Best Insecticide Dust for Ants | Review & Tips

The problem with ants is their size and the ability to hide in cracks and crevices. This is where ant killer/ dust steps into the game. The powder can easily get into these tiny places and kill the insects.

Does ant dust work? Ant dust is an on contact ant killer that is very effective for controlling ants, especially their trails and entry points. Dust for ants will have difficulties reaching the queen, that’s why it is recommended to use ant dust together with baits. This combination will help you eradicate their entire colony.

What is the best ant dust on the market today? How should you use it and is this type of insecticide safe for humans and pets? Let’s find that out!

How Does Ant Dust Work and How Effective Are They?

In a nutshell, ant dust is a powdered insecticide. The majority of these products can deal not only with ants, but also with other pests (such as slugs, spiders, fleas, crickets, and others). Ant dust can be used both outside and inside and the best part about this insecticide is that you can sprinkle it over inaccessible areas. The powder is so small that it can easily get into cracks or crevices.

The active ingredient kills the insect only when it comes in contact with the dust. The insecticide affects the ants’ nervous system and/or exoskeleton. You can sprinkle the dust right over the actual nest to get rid of the colony. The great news is that you wouldn’t have to reapply the product too often as a lot of insecticide dusts are waterproof and won’t get washed away that easily.

If you have only a few ants running around or you know exactly where the nest is located, an ant insecticide dust can be a great solution. However, in case you have a severe infestation, it is not enough to use only the powder. Usually, people prefer to use ant dust together with baits and general sanitation.

The fact that the powder kills the ants on contact is simultaneously the product’s biggest advantage and disadvantage. On the one hand, you will be able to kill the ants that touch the dust very fast but on the other, the queen and the ants that don’t forage might not be affected by the powder. This is where bait comes into the play.

Review: Best Insecticide Ant Dust

Here are the list and reviews of some of the best ant dust products that are available on the market today.

TERRO T600 Ant Dust

This product comes in a convenient shaker and is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. This powder will continue to kill up to 8 months. Moreover, it is waterproof and won’t get washed away that easily if you apply it outside. This ant dust kills almost every type of ant including carpenter and fire ants but also other insects such as spiders, cockroaches, etc.

This product works best when it is applied at a temperature between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You will see results in 3 to 4 days. Usually, 5 lb of dust is enough for 1000 square feet. Have in mind that the dust is not pet friendly.

Rockwell Labs Cimexa Dust Insecticide

This product is non-staining and odorless. It can kill not only ants, but also bed bugs, roaches, termites, and many other pests. This dust destroys the insects’ waxy cuticles which results in their death. The active ingredient is mineral-based, so the product has a low level of toxicity. It can be used as dust or a wettable powder. You can apply this dust to carpets and mattresses.

Cyper WSP – Insecticide

The active ingredient for this product is Cypermethrin. It is an economical option that quickly kills pests (over 30 different insects). You will be getting 49 water-soluble packets. The product can be used both inside and outside. Moreover, it doesn’t have a smell and provides 90 days residual effect.

Delta Dust Multi Use Pest Control Insecticide

The active ingredient is Deltamethrin and 1 lb of this product covers around 2000 square feet. This dust is great against ants, bed bugs, spiders, termites, and plenty of other pests. It is 100% waterproof and can even be applied to drains that lead to sewers. A duster is sold separately.

Diatomaceous Earth

Usually, ant dust has a toxic active ingredient that can harm the health of your pets or even humans when inhaled. If you want to go for a 100% natural solution, then Diatomaceous Earth is the best option for you.

How to Use Ant Dust: Instructions & Tips for Indoor and Outdoor Use

In most cases, these ant killer dust products are ready-to-use, you wouldn’t need to mix it with water or prepare the solution in any other way. The product might come with a special duster or in the form of a sprinkler. However, you can always buy a bulbous duster that will help you apply the dust (or use a simple tablespoon or paintbrush).

Even if the product is non-toxic, avoid applying it to exposed surfaces (especially, inside the house). The dust can be applied in cracks and crevices, behind various appliances, around windows and doors, in wall voids and false floors, along baseboards, and so on.

In case you are applying the dust outside, you can create a barrier around the perimeter of your house to keep the pests away. Or you can sprinkle a tablespoon of dust on the top of the nest. Try to apply the product when the temperatures are between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. By the way, dusts work best when applied lightly and not in large quantities.

Ant Dust | Information

How Long Does It Take for Insecticide Ant Dust to Work?

Usually, it will take around 3 to 4 days for the dust to work its magic. If nothing happens, make sure to reapply the dust. Some products might lose their properties in wet areas. Ideally, you should apply the dust when it’s dry, in order for it to work.

Is Insecticide Ant Dust Toxic for Humans?

It depends on the product that you decide to use. Diatomaceous earth, for example, is non-toxic (but you still wouldn’t want to breathe the powder in). However, plenty of other ant dusts have toxic active ingredients that can be harmful to humans.

Make sure to read the label with care and don’t sprinkle the dust to exposed surfaces or close to ventilation. Thankfully, ant dusts are usually applied to hard-to-reach places, so the chances are high that your family members won’t come in contact with the product.

Is Ant Dust Toxic to Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets?

The dusts that use boric acid or Diatomaceous earth are non-toxic for humans or pets. However, you still don’t want your pets to breathe in the solutions or, for example, eat them. So, just in case, keep your pets away from non-toxic products.

The rest of the ant dusts have a toxic active ingredient that can be harmful to the animal’s health. Thankfully, ant dust that has been applied to crevices or cracks can’t be reached by your pets. You have to be very careful when using any type of insecticide and ant killer dusts are no exception.

Summary

What is the best insecticide dust for ants? How effective is the powder and how exactly should you apply it? After reading this article, you now have all of the necessary information regarding insecticide dust for ants. We hope that one of the options mentioned above will help you get rid of the annoying ants for good.

Always remember to read the label and follow the instructions carefully. Be patient. In case the dust fails to work, reapply the product and wait for another few days. Still, have in mind that ant dust works best when combined with ant bait.

In case you are having a serious ant infestation it would be best to call a professional pest control service. Click on the following link if you are interested, and you will get free quotes from the best ant exterminators in your area. Best of luck!