The number one ant killer for indoor household ants like odorous house ants and carpenter ants, according to pest control professionals and consumer reports, is gel bait containing slow-acting insecticides such as fipronil or hydramethylnon, with Terro Liquid Ant Bait containing borax being the most popular over-the-counter option and Termidor or Optigard containing fipronil being top professional options. Gel baits are considered number one because they work differently than repellent sprays, worker ants find the sweet bait, eat it, and carry it back to the colony on their bodies and through food sharing called trophallaxis, feeding the queen and larvae, which kills the entire colony including the queen within a few days to two weeks rather than just killing a few foragers on the surface. Repellent sprays like Raid Ant Killer kill on contact but cause budding where surviving ants split into satellite colonies and return. For odorous house ants, Terro Liquid Ant Bait with borax is widely rated number one for DIY because it is affordable at $5 to $10, easy to use, and highly attractive to sweet-seeking ants. For carpenter ants, Advance Carpenter Ant Bait and Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel are top rated. Professional pest control companies consider Termidor SC with fipronil as number one for severe infestations because it is non-repellent and transfers throughout the colony. The best approach is integrated pest management, combining sanitation by storing food sealed and cleaning crumbs, sealing entry points with caulk, and placing baits near trails but not directly on top of sprays, with patience to let ants carry bait back.
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