Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can TERRO® ant bait and ant killer be used in homes with kids and pets?
A: As with any pesticide, it’s important to read the included instructions for information on how to best store and apply the product around children and pets. Read below to learn more about Borax, the active ingredient in TERRO® liquid bait.
To learn more about liquid baiting, read our indoor ant baiting guide!
Q: What can you tell me about the active ingredient Borax to kill ants?
A: People are often surprised to learn that borax, a natural mineral found in many common household products such as hand soaps and toothpastes, is also the active ingredient found in TERRO® liquid and granular ant baits.
Borax has a low toxicity for people and animals, but ants are another story. When ants consume the borax bait, it interferes with their digestive system and gradually kills them. This slow kill allows time for the worker ants to consume the bait and head back to the nest to share with the rest of the colony and queen.
To discover how borax kills ants, read about baiting ants with borax!
Q: How do I clean up TERRO® Liquid Ant Bait that has spilled out of the bait station?
A: Cleaning up spilled ant bait is easy, even if it gels or solidifies after exposure to the air. Here is what you need to do:
- Get a sponge or cloth wet with hot water.
- Place the sponge on top of the spilled ant bait.
- Leave the sponge in place for about an hour.
- After an hour, wipe the area clean.
- To learn more about cleaning up spilled ant baits, read our guide.
Q: How do the TERRO® liquid ant baits work to control ant invasions?
A: If you're wondering how to kill ants with borax, a simple solution is liquid baits. As ants forage for food, they are drawn to the sweet liquid in TERRO® Liquid Ant Baits. They consume the bait and return to the colony to share with the other ants.
While the active ingredient in the bait will ultimately kill the worker ant, it works slowly enough to allow time for the foraging ants to make several trips to the bait and deliver it back to the rest of the unsuspecting colony. Within a few days, you should see a significant decrease in the number of ants visiting the bait.
The liquid ant bait station should remain as undisturbed as possible while the ants are actively feeding on it. Because this is a bait product, it is important to eliminate other food in the area to ensure the ants aren't tempted to eat anything but the (deadly) liquid ant bait.
To learn more about indoor ant baiting, read our indoor ant baiting guide!
Q: I just placed several TERRO® liquid ant baits in my kitchen and they're attracting more ants, not killing them! What's going on?
A:You have nothing to worry about, and in fact, this is a good sign! Initially, you will see more ants. As ant foragers look for food, they are attracted to the sweet liquid in the bait, which they consume and carry back to share with the rest of the colony. On the way back to the nest, the ants drop what it called a 'trail pheromone', letting the other ants know where the tasty food supply is. In turn, these ants follow the trail to the bait, which explains why you initially see more ants.
The active ingredient in the bait interferes with the ants' digestive systems, eventually killing the ants within 24-48 hours after consumption. This slow kill gives the worker ants enough time to make multiple trips to the bait and share it with the colony and queen. Baiting is the only way to successfully wipe out the ants you see and the thousands you don't.
For liquid baiting tips, read our expert indoor baiting tips!
Q: Is there an expiration date on TERRO®; liquid ant bait products?
A: The ant bait does not have an expiration date, as the effectiveness of the active ingredient does not diminish over time. However, like any food-based product, the bait may become less appetizing to foraging ants after an extended shelf life. We recommend using fresh bait if you've had the same liquid bait for more than two years.
For more info, read our article, Does Liquid Ant Bait Expire?
Q: The liquid in my bottle of TERRO® ant killer appears to have hardened and is difficult to pour. Is it still effective?
A: The active ingredient in the ant bait doesn't diminish over time, but it will not work if the liquid has started to harden and/or crystallize.
For more info, read our article, Does Liquid Ant Bait Expire?
Q: I noticed the color of the liquid ant bait has turned brown – will it still work?
A: The color doesn't really matter - the liquid may turn a shade of yellow or brown when exposed to warm temperatures. However, the liquid bait should have the consistency of pancake syrup and be easy to pour. If it becomes too thick or dries out, the ants cannot consume the bait.
For more info, read our article, Does Liquid Ant Bait Expire?
