5 Best Lawn Insect Killers

20.22% of users selected Cutter Backyard Bug Control, 12.36% selected BioAdvanced Science-Based Solutions Grub, 22.47% selected BAYER CROP SCIENCE Complete Insect Killer, 8.99% selected Acer Plus Triazicide Insect Killer and 35.96% selected Spectracide Triazicide Acre Plus Insect Killer. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

Lawn insect killers are pesticides that kill lawn pests and other animals, such as fleas, ants, ticks, mites, mice, or rats. 

The most common types of insects killed with these chemicals include:

• chiggers – a type of arthropod found in the US & Canada which can cause intense itching; mosquitoes – known for transmitting diseases like malaria and yellow fever; 
• cockroaches – nasty wingless insects living near humans;

These products come in a variety of forms from granules or pellets that can be scattered on the lawn surface to sprays that you spray onto the foliage. Lawn insecticides are typically used to control pest infestation in yards, golf courses and gardens as well as public spaces like parks, schools and campgrounds. Other names for this type of product include turfgrass insecticide or lawn pesticide.

The best lawn insect killers will kill insects on your property without harming the environment or you. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is the best for your yard? The experts have compiled a list of all-natural and organic pesticides as well as chemical ones to help you make an informed decision on what’s right for you.

Spectrum Cutter Backyard Ready-to-Spray Mosquito Repellent – the Editor’s choice!

The new formula eliminates bugs fast for up to 12 weeks of coverage with just one application – so it kills over 30 listed ant types, fleas and other listed insects like earwigs, carpenter ants or harvester ants.

You’ll be able to control up to 5 thousand square feet of lawn with just one 20-ounce bottle.

If you’re looking for a quick fix when struggling with those nasty end-of-summer insects, this Spectrum insecticide should be what you’ve been waiting for – the bug protection lasts up to 12 weeks.

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BioAdvanced 700270B Grub, Ant & Mosquito Killer – the best for quick action!

This powerful pesticide has 6 times longer shelf life than leading brands offering 3-month protection.

Trim to fit around-the-home applications providing up to 6,667 square feet coverage! Keep pests away today with BioAdvanced Grub, Ant And Mosquito Killer.

The BioAdvanced insecticide is the perfect solution for your insect problems. With a ton of amazing benefits, like killing all insects within 24 hours and protecting against existing invaders for up to 3 months.

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BAYER CROP SCIENCE 700280B Complete Insect Killer – the best for turf lawns!

This powerful pesticide has 6 times longer shelf life than leading brands offering 3-month protection.

Easy to use and effective on all the insects that elbow each other out for turf supremacy, this product is exactly what you need when dealing with everything from grubs to ticks.

Killing ants just got easier with this 24-hour insect killer by Bayer. Its 3-month protection is perfect for when you’d rather work in your yard than spend all day spraying insecticide.

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Spectracide 1-Gallon Acer Plus Triazicide Insect Killer – the best for coverage!

It’s a fast-acting insect killer too, so if you’re tired of being pestered by mosquitoes then this product is perfect for you!

Spectracide even offers a 1-gallon concentrate so it’s easy to mix with water and get up to two months of bug protection.

Protect your lawn with this Spectracide concentrated, fast acting formula that covers up to 64,000 sq. ft. It is also long lasting for up to 2 months of protection against crawling insects that bother plants.

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Spectracide Triazicide Acre Plus Insect Killer For Lawns Granules – the best for house foundation!

Designed to prolong the life of your grass, this formula works in 3 ways: 

• as a band treatment around house foundations where insects have taken hold;
• when applied at the first sign of pest infestation or turf disease; 
• for preventive maintenance;

It’ll cover 44,000 square feet; perfect if you have a big property. This insecticide doesn’t just kill lawn pests – it also helps control grubs and will work well at any time between late July and early October. Use annually on your yard for protection against insect patching, grubs, caterpillars, sod webworms – even those nasty ants that like to wreak their havoc during barbecue season.

Satisfy your craving for a nice green lawn. Treat it with these Spectracide insecticide granules to kill annoying bugs that are encroaching on your precious greenery without harming the environment.

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The Buyer’s Guide

Common Yard Pests:

White Grubs

White grubs are the larvae of Japanese beetles and damage lawns by eating grass roots. This causes thinning patches in a lawn or an overall diminishment of growth. The larva stage lasts for about one year before they pupate into adults and fly away to start their life cycle again. White grubs can be treated with chemicals such as carbaryl (Sevin) that will kill them off quickly but not harm other insects, animals or humans if used correctly.

