Best bug killer for lawns

Insects are a common problem for homeowners. They can be found in trees, shrubs, and even on furniture. Many insects hide in the grass from the sun during hot summer days and from the wind during colder seasons. Children and pets love playing outdoors, especially on the green grass and it’s important to protect your lawn from insects. We’ve compiled a list of some popular lawn insect killers for your lawn.

The most effective lawn insecticide does not have to be dependent on active ingredients, or the kind of application. In fact, the most effective pesticide for lawns will be determined by the kind of lawn insects and lawn disease you’re fighting. In this article, we prepared a buying guide to help you find the best lawn insecticide for you.

Here’s a list of the best lawn insecticides you must purchase to kill bugs and other pests.

Our top 12 best lawn insecticides

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Spray

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Spray is one of the many pest control products from United Industries Corporation. The company focuses on developing products only for home and gardening, insect, and weed control purposes.

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer bottle should be shaken well before use. After shaking, attach the bottle to a hose and turn on the faucet. You should be aware that this insect killer contains chemicals, and may be harmful to people and pets. Don’t use this product if it is raining. Don’t spray Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer near water collection areas such as rain gutters or drains. And since this lawn insecticide is toxic to all aquatic creatures you should use this product away from any open bodies of water such as lakes, pools, or oceans.

Although the Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Spray can be used on fruits and vegetables, you need to avoid spraying it too close to harvest time. When dry, it is perfectly safe for children and animals. There are no residues or odors left behind. However, do not use this product indoors because it can be harmful if eaten.

In general, the Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Spray has proven to be effective and long-lasting. This is your greatest alternative if you’re seeking a way to get rid of all bugs. It works not only on the surface but also beneath the ground, ensuring that you are free of both apparent and unseen pests.

Ortho Bug B Gon Insect Killer Spray

Ortho Bug B Gon Insect Killer Spray is one of the many items manufactured by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. Their specialty is home garden and lawn supplies, including weed-controlling. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company not only manufactures and sells these products but also has research labs all around the United States.

This lawn insecticide kills bugs without harming your lawn or garden. Shake the bottle well before connecting it to a hose and turning on the water. Apply the product as soon as you see insects or signs of damage. Wait at least 7 days before applying again.

Ortho Bug B Gon Insect Killer Spray can be used for lawns, gardens, and the perimeter of homes. It works well on roses, trees, and bushes. It is safe for children and animals, so feel free to use it around the house, on the patio, and in other living places. Check the spray’s instruction to determine how far ahead of harvest you may apply it on fruits and vegetables, as it contains chemicals that should not be consumed. This product is only for outdoor usage and should not be used inside a home. This insecticide also leaves no residues or unnatural odors left behind.

Overall, it’s easy to see why Ortho Bug B Gon Insect Killer Spray made our list of the finest products since it can kill a wide range of insects and is really effective and long-lasting.

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Granules

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Granules is also made by The United Industries Corporation, which has numerous different brands, including Spectracide.

These Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Granules are similar to other granules that kill insects. You sprinkle them with a granule spreader over your backyard or other places that need treatment. After the granules have been put, lightly water the area to avoid flooding the ground. When the grass has dried you’ll have an insect-free backyard.

There will be no residue, odor, or particles left behind by the granules after drying. This lawn insecticide is safe for children and animals. The treatment will keep your lawn protected for the entire season, which is roughly three months. You can, of course, re-treat the area before the three months are up if required.

Despite the fact that this product is harmless for humans and animals, it is exceedingly poisonous to aquatic life. It is illegal to use this product to treat drains, sewers, or open water. Also, if you don’t use the entire bag at once, keep it in a dark, dry place out of reach of children.

BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer

SBM Life Science Corporation produces BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer. This company is a major manufacturer of organic and natural insect control solutions for the home and garden. While SBM Life Science Corporation strives to make its products as natural and chemical-free as possible, active substances are still present at minute levels.

BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer is easy to use. Simply give the bottle a good shake before connecting it to a water hose. Turn on the water and spray the substance over the appropriate area. There will be no visible residue or residual odors after using BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer. However, you should avoid using it near fruits and vegetables.

