide content
• Dust formula could be messy and may blow away in windy conditions
• Limited to surface treatment and may not penetrate deep into established colony structures

Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Ant Killer Spray (16 oz)

Natural solutions stand out as the ideal choice for homeowners who want to tackle ant problems without exposing their families, pets, or beneficial garden insects to harsh chemicals. Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Ant Killer Spray offers a family-safe formula that combines extra-concentrated peppermint oil with geraniol to effectively repel and eliminate both carpenter and sugar ants. You’ll appreciate its versatility for indoor and outdoor applications, targeting ant trails, baseboards, and entry points without staining surfaces. While users report immediate contact kills and significant population reductions, you should expect to apply multiple treatments for persistent infestations and allow proper ventilation due to the strong peppermint scent.

Best For: Homeowners seeking a natural, family-safe ant control solution who don’t mind multiple applications and strong peppermint scents.

Pros:

• Natural formula with peppermint oil and geraniol that’s safe for pets and children when used as directed
• Immediate contact kill ability with reports of significant ant population reductions
• Versatile indoor/outdoor use without staining surfaces, plus leaves a fresh minty scent

Cons:

• Strong peppermint scent can cause discomfort for sensitive individuals and pets without proper ventilation
• Mixed effectiveness requiring multiple applications for persistent infestations and long-term control
• Higher cost relative to effectiveness with some users reporting temporary worsening of ant problems

TERRO T1812SR Outdoor Liquid Ant Bait Stakes-2 Pack

TERRO T1812SR Outdoor Liquid Ant Bait Stakes offer homeowners a powerful, weatherproof solution that targets entire ant colonies through strategic worker ant elimination. You’ll appreciate how these ready-to-use stakes attract common household ants like acrobat, crazy, ghost, and pavement ants with their liquid bait formula. The system works by encouraging worker ants to carry the bait back to their colony, effectively targeting the queen and hidden nest members you can’t see. You can simply insert the stakes in problem areas, break the activation tab, and monitor the clear bait stations to determine when replacement is needed. With observable ant reduction within days and durable construction that withstands outdoor elements, these stakes provide reliable, long-term colony elimination for your lawn.

Best For: Homeowners dealing with outdoor ant infestations who want a weatherproof, low-maintenance solution that eliminates entire colonies rather than just surface ants.

Pros:

• Targets entire ant colonies including the queen through worker ant bait sharing system
• Weatherproof design withstands outdoor elements for reliable long-term use
• Ready-to-use with clear monitoring system and fast results within days

Cons:

• Only comes with 2 stakes in the pack, which may not be sufficient for larger properties
• Limited to sweet-eating ant species and may not work on all ant types
• Requires ants to find and consume the bait, so effectiveness depends on ant activity and preferences

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Way to Get Rid of Ants in Grass

When you’re choosing the right method to eliminate ants from your grass, I recommend considering several key factors that’ll determine your success. First, you’ll need to identify the specific ant species you’re dealing with, measure your treatment area size, and evaluate safety concerns around pets and children. Additionally, you should consider whether you’re treating indoor or outdoor spaces and how long you need the treatment to remain effective.

Ant Species Identification

Before you can effectively eliminate ants from your grass, identifying the specific species becomes essential for selecting the most appropriate control method. I’ve found that common household species like black garden ants, carpenter ants, and fire ants exhibit distinctly different behaviors, nesting preferences, and food sources that directly impact your treatment strategy.

Black garden ants typically prefer moist soil conditions and sweet substances, while fire ants thrive in drier areas and respond better to protein-based baits. Carpenter ants often nest in decaying wood structures near your lawn, requiring targeted approaches that address both the grass infestation and nearby wooden elements.

Understanding each species’ life cycle, pheromone trail patterns, and foraging habits allows you to disrupt their reproductive processes more effectively, targeting both worker ants and queens for thorough control.

Treatment Area Size

Determining your treatment area size directly influences which ant control method will deliver the most effective results for your specific lawn situation. I recommend measuring your affected area carefully, as this assessment guides both product selection and application strategy. For extensive infestations covering thousands of square feet, you’ll need products designed for broad coverage, with some treatments effectively managing up to 5,300 square feet of lawn and landscape areas. Smaller, localized problems respond well to targeted approaches like baits or gels, which concentrate treatment where you need it most. Accurate area measurement helps you estimate product quantities, preventing wasteful overuse while reducing costs. Additionally, larger treatment areas often benefit from hose-attached spray systems that provide efficient, uniform coverage across expansive lawn surfaces.

Safety Around Pets

Protecting your pets remains the top priority while implementing effective ant control strategies in your grass areas. I recommend selecting products specifically labeled as pet-safe, particularly those containing plant-based or natural insecticides that won’t harm your furry companions. Always examine product labels carefully, looking for clear indications of non-toxic formulations designed for use around animals and children. Many conventional sprays and baits contain harmful chemicals that pose serious risks to pets, so I prioritize treatments that eliminate these dangers. After applying any ant control product, I monitor my pets closely for unusual behavior and keep them away from treated areas until it’s completely safe. Choose fast-acting products to minimize exposure time while ensuring no harmful residues remain on grass surfaces.

Indoor Versus Outdoor

Once you’ve addressed safety concerns, identifying whether your ant problem originates indoors or outdoors will determine your most effective treatment strategy. Indoor ant control requires targeted applications like bait stations or gels, which eliminate visible populations within days through precise placement near entry points. Outdoor management demands broader solutions, including granules or sprays that treat lawn areas and target underground nests directly. I recommend understanding your specific infestation type before selecting treatments, as indoor approaches focus on immediate elimination while outdoor methods prevent future incursions. Ant baits work effectively in both environments, but placement strategies differ considerably. Indoor baits target trails and entry points, while outdoor baits should cover nest perimeters and foraging areas for exhaustive control.

Long-Term Effectiveness Duration

While immediate results might seem appealing, long-term effectiveness should guide your ant control decisions since sustained protection prevents recurring infestations. I’ve found that bait stations offer the best balance, showing noticeable reduction within 24 to 48 hours while achieving complete colony elimination in two weeks. For extended protection, I recommend residual control products that maintain effectiveness for several months after application. Granular treatments deliver exceptional longevity, often remaining active for up to eight months despite weather exposure and environmental changes. When choosing your control method, consider that understanding ant behavior patterns guarantees your selected solution aligns with their foraging habits. This approach creates lasting results rather than temporary fixes, saving you time and effort while maintaining a beautiful, ant-free lawn throughout multiple seasons.

On a final note

I’ve covered eight effective ant control products, from bait stations to natural sprays, that’ll help you reclaim your lawn from persistent ant colonies. Whether you prefer chemical solutions like TERRO baits or natural alternatives like peppermint oil sprays, there’s an option that fits your needs and gardening philosophy. Remember to evaluate factors like pet safety, environmental impact, and application method when selecting your ant control strategy for lasting results.