Scarab Beetles

Scarab beetles are the most common type of lawn insect in North America. They range from light yellow to black, and they have distinctive markings on their wing covers. It is easy to spot these insects because they often congregate near sources of food or water during hot days when the ground surface temperature exceeds 45F. A single beetle can lay over 300 eggs at one time so it’s important to nip this infestation before it becomes too big for your own good.

2 types of treatments you should consider if scarabs pose a problem:

• organic pesticides such as pyrethrum, which usually show results within 36 hours; 
• chemical products like carbaryl (Sevin) that may take up  to three days to kill the pests;

Organic pesticides, such as pyrethrum powder or rotenone dust, are safe for humans and pets when used according to directions. They work by interrupting a scarab’s nervous system and killing them on contact with the toxin. Pyrethrum is an effective choice if you have children or animals around your house because it has been found not to be harmful in small quantities – however, keep in mind that all organic products will eventually break down into natural elements like carbon dioxide so they won’t linger over time! 

Both chemical treatments offer some advantages: carbaryl (Sevin) can last up to 30 days after application whereas pyrethrins wear off more quickly. But make sure you apply the chemical products during a window of time when the temperature is between 60-85F.

Sod Webworms

Sod webworms are a type of caterpillar that causes damage to turf. They create their own tunnels by eating away at the roots and lower portions of grass blades, which eventually leads to brown patches in lawns. Sod webworms can be found on most types of cool season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial rye, but they prefer tall fescue because it’s easy for them to digest. 

These pests typically feed during dusk or dawn when fewer people will notice the signs early on in infestation. Tiny webs made from silk may also form around sod webworm’s tunnel openings where larvae reside waiting for more food sources to arrive. Adult females lay eggs near these tunnels once hatched so they can quickly get back into safety after depositing the eggs.

Sod webworms are usually found in early to late summer, but they can also appear during other times of the year if there’s a sudden change in weather conditions like an unusually high amount of moisture or heavy rainfalls.  

The best way to eliminate sod webworms is to use a contact insecticide that kills on contact. One of the best products for this type of pest control is Bayer Advanced 24 Hour Grub Control, which can be applied around your lawn and watered in after just one hour once it dries.  This product won’t leave any lingering chemicals that will harm your pets or plants and it can be used on all types of lawns.

True Bugs

The true bugs are a large family of insects that includes the cicadas, aphids, and stink bugs. They’re all identifiable by their feed tube mouthparts called beaks at the end of the long straw-like proboscis (nose). These soft-bodied creatures prefer to live on nutritious leaves but oftentimes will also invade vegetables in your gardens like tomatoes or eggplants. Keep an eye out for these guys when you go outside because they can come back into your house through open doors and windows! 

The best treatment for these little pests is insecticidal soap or a product that’s labeled specifically to kill bugs on vegetables. You can also make your own bug spray with dish soap, garlic, and water in a large spray bottle!

Signs You Need a Lawn Insecticide

Lawn insecticides are needed to help kill insects that are found on the lawn. Insects such as grubs, Japanese beetles and fleas can cause a lot of damage if left untreated. They will feed off or breed in your grass that could result in having brown patches where there should be green healthy lawn. Lawn treatments typically last between one month and three months depending on the type you use (i.e., granular vs liquid).

The following is a list of some common indications that it’s time to apply a treatment:

• Brown spots on the grass;   
• Grubs popping up out of the ground. These are usually visible by piles of dirt and tunnels they create under the surface. They can also make sounds as they move around underground that sound like pebbles being thrown into a tin roof or gravel driveway. If you have dogs, cats, or children playing outdoors then this could explain all those dead animals found outside;
• Japanese beetle adults are about ¾ inch long with coppery colored wings marked with black spots and white without both conditions being met at once – either by getting deep roots as carrots do or by eating all the leaves from a plant;
• Fleas can be seen as small black specks moving around in your lawn that resemble tiny ants. It’s very important to note they don’t fly! They are also not usually found near trees, bushes, and flowerbeds. Flea larvae will feed on grass blades creating white grass which looks like sawdust scattered across the ground;

Active Ingredients:

1) Chemical Insecticides

Chemical insecticides are any that kill insects by poisoning them. While chemical treatments typically work well, they have the disadvantage of being toxic to humans and animals in addition to pests. The effect on target species is often delayed as well which means there can be a greater risk for infecting other organisms such as birds or pets if precautions aren’t taken when applying chemicals around foliage or ground coverings.