It is acceptable to use in locations where pets and children will be present, but only after it has dried. If inhaled or ingested, it may cause an allergic reaction. After you’ve treated the required area, make sure the product is totally dry to ensure the safety of your loved ones.

Overall, the BioAdvanced Complete Bug Killer is quite effective at both above and below-ground insect control. Within the first few hours, you will be able to see the effects. All insects should be entirely gone within 24 hours.

Bonide Insect & Grub Control Granules

Bonide Solutions makes Bonide Insect & Grub Control Granules, as well as a variety of other effective pest control products.

The Bonide Insect & Grub Control Granules are not the same as the sprays listed above. To begin using this product, you must first purchase both the product and a spreading device. This contraption resembles a lawnmower but does not require power to operate. You fill the spreader with the appropriate amount of product, turn the lock open, and you’re ready to treat your lawn. You must treat the entire area manually, which might be up to 7500 square feet (696 square meters). However, because the spreader is not particularly hefty, this should not be an issue.

You don’t have to worry about your kids or pets playing in the backyard because this product is safe for them.

After you’ve finished treating the area, lightly water it and wait for it to dry. The product will penetrate the soil without leaving any residue or aromas.

It is quite easy to store if you do not utilize the entire bag. Simply close the bag and store it in a dark, secure location until the next time you need it, keeping it out of reach of pets and children.

Overall, this is an excellent product. The only disadvantage is that a spreader is required. Spreading these granules by hand would not be as efficient or effective, so unless you already have one, a spreader will be an additional expense. However, once you’ve bought one, it’ll function with any product of this type for many seasons.

Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray

This Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray is made by the same company that makes the Spectracide Triazicide. Cutter is one of the seven insect repellent and garden care product lines offered by United Industries Corporation. It sells insect repellents as well as candles that repel insects.

This insect killer functions similarly to the other lawn insecticide sprays. Simply connect the spray bottle to a garden hose and turn on the water when you’re ready. No further supplies are required because the bottle design guarantees that the water combines automatically with the product. A 32-oz. (946-ml) bottle of Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray is included. If you don’t have 5000 square feet (464 square meters) of lawn, you can shut the bottle and store it in a dark, dry area.

Adults, children, and animals are all safe when using Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray. If you use this Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray on your plants, they will not be affected. It may, however, harm bees and butterflies, so avoid using it in locations where they frequent. Despite the fact that this product leaves no residue, it’s always a good idea to do a test spray beforehand. When it’s raining, don’t use this lawn pest control to avoid runoff. Because it is hazardous and toxic to sea life, direct application of this spray to sewers drains, or any other body of water is forbidden.

Overall, this lawn spray is one of the best insect killers for lawns because it is easy to use and will keep your garden and backyard protected all summer long. This Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray protects your lawn from mosquitos and other pests, leaving your yard pest-free.

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Concentrate

In our list of the finest insect killers for lawns, the Spectracide brand has already been mentioned. For lawn insect management, both ready-to-spray and granules are excellent solutions. We’ve finally arrived at the Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Concentrate. As previously stated, the United Industries Corporation has a number of brands under which it distributes various pesticides and garden treatment products. You can expect a solution like Spectracide to genuinely help you get rid of mosquitoes and other insects from your lawn.

This Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Concentrate works in the same way as other lawn pest control sprays. But, instead of attaching it to a hose, you use a sprayer to mix the substance with water according to the given instructions. When spraying you’ll have more mobility because you won’t have to pull your garden hose around, and you’ll be able to stop and start spraying anytime you want. You may need to purchase a sprayer if you do not already have one, but these can last for years.

Treat lawns, flowers, vegetable gardens, fruit and nut trees, ornamental trees and shrubs, and even outdoor furniture and walls with this Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Concentrate. After application, this lotion leaves no residue and is safe for both children and animals once dry. Do not use this treatment in the rain or near the point of runoff.

The only major negative aspect of this product is that it is toxic to aquatic life, such as fish and all other living things in the water. While you can use it on the walls and furniture, you shouldn’t go than 3 ft. (91 cm) above the ground.

This Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer Concentrate is highly effective in general. It kills insects instantly thanks to its fast-acting composition. It kills insects above and below ground and lasts up to eight weeks.

