6 Best Ant Bait & Gel
This article features some of the best ant baits and gels in the market for use to achieve long term ant pest control.
Ant baits is one of the most effective way to get rid of ants. They are also one of the best method that promise a long term stop to ant problems.
Ant baits contains both insecticides and attractants where ants are attracted to take the ‘bait’ thinking they are food and bring the food (poison) back to the ant colony and share with the queen as well as other ants. Hence potentially destroying the entire colony.
Most ant baits come packaged with the mixture of insecticide and food attractant in a plastic container. It works behind-the-scene and are a no mess and fuss approach to get rid of ants.
[May: Ants have a sweet and protein cycle. Try using both or alternating between sugar-based bait and protein-based bait to increase effectiveness.]
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using ant bait and gel:
Pros of using Ant Bait
- Effective
- Simple to set-up
- Set-and-forget type of ant control
- Potentially gets rid of ants completely in the long term
Cons of using Ant Bait
- Does not provide instant kill
- Ants might not take bait if applies wrongly
Note: Avoid using any ant insecticides, sprays or repellent near Ant Bait. The goal is to attract ants to take the bait and not to deter them.
Tips: Ant colonies are capable of actively switching its dietary preferences, so it’s important to switch between Protein-based and Sugar-based bait, or simply present them with both options.
TERRO T300B 2-Pack Liquid Ant Baits
To set up – hold bait upright and cut off the colored part before placing bait. Depending on the size of the infestation, complete ant control may take up to two weeks.
Each pack comes with 6 ant baits.
Pros
- Pre-filled & ready-to-use
- Attracts ants fast
- Works on all common household ants
- Patented design prevents bait from drying out
Tip: Use all 6 baits to ensure sufficient bait supply for the ants.
Advion Ant Gel
The Advion Ant Bait Gel is designed for both indoors and outdoors.
It kills most ants species including:Harvester, Carpenter, Crazy, Ghost, Honey, Odorous House, Pavement, Fire Ant, Rover, Little Black, White Footed and others.
To apply – simply squeeze thin line(s) near the ant trait (not on them or in their path).
Pros
- Can be used both indoor and outdoor
- Strong attractant
- Works on most ants species
Cons
- Bait is exposed
Tip 2: Bait near entrance of ant nest if possible.Tip: Do not apply too much at a go as bait will lose its effectiveness when left out for too long.
Note: Keep pets and kids away if there’s no container used to cover bait that only ants could get to.
>> Best Granular Ant Bait
Advance 375A Ant Granular Bait
It works on most common ant species like the Little Black ants, Crazy ants, the Argentine ants, Fire ants, Odorous House ants, Field ants, Big headed ants, Pharaoh ants and more.
Pros
- Ready-to-use
- Does not get wet easily
- Works on wide range of ants
- Great alternative/ variety to sugar-based bait
>> Related article: Best Ant Spray
>> Best Fire Ant Bait
Advion Fire Ant Bait
It is designed for both broadcast and mound treatment, and works on all life stages of ants.
Broadcast Treatments – Treat using broadcast equipment that’s capable of applying 1.5 pounds per acre. Calibrate and adjust broadcast equipment accordingly to ensure proper rate of application. Retreat after every 12 to 16 weeks if needed.
Individual Mound Treatments – Do not apply directly to the tops of ant mound. For each mound, apply 4 tablespoons (about 0.5 oz) 3 – 4 feet around the mound(s). Retreat after every 12 to 16 weeks if necessary. (Note: bait must be applied when it’s dry outside).
Pros
- Controls fire ants in 24 to 72 hours
- Effective on all life stages of the ant
- Designed to kill fire ants, pavement ants & bigheaded ants
Note: Be sure to zone out of your main treatment spot, if possible the entire yard, or there might be a chance that some of them will move to a new spot.
Tip: If used outdoor, it is best to apply after mowing and check to ensure it not going to rain in the next 24 to 48 hrs.
Maxforce Ant Bait Gel Poison
To apply – Squeeze gel in spots, into cracks and crevices. For best results, place many spots of dabs of gel where ants can be seen foraging and entering.
This gel bait will stay effective and attractive to ants for up to two weeks (inspect gel and reapply as needed).
Pros
- Great for spot application
- Remains effective for up to 2 weeks
- Controls wide range of ants
- Plastic plunger included
Cons
- Not on the cheap side
>> Available in these sizes: 1 Tube & 4 Tubes
Combat Ant Killing Gel Bait
It’s ready-to-use and allows application directly from the syringe for fast, easy application in cracks and crevices that are hard to reach. It works both indoors and outdoors, and doesn’t require much for it to work.
Pros
- High water content
- Ready-to-use
- Strong killing content
Cons
- Strong killing that might kill ants before reaching its nest
Tip: This gel is strong, try to apply near entrances of forging ants.
>> Available in these sizes: 1 pack, 2 pack & 4 pack
In Conclusion
Ant baits works behind the scene and is perhaps one of our top favourite way of getting rid of ants that just kept marching into the house to search for food.
Do make sure to keep kids and especially pets away [May: Simply don’t allow them to enter the room where the treatment is placed]. Also to ensure not using ant insecticides or repellents near ant bait as it will very likely defeat the logic behind how ant bait works.
Lastly, be sure to be patient and smart when applying and setting up ant baits (pouring or dripping bait gel directly over the ant or ant mound just send a big signal to ants that it’s probably not something good.
Now over to you.. Have you tried using ant bait to treat your ant problem? What are your thoughts? Do you prefer sugar-based or protein-based ant bait? Leave a comment to let us know.