Most lawn insecticides use active ingredients like atrazine (a herbicide), carbaryl (an insecticide) and bifenthrin (an acaricide). 

The following is an overview of some common types of insecticides:

• Granular insecticide – this type includes many different chemicals such as Bifenthrin, Cyfluthrin and Permethrin mixed with fertilizer granules for a cost effective treatment that kills insects both above and below plants; 
• Wettable powder – this is a finely ground powder that can be applied to the surface of plants and is most effective in dry conditions; 
• Liquid insecticide – lowers risk for non-target contact because it’s liquid form makes application easier. The downside to this type however, is that they have limited residual protection which means they need to be reapplied regularly as well as being more expensive than other options;

The major drawback with chemical insecticides are their tendency towards toxicity rather than specificity. This means that while some species may die from exposure, predators or scavengers such as birds will also feed on them if given the opportunity – meaning there could be secondary poisoning at work here too. Chemical treatments must also adhere strictly to labeling instructions including proper protective gear and not using when weather conditions are wet.

2) Natural Insecticides

Organic insecticides are a great option to save the environment and your family from unnecessary exposure to harsh chemicals that may cause allergies or other health problems over time. Compost tea, diatomaceous earth, neem oil spray and pyrethrum powder are some examples of natural ways you can kill insects on your lawn:

• Diatomaceous Earth. The tiny pieces that make up this highly effective pesticide have sharp edges that act like razor blades when they meet an insect’s exoskeleton – killing them by cutting their skin away as it crawls across its surface. Diatomaceous earth is usually water-soluble so any runoff will be harmless as long as it is not washed down into any waterways;
• Pyrethrum powder. This powder is made from dried flowers of a certain type of chrysanthemum and has been found to be very effective in killing insects by acting as an irritant when it meets their skin or respiratory tract – causing the pests’ cells to break down. It’s quick-acting and lasts up to 14 days on leaves, but only 24 hours on grass blades since they’re constantly exposed to water and the sun which will eventually wear off its effects;
• Neem oil spray. The active ingredient in this organic insecticide (azadirachtin) works like pyrethrum powder by being irritating for insects because it coats their bodies, forming a barrier that blocks their pores and restricts them from breathing;
• Compost tea. This is a solution created by soaking compost in water to create an organic fertilizer that can be used as both a pesticide and plant food. You’ll need to use it frequently for the best results, but many gardeners swear by its ability to kill insects without harming any other plants or animals around the area;

Natural insecticides are a great option to save the environment and your family from unnecessary exposure to harsh chemicals that may cause allergies or other health problems over time.

How to Use Lawn Insect Killers?

If you’re using a granular or liquid product, it is best to scatter evenly over an area of grass that’s been mowed down or cut as close as possible without damaging the root system. 

If you are going with a spray treatment, be sure not to get any near plants or areas where pets will go – just apply in open areas free from these obstacles. Other details like how long before rain can there be any activity depend largely upon what type of soil texture is present. 

For sandier soils, wait at least one day; loam should only need about four hours before being able to water again; clay-based soils are best to wait about fourteen hours before watering again.

Most insect killers will kill on contact, so it is important not to spray near plants or where pets can go.  

Spray treatments should only be applied in open areas without these obstacles in sight. It usually takes a few minutes for insecticides to kill insects that come into direct contact with them–so make sure you keep animals and plants out of the treated area for a few minutes.

FAQ

Are insect lawn killers safe for home use?

Yes. Many insect lawn killers are safe for home use and can be purchased at almost any hardware store, garden center, or online retailer. However, some contain chemicals that should not come in contact with your skin (such as permethrin) or cause damage to metals such as aluminum siding, so it is advised – though not always necessary – to wear a long sleeve shirt and gloves when using them on the exterior of your house. 

It’s important to read the labels in order to know what you’re buying and how it should be used.

What is the strongest insect spray killer?