EcoSMART Insect Granules

The EcoSMART Insect Granules require spreading across the area to be treated. This can be accomplished by hand while wearing gloves. However, a spreader is more efficient, convenient, and safer. If you use a spreader, you won’t have to rub the granules on your hands, and you’ll reduce the possibility that the product will get in your nose, eyes, or even your mouth. Although the product is entirely natural, it is best to avoid any pesticide being absorbed into our bodies.

This lawn insecticide is applied to lawns, around your home, and also on landscaping. It is also used on a variety of flowers and plants and also around shrubs, trees, and other plants.

There is a slight distinction in how it functions in comparison to the other products mentioned. The previous insect killers work by contact and kill insects very quickly. EcoSMART Insect Granules, however, work slowly. If you are looking for immediate results, this might not be the right choice for you.

The product isn’t specific on how long it will keep pests from your garden since it varies from one place to the next. It is recommended to apply it every 2 weeks around your foundation, and every 4-6 times on your landscape. Reapplying as often as you need or if you see insects returning to your yard.

Sevin Lawn Insect Granules

Sevin Lawn Insect Granules Sevin Lawn Granules are used similarly to the other granules for killing insects. Place the bag over the spreader and then treat the required region. There is a table on the bag that will give you the correct setting to apply to the various spreaders. After spreading Sevin Lawn insect Granules in the areas that are required you must water the treated area in order for the granules to disperse their chemical components. After that, let the area dry completely prior to entering.

Be cautious when working with this product near drains, water sources, and sewers as the product is toxic to aquatic life and should be used with care. Don’t use this product if it’s raining.

Ortho Bug B Gon Insect Killer Granules

The ortho Bug B Gon Insect Killer Granules are manufactured and distributed by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.

To use for the Ortho Pest B Gon insect killer granules you must spread the granules across the area in need of treatment. These granules can be utilized on lawns, grasses, and flower beds, as well as gardens or plants and shrubs. Just like with other pest control granules you’ll need a granule spreader to reap the maximum benefits of the product.

One 10-lb. ( 4.52-kg) bag of this product will cover an area of approximately 10,000 square. ft. (929 sq. meters) is more than the amount of insecticide that is usually used to be applied to. Although it’s not mandatory to do so, for better results it is important to apply water throughout the area following application. This allows the insect killer to get into the soil, and then treat it as thoroughly as is possible.

This lawn insecticide is safe for kids and pets once the treated area is completely dried. The Ortho Bug Gon The Insect Killer Granules do not leave any smell or residue left behind.

Like other insecticides for lawns is not recommended to apply this product close to drains, sewers, rain gutters, or any other water body because it can be toxic to marine creatures.

If you fail to complete the package after using it, you must close the package thoroughly and store it in a cool, dark location, away from the reach of animals and children.

BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer for Soil and Turf

BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer for Soil and Turf is among the top ready-to-use lawn insect killers available on the market.

We recommend this product to ensure the instant kill of all lawn insects in 24 hours.

Use this efficient insecticide as a quick product for controlling pests. It is extremely effective in killing insects like ticks, fleas, ants mole crickets as well as mosquitoes, cockroaches centipedes, webworms from sod, grasshoppers, fall armyworms, and chinch bugs.

However, this grass insect killer comes with three drawbacks. The first is that its active ingredient kills only in 24 hours. Another issue is the fact that it’s not suitable for vegetable gardeners. The final issue is the fact that it kills insects of all kinds both good and bad. Therefore, if you choose to employ it, you’ll wind in killing earthworms, ladybugs, honeybees, and many others.

Considering this, you should apply this product as an emergency pest control solution only.

EcoSMART Insect Granules for Lawns & Landscapes

We recommend EcoSMART insecticide Granules as the top organic insecticide.

In the previous instance, chemical insecticides can harm beneficial insects as well as the ecosystem of your garden and lawn.

However, the insect killer is an organic insecticide. EcoSMART is one of the U.S companies, that makes use of various oils from plants to create their own insecticides.

Therefore, this insecticide in granular form is safe for use around pets and children. Another benefit of the product is it’s not harmful to aquatic life.

