Best Ant Killer Powder: 10 Dusts, Mound Treatments and Diatomaceous Earth Compared

Three ant problems call for three kinds of powder. A trail along a wall wants a crack-and-crevice dust. A fire ant mound in the lawn wants a mound treatment. A garden bed wants something labeled for plants. Buy the wrong one and the powder sits unused.

The TERRO Ant Dust Powder and Ortho Orthene Ant and Roach Killer 1 lb are all-round dusts for trails and perimeters. The Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz and Raid Fire Ant Mound Killer Dust 24 oz are made for fire ant mounds. The Harris Diatomaceous Earth 4 lb with Duster and Garden Safe Crawling Insect Killer DE 4 lb are diatomaceous earth powders that act by drying insects out. The Sevin Insect Killer Dust 1 lb is a garden dust that also kills ants.

We compared 10 products by type, size, use area and listed protection, using only listing details. Most of these are pesticides, so read the label, keep powders away from children, pets and water, and follow any rules for edible plants.

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On this page

1. Compare Ant Killer Powders by Type, Size and Protection
2. Detailed Reviews: Best Ant Killer Powder
3. Do Not Dust Where Rain or Pets Will Reach It
4. Treat the Source, Not Only the Trail
5. How to Choose an Ant Killer Powder
6. Which Ant Killer Powder Should You Choose?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Verdict

Compare Ant Killer Powders by Type, Size and Protection

Detailed Reviews: Best Ant Killer Powder

1. TERRO Ant Dust, Ant Powder Killer for Indoors and Outdoors, Waterproof Formula, 8 Months Protection (Best overall ant killer powder)

• 8 monthsProtection
• WaterproofListed
• ContactKills
• Fire antsNamed

Best for: ant trails, cracks, crevices and yard edges

Why it ranks #1: It lists fire and carpenter ants by name, a waterproof formula and up to 8 months of residual control.

TERRO lists a ready-to-use dust that kills ants including fire and carpenter ants, plus cockroaches and spiders, on contact. The listing says the waterproof formula will not wash away in rain and gives up to 8 months of protection.

It is meant for cracks and crevices and for use indoors and outdoors. Follow the label and keep it away from children and pets.

Skip it if you want a non-chemical dust; the Harris Diatomaceous Earth 4 lb with Duster and Garden Safe Crawling Insect Killer DE 4 lb are diatomaceous earth.

2. Ortho Orthene Ant and Roach Killer, 1 lb, Roach Killer Powder Dust, Indoor and Outdoor (Best for ants and roaches both)

• 1 lbSize
• 8 monthsControl
• OdorlessListed
• GardensNamed

Best for: perimeter treatments and cracks around homes, shrubs and vegetable gardens

Why it ranks #2: It names ornamentals, shrubs and vegetable gardens and lists a wide pest range.

Ortho lists an odorless ready-to-use dust that controls ants, roaches, fleas, ticks, spiders, scorpions and stink bugs for up to 8 months. It names residential use in and around homes, ornamentals, shrubs and vegetable gardens.

Indoors it treats cracks, crevices and hiding areas. Outdoors it is a perimeter treatment or applied to listed plants. Check the label for edible plant rules.

Skip it if you want a fire ant mound product; the Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz and Raid Fire Ant Mound Killer Dust 24 oz are for mounds.

3. DeltaDust Insecticide 1 lb, Waterproof Pest Control for Ants, Roaches and Spiders, Crack-and-Crevice Bug Dust (Best waterproof crack and crevice dust)

• 1 lbSize
• 8 monthsControl
• WaterproofDust
• OdorlessNon-staining

Best for: wall voids, weep holes, basements and exterior structural gaps

Why it ranks #3: It is built for cracks, wall voids and weep holes and does not clump in damp places.

DeltaDust lists a moisture-resistant dust for cracks, crevices, wall voids and weep holes that controls ants, roaches, spiders, silverfish and fleas. It says it lasts up to 8 months and is odorless and non-staining when used as directed.

It names basements, crawl spaces, garages and exterior structural areas. It is aimed at structures more than lawns.

Skip it if you want a yard or lawn product; the Sevin Insect Killer Dust 1 lb names lawns.

4. Bengal Products 93650 Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 Oz (Best fire ant mound dust)

• 12 ozSize
• 8 monthsResidual
• No waterWatering-in
• MoistureResistant

Best for: fire ant mounds in a yard

Why it ranks #4: It is made for mounds, needs no watering in and resists dew and moisture.

Bengal lists a ready-to-use dust applied directly to fire ant mounds without mixing or watering. It says it kills on contact and works through the mound to kill the queen and destroy the colony overnight.

