10 Best Lawn Insect Killers 2025 in the United States

The Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer targets various lawn pests, including grubs, armyworms, chinchbugs, and Japanese beetles. Its active ingredient, Chlorantraniliprole, is effective in both killing existing insects and preventing new infestations for up to 4 months. This makes it a strong choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lawn with minimal effort throughout the season.

The product is applied in granular form, which makes it easy to distribute evenly over a dry lawn in the spring or early summer. With a coverage area of up to 5,000 sq. ft. per 14.35 lb. bag, it offers good value for medium to large-sized lawns.

One potential drawback is that the product needs to be applied correctly during the early development stages of grubs for maximum effectiveness. If timing or distribution is off, the results may not be as satisfactory. Additionally, the weight of the bag might be cumbersome for some users to handle. This product is ideal for homeowners looking for a season-long solution to lawn pests with a relatively simple application process.

The Ortho BugClear Insect Killer for Lawns and Landscapes Ready-to-Spray is a versatile and effective product that targets a wide range of insects, including ants, ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and spiders. One of its strong points is its broad-spectrum efficacy, capable of killing 235 types of bugs within minutes. The product offers long-lasting control, making it a reliable choice for maintaining a bug-free lawn and garden.

The ready-to-spray formulation simplifies application, as it connects directly to a garden hose, eliminating the need for additional equipment. A 32 oz. container covers up to 5,300 square feet, which is substantial for most residential lawns. However, the product's safety for pets and children is not explicitly mentioned, which could be a concern for households with young children or pets. Additionally, while the lemon scent may be pleasant for some, others might find it unnecessary or potentially irritating.

The Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer1 is designed to target a wide range of common lawn pests such as ants, spiders, ticks, fleas, grubs, beetles, and armyworms. It effectively kills these insects on contact and offers extended control, lasting up to 6 months against ants (excluding certain species like pharaoh, carpenter, and harvester ants). One of its major strengths is its broad coverage area, able to treat up to 16,500 square feet, making it suitable for larger lawns and garden spaces.

The product comes in a 10-pound container and is applied using a Scotts Spreader, which many homeowners already have or can easily obtain. After application, it needs to be watered in, which helps to activate the granules and ensures effective pest control. Additionally, it can be used around ornamental plants, home perimeters, flower beds, and certain vegetable plants, adding to its versatility.

It is important to note that its effectiveness for 6 months is specifically mentioned for ants, and other insects may not be controlled for as long. While it is generally safe for use around pets and children once it has been properly applied and watered in, it is always advisable to keep them away from the treated area until it dries completely. Potential buyers should be aware of the specific ant species it cannot control and ensure proper application to maximize its effectiveness.