This natural option kills more than 100 kinds of lawn insects like armyworms, centipedes, chinch bugs, chiggers insects, fleas, crickets scorpions, earwigs ticks, spiders, and many other lawn pests.

One of the shortcomings that this insecticide has is the time it takes to see results when contrasted against chemical insecticides. But if you’re willing to sacrifice some time for nature it’s well worth it.

Lawn insect killer buying guide

Above we provided is a list of the best lawn insecticides with a review of their effectiveness in killing insects. But it is also important to know the pros and cons of lawn insecticides before making the right choice for your insect problem.

Size of an area

When picking between liquid and granular insecticide, the size of the area you want to treat is crucial. If you need a solution for spot treatments, such as anthills or other tiny areas with concentrated infestations, a granular product is likely to be the best option. However, if you want to treat your entire lawn, a liquid insecticide may be preferable.

This is due to the fact that liquid treatments may be sprayed with a spray bottle, making it easier to apply the substance evenly across broad regions. Spreading granules throughout your entire lawn will take a lot more time and effort, and may even need the purchase of a spreader.

Lawn vs. foliage

If you wish to treat a flat surface, such as grass or lawn, you can use either type of product with equal success. However, if your goal is killing insects in your flowerbeds, you’ll need to use a liquid treatment. Because the product must cover the leaves and stems in order to operate, spraying is the only way to achieve this effect.

Time and effort

If you are looking to treat the entire lawn, applying chemical insecticides in liquid form is the easiest and most effective method to finish the job. If you just require an occasional treatment then a granular insecticide is a better option. This is due to the fact that liquid lawn insect killers generally contain a concentrated formulation that must be diluted by water, while a granular insecticide would be ready to use right out of the package.

Security considerations

If you are planning to apply an insecticide for your lawn at home, it is important to be aware of the dangers of using harmful products near pets, children, and others in your household.

Certain insecticidal items contain toxic chemicals that can be dangerous to humans and other species of wildlife. If you’re looking to be safe, go with an organic product that utilizes essential oils as its main ingredients.

It’s also important to keep in mind that liquid spills are much more difficult to clean up and contain than granules.

What are the active ingredients in lawn insect killers?

Chemical insecticides

The majority of insect lawn killers employ strong insecticidal chemicals as active components. They could include one or many of them:

Imidacloprid

Imidacloprid is a chemical that targets an insect’s nervous system which kills them swiftly. It’s a systemic insecticide, meaning it is extracted in the soil and absorbed by plants, who produce the chemical in their stems and leaves. Bugs that eat the plants treated will end up dying. Imidacloprid has a low level of toxicity for mammals as well as birds and fish It is, therefore, unlikely to cause harm to your pet. However, it’s extremely harmful to bees, who are crucial pollinators in your backyard and elsewhere.

Cyhalothrin

Cyhalothrin pesticides are a part of a group of synthetic pesticides referred to as Pyrethroids. They kill insects on contact, and can quickly kill all insects on the lawn (including the bees). They are also extremely harmful to aquatic animals and mammals and also pose a risk for humans if they are swallowed, or if they come in contact with eyes or the skin.

Cyfluthrin

Cyfluthrin belongs to a different type of insecticide made from pyrethroids and, just like cyhalothrin will kill virtually everything they come in contact with. This neurotoxin is potent and targets insects, but is also toxic to fish, mammals, and other aquatic animals. The pesticide is nonspecific, and swiftly kills many kinds of insects (again that includes bees). Regarding health for humans, the dangers of cyfluthrin are very high when swallowed accidentally. It may also cause negative consequences if breathed in, or if it is absorbed into the skin or within the eyes.

Bifenthrin

Bifenthrin is an insecticide neurotoxic pyrethroid that kills most bugs upon contact. It is not as harmful to mammals as to insects, however, it could cause eye, skin, respiratory and digestive irritations in humans. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and tremors if it is ingested by your pet, and can be extremely harmful to fish, bees, and all of the underwater world.

Cypermethrin

Cypermethrin can be described as kill-on-contact insecticides that kill all insects on your lawn. These pyrethroids can be harmful to household pets, humans as well as fish, and a range of other species of wildlife.

