10 Best Insecticides 2025 in the United States

Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter2 is a versatile insecticide designed to tackle various household pests, including ants, roaches, spiders, and more. The active ingredients, Bifenthrin and Zeta-Cypermethrin, are effective in eliminating a wide range of insects. This product offers a long-lasting residual effect, providing up to 12 months of protection against ants, roaches, and spiders indoors on non-porous surfaces, which is a significant strength for those seeking extended relief from pests.

The formulation as a spray makes it easy to apply both indoors and outdoors, ensuring versatile use around kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas like patios and garages. The Comfort Wand feature enhances user experience by allowing precise application without bending or hand fatigue, making it user-friendly. However, it's important to note that while it is effective against many pests, the toxicity of the active ingredients might pose risks to pets and children if not used carefully.

Additionally, its large liquid volume of 1.1 gallons might be more than needed for smaller infestations, potentially leading to wastage. This insecticide is best suited for homeowners dealing with frequent and severe pest issues who need a reliable and easy-to-use solution for both indoor and outdoor environments.

Spectracide Terminate Termite & Carpenter Ant Killer is a powerful insecticide designed to tackle wood-destroying insects like termites and carpenter ants. Its active ingredient, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, is effective in eliminating these pests. The product is formulated as a liquid spray, making it easy to apply both indoors and outdoors with the included AccuShot sprayer, which ensures precise application. This is especially useful for targeting specific areas without waste or mess.

The spray boasts a clear, non-staining formula that leaves no odor, which is a bonus for indoor use as it won't leave unsightly marks or unpleasant smells in your home. One of its standout features is its residual effect, offering up to 9 months of control when used indoors. This long-lasting protection means fewer reapplications, saving time and effort. However, it's important to note that, like all insecticides, Spectracide Terminate is a chemical product and should be handled with care to avoid potential toxicity. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe use.

Another strength is its broad spectrum of action, capable of targeting various insects including carpenter bees. The product is EPA-approved, giving an added layer of assurance regarding its safety and efficacy. In terms of drawbacks, the product's weight of 12.26 pounds might be cumbersome for some users to handle, especially during prolonged application. Additionally, users should consider their specific pest control needs and check for any potential sensitivities to the active ingredient.

Talak 7.9% Indoor/Outdoor Insect Control by Atticus is a versatile insecticide that contains 7.9% bifenthrin, a trusted active ingredient with over 35 years of proven effectiveness. This product can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it a flexible option for various settings. The water-based formula is particularly advantageous as it dries clear, leaves no residue, and is odor-free, ensuring no damage to plants (phytotoxicity) and maintaining a clean application process.

It targets a broad spectrum of over 75 pests including ants, fleas, ticks, spiders, mosquitoes, and more, making it a comprehensive solution for multiple pest problems. Additionally, it can be used to eliminate fire ant colonies when applied as a mound drench. One of its significant strengths is its long-lasting effectiveness; it kills pests on contact and continues to work for up to 3 months after application. This makes it a reliable choice for ongoing pest control.

The easy-pour bottle design adds convenience, reducing mess during application. However, it is important to note that this product is not available for sale in Connecticut, New York, or Vermont. Users should always read and follow the label instructions for safe and effective use. While the product is designed to be user-friendly, the need for proper dilution and application might require some careful attention to detail.