Best outdoor ant repellent

Ant problem? Bring them to heel with one of these best outdoor ant repellents.

Best outdoor ant repellent
(Image credit: @Maksim Shutov on Unsplash)

An effective outdoor ant repellent is an integral part of your pest control arsenal. While ants don't wreak havoc right away, they will slip into the cracks and crannies around the house, build their colonies, and become an absolute nightmare over time. Their tiny size does not hinder their ability to inflict chaos. Luckily, all you need is one of these best outdoor ant repellents to stop these pesky insects dead in their tracks. 

Best overall

Amdro 100099216 ant block granule, 24 ounces

(Image credit: Amdro/Ambrands)

AMDRO 100099216 Ant Block bait

Wipe out the whole colony

Ants are a great part of the animal kingdom, but they don't need to live in your house. This broad-spectrum bait kills many common ant species and keeps going for up to three months. 

Pros:

  • Effective on multiple ant species
  • Offers up to three months of protection
  • Destroys the whole colony
  • Easy application

Cons:

  • Not very effective on wet ground or rainy days

Sprinkle away your ant problem with this dual-action granular bait by AMDRO. It is an effective and easy-to-use exterminator that interests ants with the promise of food. The meal-disguised bait may taste like food but it contains a delayed-action poison, giving foraging worker ants enough time to bring some back to the colony. Once the queen and other colony ants feast on the bait, they too will be eliminated. You can apply the granules virtually anywhere outdoors, from the lawn to around your house.

A sweet treat

TERRO outdoor liquid ant baits

(Image credit: Amazon)

TERRO outdoor liquid ant bait stations

Contain the problem

Sometimes spreadable repellant is too messy application-wise, and TERRO solves this problem. Their bait stations mask the contents but still get the job done.

Pros:

  • Ready-to-use formula
  • Ideal for in and outdoor placement
  • Each pack includes six bait stations
  • Attracts ants pretty fast

Cons:

  • Risk of spilling

Luxury ant resort? No, just a cleverly disguised ant bait destination. The little structures safely house a sweetened liquid bait laced with a time-release insecticide, perfect for getting rid of the ants you see and the ones you don't. Each of the two packs comes with six pre-filled bait stations, so you don't have to worry about handling the substance. The most you'll have to do is choose the high-traffic spots. If you're using the stations outdoors, you might need a little help to secure them. That's where the handy included stakes come in.

Long-lasting

Ortho home defense insect killer granules 3

(Image credit: Ortho/The Scotts Company)

Ortho Home Defense insect killer granules

One application, months of protection

With a few well-placed container shakes on the ground in your yard or near your foundation, the Home Defense granules will create a protective barrier that'll keep pests out.

Pros:

  • Easy-to-apply granules
  • Effective for up to three months
  • Comes in a convenient 2.5-pound jug

Cons:

  • Meant for outdoor use only

Ants aren't the only insects that find their way into your home, so a well-rounded repellent might be just the thing you need. By treating your property with Ortho Home Defense granules, you'll create a bug barrier that will deflect the likes of ants (of course), spiders, and other bugs. Application expectations are minimal too because the pellets will last for up to three months. Who doesn't like a long-lasting solution? With no odor and no mess to worry about, nothing is standing in the way of complete ant elimination from your space. 

Natural option

Mighty Mint insect and pest control spray

(Image credit: Mighty Mint)

Mighty Mint insect and pest control spray

One whiff of this formula will have ants running for the hills

Harsh chemicals aren't always the answer. This potent plant-based cocktail is effective at deterring common outdoor ants and other creepy crawlies.

Pros:

  • Made with plant-based ingredients
  • Large 1-gallon bottle
  • Extra concentrated

Cons:

  • Peppermint scent can be overwhelming

Minty fresh and effective? Sign us up! This garden spray is made with organic peppermint essential oil and other plant-based ingredients, making it safe for use around family, pets, and plants. While we can stand the sweet and strong scent of peppermint, ants and other insects find it off-putting. This formula is extra concentrated for long-lasting protection and the one-gallon container is great for treating large outdoor spaces.

Instant solution

TERRO T401SR ant killer spray

(Image credit: Amazon)

TERRO T401SR ant killer spray

Ideal for spot treatment

Some ant bait requires a time commitment, but for those looking for immediate results, this spray is the answer. Its fast-acting concentrated formula will knock down ants quickly without leaving an odor or stain.

Pros:

  • Two, 16-ounce aerosol cans 
  • Safe for in and outdoor use
  • Exterminates ants on contact
  • Ideal for hard-to-reach places

Cons:

  • Eliminates the ants in sight and not the entire colony

Why delay solving an ant problem? With TERRO'S ant spray, the solution is only seconds away. The speedy formula kills ants and other common household insects on contact, as well as protects against future infestations for over a month. This spray is effective as an indoor or outdoor insect killer and can be applied directly into nooks, cracks, and other inaccessible places where ants hide. It's also easy to use thanks to a convenient twist-open top.

Keep ants from infiltrating your home

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If you have experienced the misery that is an ant infestation, then you know how important an effective outdoor ant repellent is. A good one will help keep your lawn and garden spaces ant-free, without harming your family or pets. The AMDRO 100099216 Ant Block bait fits the description. It's a slow-acting poison spares foraging ants long enough to return to the colony and feed the queen thus eradicating your ant problem at the source. 

If you'd prefer a natural solution for a natural problem, grab the Mighty Mint insect and pest control spray. The active ingredient, peppermint essential oil, gives the  Mighty Mint its punch. It's a powerful and proven deterrent for ants alongside other annoying crawlies. 

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As experts, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your life. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. Our detailed product overviews balance objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is easy.

Grace Monene is an avid writer with a keen eye for home and office improvement. She has a knack for finding the best little things that will improve the quality of indoor and outdoor living. When she's not writing, you will typically find her reading or testing out the latest technology.