Natural insecticides

If you’re looking to take an environmentally responsible method of controlling lawn insects There are some natural insecticides that you could try.

They’re less effective than chemical insecticides. Therefore, they may not cause the same level of destruction to insects like Pyrethroids. They are, however, safer to use around humans and animals.

Clove oil

Clove oil was recognized as an effective insecticide that is safer to use in the vicinity of animals, people as well as bees. The 100% natural essential oil can kill insects once it comes in contact with them. It can also repel insects after the application.

Thyme oil

Thyme oil is another insecticidal essential oil that can be a better alternative to a chemical lawn insect killer. Thyme oil can kill a broad range of insects, however, it is safe for bees, humans, and other species of animals.

Types of lawn insecticides

Granular lawn insect killers

If you intend to take care of your entire lawn with a granular insecticide, you’ll likely require a lawn spreader in order to get uniform coverage.

After spreading, wipe any loose particles off your sidewalks as well as driveways, patios, and walkways.

In the end, you’ll need to ensure that you water the area thoroughly. The moisture helps release the active ingredients of the granules. These are then absorbed into the soil and work to kill lawn pests. The treated area needs to dry completely before allowing pets and people to return to your lawn.

For any type of insecticide, the first thing do is to read the directions on the label in order to figure out the appropriate rate for the application. Once you have determined the amount to apply, spread uniformly powder to the area that is affected.

Liquid lawn insecticides

Liquid insecticides commonly come in concentrated formulas which need to be diluted by water prior to use. Always read the directions on the label attentively to ensure that you are getting the right ratio.

Additionally, you will need to buy a sprayer for the application.

A lot of liquid lawn sprays are available in bottles designed to come with hoses and are ready for use. In this scenario you are able to avoid the dilution step and use these steps to utilize the product:

1. Shake the bottle thoroughly.
2. Connect your hose to the port.
3. Turn on the water
4. Lock the safety on the top of the bottle.
5. Begin spraying.

When you spray your lawn with a liquid insect killer, ensure to spray in an even, side-to-side sweep motion.

Spray the area of treatment until it’s completely wet. Then, walk back toward the faucet as you’re doing this. Once you’ve finished turn off the water.

Like with granular treatments it is important to wait until the zone is completely dry before allowing pets and other people to return.

Tips for killing insects effectively

Use an insect killer at the right time

The ideal times to apply the lawn insect killer is in the morning or in the evening. In the event that you spray the treatment during the daytime, the product will disappear in the sun, and make the treatment less efficient.

Take into account weather conditions

As previously mentioned the treatment you apply under the sun’s intense heat causes it to evaporate before it has the chance to work.

Another weather event that could hinder your lawn insect killer efficiency is heavy rainfall which can wash away the product before it is able to work. So, the ideal time to apply lawn insecticide is following a rainstorm.

The lawn must be mowed first

Cutting your lawn grass before you apply the lawn insecticide will give pests fewer places to hide. This allows for maximum contact of the product with your targeted insects and, consequently, more efficient treatment.

Mowing your lawn prior to applying your lawn insect killer can aid in the removal of insects like ladybugs, bees, butterflies as well as other beneficial insects so that they don’t get hurt from the pesticide.

Be sure to keep pets and humans away from newly treated areas

A lot of insect lawn killers contain substances that can be harmful to animals and humans and may cause irritation to the eyes and skin. Keep pets and humans away from the treated area after the spray has had time to dry.

Conclusion

Insect lawn kills are an effective method to get rid of deer ticks, mole crickets, chinch bugs, and other unpleasant insects. They contain powerful insecticides which kill insects on contact. They also have long-lasting repellent properties, which help safeguard you and your pets from potentially dangerous bites as well as stings.

Lawn insecticides come in different forms and have different ingredients. Liquid lawn insecticides tend to be more appropriate for lawn treatments that cover the entire area, and granular solutions are ideal for applications in a specific area. Chemicals dominate the marketplace and eliminate a broad range of insects on contact. Unfortunately, they’re harmful to non-target species, such as fish, bees, and even mammals. Although natural products that are effective exist, they might not be as effective.

We hope that our list of top insect killers and a buyer’s guide will help you find the best lawn insecticide for your needs.