Raid is an insecticide that is used to kill most bugs, pests, and insects. It has been a pioneer in the insecticide industry for 66 years. But does it really work on ants?
Raid Ant Roach Killer eradicates ants instantly but it’s not a permanent fix to severe ant infestation. It’s not advisable to use Raid spray for ant prevention if you’re looking for a long-term solution.
The Raid brand of insecticides is a proven performer when it comes to killing ants. However, using Raid as the only form of ant control will not be enough to completely eradicate the population.
Raid also has potential side effects that should be considered before application, including damage to plants and birds if it’s not properly diluted or if it’s used in large doses.
In this Raid Ant Killer review, I’ll discuss the effectiveness of Raid Ant Roach Killer, provide a list of potential side effects, and provide recommendations for safer, more effective ant control.
Let’s get started.
Raid Ant Killer – Overview
| Benefits of Raid Roach Killer | Side Effects of Raid Ant Roach Killer |
| Instant ant killer. | More ant population in the long run. |
| The effect lasts for over four weeks. | Ants infestation budding at fresh locations. |
| Also works against other insects. | Bad fumes and odor |
| Most effective when used with baits and bug barriers. | Works as a poison for pets if ingested |
How Does Raid Kill Ants?
Raid has active ingredients such as Pyrethrins (0.25%) and Piperonyl Butoxide (1.01%) that destroy the ant’s nervous system. The Raid insecticide creates over-stimulation in ant’s muscles, leading to paralysis, and eventually death. Raid is most effective when it’s used in combination with other forms of ant control, such as bait spray or granules.
Raid can be a kill-on-sight solution to the problem of ant infestation. It kills spiders, crickets, and roaches too.
In addition, the ant bait spray can also be used to prevent ants from establishing ant colonies in the first place.
How to Use Raid to Kill Ants?
Follow the below steps to kill ants with Raid repellent spray:
- Locate the center of ant infestation.
- Remove all children and pets from the room.
- Shake the Raid spray bottle well.
- Start spraying directly on the visible ants.
- Spray on ant trails and crevices.
- Leave the area until the spray has dried.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
These steps are handy for dealing with ants that are within your range (or easily reachable).
However, you would need to use ant baits to kill the ants you don’t see. Here’s how to do it.
You can even use Raid Wasp and Hornet Spray for killing ants.
How to Use Raid Ant Baits to Kill Ants?
The following steps should be followed to use Raid Ant Baits:
- Separate the bait stations.
- Place the bait stations where ants were last seen.
- For heavier infestations, use additional baits for surrounding areas.
- Don’t kill the ants leaving the bait.
- Replace bait stations every three months.
The ants will take the bait to their nests that will kill their queen. Make sure that you have placed the bait on the entry points of the ants.
If you don’t replace the bait stations every three months (or when they run out of bait), the ants will come back and start to nuisances again.
How Long Does it Take Raid to Kill Ants?
Raid kills ants on contact. In other words, it takes seconds for Raid to take down the nervous system of an ant and cause death. For better effectiveness, crawling ants must be hit directly by spray. It can also kill carpenter ants and fire ants.
Raid ant killer is the perfect solution to your ant problem. It is a fast-acting, long-lasting ant killer that can quickly kill ants on contact.
The effectiveness of Raid lasts up to 4 weeks. During this period, ants will die off coming in contact with Raid spray unless it’s wiped out.
While this may sound a bit of relief, you’ll be left with a potentially more serious issue.
Ant queen is responsible for the increasing population of ants. Raid ant killer can’t kill the queen as the queen doesn’t come out of her nest. Hence, the queen will eventually produce more ant armies that will march towards your house again.
Killing the ants won’t stop ant colonies from coming back, it will just reduce their population temporarily.
More ant colonies will come into place in fresh locations, which will require repeated use of Raid ant killer.
Precautions to Undertake While Using Raid Ant Killer
The following precautions should be taken while using Raid ant killer:
- Always read the instructions before use.
- Store unused products in a safe place away from children and pets.
- Wipe down surfaces where ants have been seen.
- Hang up the unused product after use.
- When spraying rooms, cover fish bowls.
- Inhalation should be avoided.
- If contacted, rinse skin thoroughly.
Raid Ant Roach Killer Alternatives
Remember — The best way to deal with ants is to never have to do battle with them. Alternative ant killer products that are available on the market include:
Amdro 100099216 Ant Block Granule, 24 Ounces
If you are tired of ants coming into your home and making a mess, this ant bait will be the best choice for you. Its active ingredient is borax, which is a systemic insecticide that kills ants inside the colony and outside.
It’s quite a good alternative to Raid Ant Killer.
Features
- Kill ants quickly and easily.
- A nontoxic ant bait that kills ants from over 25 species.
- Very effective against the common household ant, woodlouse, and fire ants.
Mighty Mint Gallon (128 oz) Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil
You hate ants? You’re wasting valuable time and money on ineffective ant sprays, but you’re still being eaten alive by the little buggers? Boom! The solution is here.
Just open up the Gallon and apply! The boric acid-based liquid kills the ants you see, so you can spend less time fumigating your home, and more time doing the things you love.
Features
- Kills all types of ants, including fire ants.
- Easy to use pest control solution.
- Contains borax
Terro 1806 Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits
Terro 1806 Liquid Ant Baits are the world’s most effective outdoor ant baiting system, and they’re known for their long-lasting formula that works on all of the most common outdoor ant species.
Whether you live near a landfill, farm, or garbage dump, or you just want to keep the ant infestation down in your backyard, Terro 1806 is the answer. After all, dead ants are better than alive ones.
Features
- Ideal for use around the yard, home and garden, patio furniture, boats, and RV’s.
- Easy activation – push down and twist the bait cup.
- Attracts and kills ants before they can enter your home
FAQs
Does Raid Kill Carpenter Ants?
Yes, Raid can kill carpenter ants on contact. However, if you want to get rid of the whole ant colony, don’t spray near baits, so the ants can bring the bait back to their nest.
Does Raid Kill Sugar Ants?
Raid can be used to kill sugar ants. Raid baits and spray are effective for up to two to four weeks to prevent future infestation. It’s advised not to use Raid spray alone as it can sometimes worsen the infestation.