The listing says it continues killing insects for up to 8 months when used per the label and does not clump in dewy conditions.

Skip it if you want a bigger bottle; the Raid Fire Ant Mound Killer Dust 24 oz is 24 oz.

5. Raid Outdoor Fire Ant Mound Killer Dust Insecticide, 24 Oz (Best larger fire ant dust)

• 24 ozSize
• 8 monthsControl
• QueenKilled
• TermitesNamed

Best for: multiple fire ant mounds or larger yards

Why it ranks #5: It is the larger bottle and also names termites, but gives less application detail.

Raid lists a ready-to-use dust that kills the queen and the mound, and works on listed ant and insect nests for up to 8 months. It names ants, fire ants and termites.

The listing says to use it according to label directions. It gives no per-mound amount.

Skip it if you want a smaller bottle; the Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz is 12 oz.

6. Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1, 14 oz, Kills the Queen, Destroys up to 189 Mounds (Best for treating up to 189 mounds)

• 14 ozSize
• 189Mounds
• 60 minStarts
• No waterWatering-in

Best for: many mounds when you want a stated count per bottle

Why it ranks #6: It states how many mounds one bottle treats and a two-step system with broadcast granules.

Ortho lists a granule product you sprinkle over each mound, with no watering-in needed, that targets the colony and queen. One 14 oz bottle treats up to 189 mounds and begins working in 60 minutes.

The listing describes a two-step system with Ortho broadcast granules sold separately. It is a granule more than a dust.

Skip it if you want a true dust; the Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz and Raid Fire Ant Mound Killer Dust 24 oz are dusts.

7. Harris Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer, 4lb with Powder Duster Included Inside the Bag (Best non-chemical powder with a duster)

• 4 lbSize
• 100%DE
• DusterIncluded
• MechanicalAction

Best for: indoor and outdoor trails where you prefer a non-chemical powder

Why it ranks #7: It kills by dehydrating insects rather than by poison and includes a duster.

Harris lists 100 percent freshwater diatomaceous earth with no additives that kills insects by dehydrating them on contact through abrasion. It names ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, earwigs, silverfish and spiders.

A powder duster is included for cracks, crevices and baseboards. The listing says it is safe around kids and animals when used as directed. Fine dust should not be breathed in.

Skip it if you want 8 months of control; the TERRO Ant Dust Powder lists it.

8. Garden Safe Crawling Insect Killer with Diatomaceous Earth, 4 Lb, For Organic Gardening (Best DE powder for garden beds)

• 4 lbSize
• DEFormula
• OutdoorsUse
• ContactKills

Best for: garden beds where you want a DE-based dust

Why it ranks #8: It is made for outdoor garden use and says it is for organic gardening.

Garden Safe lists a diatomaceous earth-based product for organic gardening that kills listed insects by contact. You apply a thin layer of the fine granules to plants and the soil around plants.

The listing says it coats insects and dries them out. It is for outdoor use and should be reapplied after rain.

Skip it if you want a duster included; the Harris Diatomaceous Earth 4 lb with Duster includes one.

9. Sevin Insect Killer Dust, 1 Pound, Garden Ant Killer for Edible Plants and Lawns (Best for ants plus garden pests)

• 1 lbSize
• 150+Listed insects
• ContactKills
• EdiblesNamed

Best for: garden plants and foundations where ants share space with other pests

Why it ranks #9: It names ants and many garden pests, but ants are one of many.

Sevin lists a dust that kills over 150 listed insects by contact, including ants, aphids, Japanese beetles and whiteflies. It names edible plants and lawns and applying it to flowers and ornamentals as directed.

The listing says it will not harm plants or blooms. Check the label for edible plant rules and waiting times.

Skip it if you want an ant-focused product; the TERRO Ant Dust Powder and Ortho Orthene Ant and Roach Killer 1 lb are.

10. Tempo 1% Dust Insecticide 1.25 lbs, Ready-to-Use Cyfluthrin Bug Dust for Ants, Spiders, Roaches (Best cyfluthrin dust for voids)

• 1.25 lbSize
• 1%Cyfluthrin
• VoidsUse
• DryDust

Best for: wall voids, hidden nests and cracks

Why it ranks #10: It is a crack-and-void dust with a named active ingredient, aimed at structures.

Tempo lists a ready-to-use 1% cyfluthrin dust for targeted control in cracks, crevices and wall voids, naming ants, spiders, roaches, bed bugs and stinging insects. It says the dry dust stays in place when undisturbed.