Q: I've been using TERRO® liquid ant bait for the past few days. When should I remove the bait stations?
A: We recommend leaving the bait out for three to four days after signs of ant activity diminish. If no more ants appear, remove the bait, relax and enjoy being ant-free!
For liquid baiting tips and more information on how long it may take to control an ant invasion, read our expert indoor baiting tips!
Q: Can I use the liquid ant bait outdoors?
A: Absolutely! TERRO® Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits are specifically designed for outdoor ant control. The ant bait comes enclosed in a weather-proof station that protects the bait from the elements and prevents it from drying out. The bait stations are pre-filled and ready-to-use so you don't have to worry about drips and spills. If you're not sure how to use TERRO® outside, it's easy! Simply place the bait stations near ant trails or areas where ants are congregating. Replace the bait stations every 3 months to keep the ants at bay.
For more info on outdoor ant control, read our Outdoor Ant Baiting guide!
Q: The ants in my kitchen are avoiding the TERRO® ant killer – can you explain why?
A: As long as the bait is in liquid form, it should be effective, because the active ingredient does not diminish over time. Try placing a few fresh drops of bait out in the morning and again at night for a few days. If this doesn't attract them, the ants may have found another food source, be seeking a grease-based vs. sugar-based food, or be in the breeding cycle of their colony and not interested in eating.
To learn more about indoor ant baiting, read our indoor ant baiting guide!
Q: How long does it take to eliminate an ant colony with TERRO® liquid ant bait?
A: Remember, this is a BAIT ant control product and will initially attract a lot of ants. The ants consume large quantities of the bait and then return to the nest and share it with the rest of the colony. This process can take from just a couple days to several weeks, depending on the size of the colony. Each ant that consumes the bait will die within 24 - 48 hours. It is important to leave the bait as undisturbed as possible while the ants are actively feeding on it. You should replace it only if it becomes inaccessible to the ants, or empty. Keep in mind that you'll want to monitor the bait level to ensure that ants always have a supply on which to feed. Bait placement near ant activity is also key to successful colony elimination.
For more info on controlling ant invasions, learn How To Get Rid of Ants.
Q: I love your outdoor liquid ant bait, but I also have other insects invading my yard. Do you have a product that will get rid of more than just ants?
A: We do! We recommend using TERRO® Perimeter Ant Bait Plus or TERRO® Multi-Purpose Insect Bait to battle multiple outdoor pest invasions. Long-lasting and weather-resistant, the ant bait granules not only kill entire colonies of outdoor ants – including carpenter ants - but it is also is effective against cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, silverfish, slugs and snails.
The granular bait, which is borate-based and formulated with a concern for the environment, has a delayed effect on ants. The ants consume the bait and transport the food back to the colony and share it - that's how entire colonies are eradicated. Within a few days, you will see significantly fewer ants and insects in your yard.
For info on other solutions that can help you keep insects out of your home, view our home insect barrier guide.
Q: Why are ants always invading my kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas?
A: Ants are attracted to food, water and shelter. Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms provide at least two of these conditions, making it an ideal haven for ants to congregate.
Q: What's the difference between liquid and gel ant baits?
A: It's a little known fact that adult worker ants cannot digest solid food (bait). Their anatomy is designed for transporting and digesting liquids only. Solid foods must be carried back to the colony for additional processing by the larvae stage. Liquid baits exploit this unique physiology by making it easy for ants to transport the liquid bait back to the rest of the colony, including the queen, larvae and other workers.
Q: Why are the ants moving pieces of debris to the liquid baits?
A: Sometimes you will see ants depositing material near the bait stations. The ants could be attempting to protect or hide the bait for later use or establishing a nest closer to the bait itself. It is nothing to worry about when you see the ants doing this.
Q: I've been successfully using TERRO® Liquid Ant Baits and now I have small piles of dead ants near the bait. Is this normal?
A: The dead ants you are seeing are called "midden piles." These are the ants that have died and been removed from the colony by the other ants. This means there are still a few ants remaining in the colony so continue to use the ant bait until there are no new piles.