Which insect spray is the strongest? There are plenty of options to choose from, with varying degrees of effectiveness. When choosing an insecticide for your lawn or garden, be sure to compare concentrations in order to find one that will work best for you. For example, a simple comparison includes:

Checking out insecticides by their percentage concentration – this measurement can be found on any pesticide label as it’s required by law. A higher % means more active chemicals and a stronger product overall; though note that there may also be less total volume per bottle size which could mean more trips outside if using sparingly; 

Some insecticides will also contain something called a synergist which is an ingredient that enhances or modifies the effect of others, and there can be any number from one to five in different combinations; for example, permethrin as a synergist would work very well with bifenthrin because it prevents insects from developing resistance. 

The strongest insecticide according to many expert gardeners is permethrin. It’s a synthetic ( man-made ) chemical that has the ability to penetrate through an insect’s outer shell and attack its nervous system, which can lead to paralysis or death. The concentration for this product ranges from 0.05 -0.40%. 

You should avoid using any type of pesticide on your lawn or garden if there are children in the area because they might accidentally ingest it when playing around near where you sprayed; as well as animals who may come into contact with it while eating grasses or drinking water from nearby streams/tubs.

What is the most effective insecticide?

The most effective insecticide for a lawn is pyrethrin. This product will kill the insects that it meets and eventually break down in the environment, but does not leave behind any harmful residue. 

Another good choice is permethrin that can be applied to your clothes or sprayed on your shoes before you walk through an area infested by insects. It works quickly and kills many different types of pests including roaches, ants, spiders, ticks, and fleas among others because they are all arthropods just like bugs that live on plants. 

If there’s something specific causing damage to your yard then you may need special products such as BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis) which only kills caterpillars or Bifen which is a product that kills grubs and not other insects.

What can you spray around your house to keep bugs out?

Spraying insecticides around the perimeter of your house is one way to keep bugs out. You need to spray a high-powered stream in an outward direction all along the foundation, windows and doorways. This will help create a treatment barrier that insects won’t be able to penetrate with their wings or body parts.

Be sure not to overdo it – only apply enough spray that you can see about 12 inches on each side of where you are spraying! If there’s too much product on the surface, it could inadvertently run into places like window screens and turn them brown from rusting metal components beneath (yes this has happened before). It also doesn’t hurt if you’ve got some kind of fly strips hanging up inside as well.

Spraying the ground around your foundation is also a strong deterrent for insects because they don’t like to fly over moist surfaces. You can mix up just about any kind of insecticide you want with water in a spray bottle and it should work, but citrus-based solutions are highly recommended as they emit an unpleasant odor that bugs will not tolerate.

What lawn insecticide is safe for pets?

The safest lawn insecticide for pets is an organic option. Insecticides that contain pyrethrins are skin- and eye-safe, which makes them a good choice when you have a pet or children who will be near the treated area. These products also break down quickly in sunlight, so they’re not likely to harm beneficial insects such as bees. Pyrethrin products typically come in a concentrated liquid form that must be mixed with water before spraying; however, some store-bought options might include both sprayable liquid and granules (for use on smaller areas).

There’s no question – any product containing either carbaryl or permethrin should never be used around animals because these chemicals can cause organ damage if ingested by pets.

Vacuum up any insects or larvae that might be in the dirt before spraying your lawn with a pyrethrin-based product, and then stay clear of the treated area while it dries.

Is BioAdvanced Lawn Insect Killer safe for pets?

Bayer’s BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer is safe for your pet to re-enter the area after it has dried.

It also comes with an applicator that makes it easy to apply the product where needed without making contact with skin, so you don’t have to worry about your dog licking the residue off their paws after they’ve walked through treated areas.

The effect of BioAdvanced lasts for up to three months in most cases; however, this varies depending on weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. The average time span before reapplication is around 4 weeks though – just enough time for the summer season!

Is BioAdvanced safe for people?

The insecticide contains two active ingredients, Beta-cyfluthrin (0.36%) and Imidacloprid (0.72%), both of which are toxic to fish and invertebrates but have a low risk for humans in small doses.

Useful Video: Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer 3 Day Review

Final thoughts 

So, which of these lawn insect killers is the best for your yard? The answer really depends on what you’re looking to eliminate from your property. It’s important to note that some insecticides are more toxic than others, so it’s always a good idea to read up on their safety and toxicity ratings before making a purchase. This list includes all-natural and organic pesticides as well as chemical ones – whichever one you choose will help keep insects away without harming the environment or yourself.

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