It is described as suited to void and nest applications. It gives no lifespan figure and is aimed at structures, not lawns.

Skip it if you want an 8 month claim; the TERRO Ant Dust Powder lists one.

Do Not Dust Where Rain or Pets Will Reach It

Dust blows and washes. The TERRO Ant Dust Powder and DeltaDust Insecticide 1 lb list a waterproof formula, which suits outdoor edges, while the DE powders like the Harris Diatomaceous Earth 4 lb with Duster work only while dry. Apply thinly and out of reach of children and pets, and keep powder away from water and food areas.

Read the label for where each product may be used. Dusts for cracks, like the Tempo 1% Dust Insecticide 1.25 lb, are for structures, not for open lawns.

Treat the Source, Not Only the Trail

Killing the ants you see leaves the nest. Mound products like the Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz and Raid Fire Ant Mound Killer Dust 24 oz work through the mound to the queen, and the Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 14 oz states how many mounds one bottle treats. For non-mound ants, treat entry points and trails and remove food sources.

If ants keep returning, a pest professional can find the nest.

How to Choose an Ant Killer Powder

Where the ants are

Trails and perimeters: the TERRO Ant Dust Powder, Ortho Orthene Ant and Roach Killer 1 lb and DeltaDust Insecticide 1 lb. Fire ant mounds: the Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz, Raid Fire Ant Mound Killer Dust 24 oz and Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 14 oz. Garden beds: the Garden Safe Crawling Insect Killer DE 4 lb and Sevin Insect Killer Dust 1 lb.

Chemical or not

Diatomaceous earth like the Harris Diatomaceous Earth 4 lb with Duster acts mechanically. The others are insecticides.

Protection

Five list up to 8 months: the TERRO Ant Dust Powder, Ortho Orthene Ant and Roach Killer 1 lb, DeltaDust Insecticide 1 lb, Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz and Raid Fire Ant Mound Killer Dust 24 oz.

Size

From 12 oz like the Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz to a 4 lb bag like the Harris Diatomaceous Earth 4 lb with Duster.

Which Ant Killer Powder Should You Choose?

• If you want the best all-round dust, choose the TERRO Ant Dust Powder, because it is waterproof and lists 8 months.
• If you want ants and roaches covered, choose the Ortho Orthene Ant and Roach Killer 1 lb, because it is odorless and lists 8 months.
• If you want wall void treatment, choose the DeltaDust Insecticide 1 lb, because it is built for cracks and voids.
• If you have fire ant mounds, choose the Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz, because it needs no watering-in.
• If you have many mounds, choose the Raid Fire Ant Mound Killer Dust 24 oz, because it is 24 oz.
• If you want a stated mound count, choose the Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 14 oz, because it lists 189.
• If you want non-chemical, choose the Harris Diatomaceous Earth 4 lb with Duster, because it is 100 percent diatomaceous earth.
• If you want DE for garden beds, choose the Garden Safe Crawling Insect Killer DE 4 lb, because it is for outdoor garden use.
• If ants share space with garden pests, choose the Sevin Insect Killer Dust 1 lb, because it names edibles.
• If you need void treatment, choose the Tempo 1% Dust Insecticide 1.25 lb, because it lists cyfluthrin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ant killer powder?

For most trails and perimeters, the TERRO Ant Dust Powder is the best pick here, with a waterproof formula and up to 8 months of protection listed. For fire ant mounds, the Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz needs no watering-in.

Is diatomaceous earth safe for ants?

It kills ants by dehydrating them. The Harris Diatomaceous Earth 4 lb with Duster lists 100 percent DE. Do not breathe the fine dust, and keep it dry.

Are ant powders safe for pets?

Most are pesticides. Follow the label, apply out of reach and keep pets away until the product settles or the label allows.

How long do ant dusts last?

Several list up to 8 months, like the TERRO Ant Dust Powder and Ortho Orthene Ant and Roach Killer 1 lb. Rain and moisture can shorten that, so check the label.

Can I use ant powder in a vegetable garden?

Check the label. The Sevin Insect Killer Dust 1 lb names edible plants, but rules and waiting times apply. Do not apply products that are not labeled for edibles.

Do I need to water in the powder?

Not for the mound products. The Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz and Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer 14 oz list no watering-in needed.

Final Verdict

The TERRO Ant Dust Powder is the best ant killer powder in this guide. It names fire and carpenter ants, has a waterproof formula and lists up to 8 months of protection. If you have fire ant mounds, the Bengal Ultra Dust Fire Ant Killer 12 oz is made for them. Before you buy, match the powder to where the ants are and read the label.

See the TERRO Ant Dust Powder on Amazon