Q: What’s the difference between sweet eating and grease eating ants?
A: Sweet eating ants are easiest to control with sugar-based baits; they include big-headed ants, little black ants, pavement ants, argentine ants, and odorous house ants. Big-headed ants, little black ants and pavement ants consume grease and protein and respond to those baits as well; however all of these ants can be controlled using sugar-based baits. Carpenter ants and certain other species will be attracted to grease, but will eat sweets at certain times throughout their feeding cycle. Take a look through our BrilliANT Facts About Ants infographic to learn more or check out other common species of ants.
Q: How do the TERRO® Fruit Fly Traps work to control fruit fly invasions?
A: Often a gnat, drain fly or other type of nuisance fly invasion is mistaken for a fruit fly invasion. As their name suggest, fruit flies are attracted to fruit - they're small, winged insects typically found around ripe produce in your kitchen, near garbage cans and open bottles of wine.
To determine what type of infestation you’re dealing with, simply place a TERRO® Fruit Fly trap near the area where the insects are swarming. If the flies aren’t attracted to the lure, you’re most likely not dealing with a fruit fly invasion.
Q: The insects swarming around my house aren't attracted to the TERRO® Fruit Fly Trap I just purchased. Can you explain why?
A: Often a gnat, drain fly or other type of nuisance fly invasion is mistaken for a fruit fly invasion. As their name suggest, fruit flies are attracted to fruit - they're small, winged insects typically found around ripe produce in your kitchen, near garbage cans and open bottles of wine.
To determine what type of infestation you’re dealing with, simply place a TERRO® Fruit Fly trap near the area where the insects are swarming. If the flies aren’t attracted to the lure, you’re most likely not dealing with a fruit fly invasion.
Q: Where can I purchase more lure for my TERRO® Fruit Fly Trap?
A: Individual bottles of TERRO® Fruit Fly Trap lure are not available for individual sale.
Q: How long does it take to get rid of a fruit fly invasion?
A: The key to successfully controlling a fruit fly invasion is locating their breeding source and placing a TERRO® Fruit Fly trap nearby. Within a few days of placing the trap near a breeding source, you will see a significant decrease in the number of fruit flies.
It’s always a good idea to take some preventive measures and eliminate common breeding sources, such as overripe fruit and trash, whenever possible.
Q: How do TERRO® Pantry Moth Traps work to get rid of moth invasions?
A: Our easy-to-use moth traps contain a powerful pheromone lure that attracts moths to the trap’s sticky surface where they get stuck and die.
Q: How often should I replace my Pantry Moth Traps?
A: We recommend replacing the traps every 3 months or sooner if they become dusty or full of moths.
Q: Is there anything I can do to prevent moth invasions?
A: Pantry moths – often referred to as grain, flour or meal moths - are attracted to whole grains, flour, cereal and dry pet food that are typically stored in kitchen pantries. Placing these types of dry foods in tightly sealed containers and keeping pantries clean and free of crumbs will help prevent moth infestations.
If an infestation does occur, discard all contaminated food and place TERRO® Pantry Moth Traps in areas where moths have been observed.
Q: Are the TERRO® Spider & Insect Traps safe to use around kids and pets?
A: Absolutely! The Spider & Insect Traps are non-toxic and a great way to easily capture, spiders, scorpions, ants, cockroaches, crickets and other crawling insects without the use of chemicals. As the insects roam, they are captured by the trap’s sticky surface where they get stuck and die.
Q: I'm terrified of wasps! Where should I spray your Wasp & Hornet Killer to keep them away?
A: To prevent wasps and hornets from entering your home, we recommend spraying TERRO® Wasp & Hornet Killer in outdoor areas such as cracks and gaps around outdoor plumbing and electrical penetrations, cracks in foundations and along window sills. It’s also a good idea to spray under eaves around doorways and near play areas. Indoors, the spray can be used in attics and anywhere nests are built.
Q: What is the best time of day to spray wasp and hornet nests?
A: Spray nests with at sunrise or dusk when insects are least active. TERRO® Wasp & Hornet Killer’s entrapping foam shoots up to 20 feet away which allows you to keep a safe distance away from the nest when spraying. To use, spray the nest opening until it is soaked and then spray the rest of the nest. After spraying, wait up to 24 hours before removing the nest and discarding.
Q: I need to knock out an ant invasion quickly – what do you recommend?
A: We suggest using TERRO® Ant Killer Spray or TERRO® Outdoor Ant Spray - both products kill on contact and will continue killing up to 12 weeks. And better yet, these sprays are also effective against cockroaches, spiders, crickets, scorpions and other unwanted insects.
Additionally, since most ant infestations are linked to a colony located outside the house, we also suggest using our fast-acting TERRO® Outdoor Ant Killer Granules for instant knock down of ants, cockroaches, fleas and other insects. Like our Ant Killer Sprays, this product also provides long lasting repellency and it’s super easy-to-use; using the convenient shaker bag, simply apply the granules around the perimeter of your house for an instant kill and long-term insect control.
Q: What is the best way to treat an unusually large ant invasion?
STEP #1 –Bait Worker Ants
The first step to successfully controlling ants is to lure worker ants – those that you see marching around inside your house – to TERRO® Liquid Ant Baits. The ants will consume the bait and carry it back to the nest to feed the Queen and the rest of the colony. While the insecticide in the bait will ultimately kill the worker ant, it works slowly enough that the worker has time to get back and share the bait with the colony.
STEP #2- Create an Outdoor Barrier
Since most ant infestations are linked to a colony that is located underground outside the house, the second line of defense is setting up a barrier around the perimeter of your house with TERRO® Outdoor Ant Killer Granules. The granular ant killer kills pests on contact and provides long lasting residual repellency. The Ant Killer is packaged in a shaker bag for easy application- no spreader is needed. After applying the granules around the foundation of your home, water in lightly.
Q: What product do you recommend for killing Fire Ants?
A: TERRO® Ant Dust is an effective way to control fire ant infestations. The ant dust kills pests on contact and will continue killing up to 8 months, because the unique waterproof formula won’t wash away in the rain.
To treat fire ant mounds, sprinkle approximately one tablespoon of the Ant Dust over the top of each mound. Do not water in or disturb the mound. Apply when temperatures are between 65° and 80°F and allow three to four days for the product to control the ants.
Q: Last fall we were invaded by stink bugs; is there anything I can do to keep them from invading us again this year?
A: When cool weather arrives, stink bugs begin search for a warm place indoors to hibernate for the winter. Before an indoor stink bug invasion gets out of control, we recommend setting up an outdoor barrier with TERRO® Ready-to-Use Stink Bug Killer Spray. This product not only kills on contact, it also provides a long-lasting residual control up to four months.
Q: I have stink bugs all over my kitchen; they seem to be multiplying before my eyes! How do I get rid of these smelly pests.
A: We recommend treating your home with TERRO® Stink Bug Killer. This convenient, easy-to-use aerosol spray features a two-way directional spray nozzle that is ideal for spot or crack and crevice treatments. Apply to areas where stink bugs crawl and hide, especially around sinks and storage areas; behind baseboards; around doors and windows; behind and under refrigerators, cabinets, and stoves.
Q: Are stink bugs harmful?
A: Though not harmful to homeowners, stink bugs are aptly named - it refers to the scent glands located on the underbelly of the insects. When frightened or smashed, the bugs release a terrible smell. If not treated, stink bugs can take over your house in a matter of days, quickly turning from a few bugs into a full blown infestation
Q: I’ve got bugs crawling everywhere in and around my house! I’m looking for a product that will wipe them all out – can you help?
A: We've got you covered! TERRO® Home Insect Killer is effective against more than a whopping 65 different types of insects, including ants, cockroaches, spiders, ticks, lice, pantry pests, bedbugs, carpet beetle and ornamental garden insects – just to name a few.
This multipurpose, ready-to-use insect killer is odorless, non-staining and can be used indoors and outdoors. And better yet, it not only kills on contact but also provides long-lasting residual control against unwanted pests.
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