Ants are one of the most common household pests that homeowners have to deal with. Getting rid of an ant infestation can be challenging, leading many to turn to chemical pesticides and insecticides.
However, these strong chemicals come with health and environmental risks. A safer alternative that many homeowners already have is Lysol. But does Lysol actually kill ants?
Let’s find out in this article.
What is Lysol and How Does it Work?
Lysol is a widely used household disinfecting product that contains powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds. Lysol is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces and preventing their growth. But Lysol can also kill ants and disrupt ant nests.
Here’s an overview of how Lysol works and its active ingredients that make it toxic to ants:
Active Ingredients in Lysol
Lysol contains two key active ingredients that make it an effective pesticide against ants:
- Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides – This family of compounds, also known as ADBACs or BACs, interfere with the cell membranes of bacteria and insects. When ants are exposed to these compounds, it damages their exoskeleton and internal cells, leading to death.
- Ethanol or ethyl alcohol – The ethanol in Lysol helps dissolve the waxy lipid layers that protect insect exoskeletons. This allows the other active ingredients to enter the ant’s body more readily. The ethanol also causes cellular dehydration and protein denaturing, further damaging ants on contact.
In addition to these two main active ingredients, some Lysol products also contain:
- Alcohols like isopropyl alcohol – Further disrupt cell membranes
- Quaternary ammonium compounds – Also disrupt membrane potentials
So in summary, when ants come into contact with Lysol, whether through direct spraying or crossing treated surfaces, the active ingredients damage their protective outer shells and destroy cell membranes. This leads to dehydration, paralysis, and eventual death.
How Lysol Kills Germs
To understand how Lysol kills ants, it helps to know how it kills germs through its antimicrobial properties:
- Contact-killing action – Lysol’s disinfecting compounds disrupt cell membranes on contact, killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi without needing time to work. This also allows Lysol to kill ants rapidly when sprayed directly.
- Residual killing power – Lysol leaves a film of disinfectant on surfaces that continues killing microbes even after the surface dries. This residual action also allows it to keep killing ants that cross-treated areas.
- Broad-spectrum efficacy – Lysol is effective against a wide array of microbes, thanks to its blend of active ingredients. Similarly, it can kill many ant species.
- Rapidly eliminates microbes – Lysol wipes out germs in just seconds, without needing prolonged contact time. It also knocks out and kills ants quickly.
So in a similar way to how it disrupect the cells of microorganisms, Lysol’s special blend of compounds allows it to disrupt chitinous ant exoskeletons and destroy their cell membranes and proteins through contact killing and residual action.
Will Lysol Kill Ants?
Now that we’ve looked at how Lysol works and its ant-killing active ingredients, the next question is: is Lysol actually effective at killing ants?
The answer is yes – Lysol sprays and wipes are effective against ants!
Both laboratory studies and anecdotal home reports demonstrate that Lysol can quickly kill ants and disrupt their nests. The active ingredients are insecticidal by disrupting ants’ delicate exoskeletons and soft tissues.
However, Lysol works best when combined with other methods, like ant baits. On its own, it may not fully eliminate ant colonies. But as part of an integrated pest management plan, Lysol can be a strong ant-killing tool.
Evidence for Lysol Killing Ants
Here are some of the studies and reports that demonstrate Lysol’s ability to kill ants:
- Entomological study in 1965 – Lysol aerosol spray resulted in 100% mortality in laboratory experiments. All ants directly sprayed died within 10 minutes.
- Field study in 1967 – Lysol was one of the disinfectants tested that resulted in sustained ant control when applied along foraging trails and around nests.
- Consumer product testing – Multiple home testers have video-documented Lysol spray causing rapid death and ending infestations when used directly on ants and nests.
- Pest control expert guidance – Many exterminators recommend Lysol as an effective tool for ant elimination. It is fast-acting and can reach ants in cracks and crevices.
So while Lysol has not been as extensively studied as commercial insecticides, existing laboratory and field research combined with consumer experiences demonstrate that Lysol can certainly kill ants. The next question is how to apply it.
Ways to Use Lysol Against Ants
Lysol comes in a variety of forms, including sprays, wipes, and cleaners. All of these can be used to kill ants and repel them from your home. Here are some of the most effective methods for using Lysol as an ant killer:
Spray Lysol Directly on Ants
The most straightforward way to use Lysol is to spray it directly on any ants you see. This will kill them quickly through direct contact. Lysol foaming aerosol sprays work best for precision targeting:
- Spray ants wandering around your kitchen or bathroom countertops. The Lysol will quickly knock them down.
- Spray ants trailing along baseboards, windowsills, door frames, and other structures. Hitting them directly will eliminate them.
- Spray ants congregating around pet food bowls or other food sources to disperse them.
- Spray ants entering through cracks or holes. The foam allows it to penetrate back into voids.
Always spray ants you see wandering around to maximize control. Just avoid spraying directly on countertops or food surfaces that need to be disinfected separately.
Spray Lysol Along Ant Trails and Nest Entrances
Ant trails going to and from the nest are like ant highways. Spraying these trails with Lysol can help disrupt the nest by killing foragers. Focus on:
- Outdoor trails lead into the home through cracks in the foundation or walls. Coat these trails heavily.
- Trails along baseboards, countertops, walls, and other flat surfaces. Spray about 6 inches wide to cover the whole trail.
- Trails going up trees, along exterior walls, decks, or fences. Drenching these trails can compromise the nest.
You may have to reapply a few times before ant trails are disrupted. But persistently spraying trails can starve out the colony.
Also, spray thoroughly around any nest entrances you find inside or outside. Hitting the exits where ants enter and leave heavily with Lysol spray can damage the nest.
Soak Cotton Balls in Lysol and Place Along Trails
For longer-lasting trail disruption, you can soak cotton balls, rags, or paper towels in Lysol concentrate. Place these soaked items along ant trails.
As ants crawl over the soaked areas, they will continually pick up Lysol residue. This method lets you cover large areas and maximize contact.
Focus on indoor and outdoor trails between the nest and food sources. Re-soak the cotton balls daily to keep killing ants over time. The smell also helps repel ants.
Use Lysol Wipes to Clean Up Ants
Lysol and other disinfecting wipes work well for quickly cleaning up ants as you see them. Wipes allow you to easily pick up and kill ants while eliminating trails and food sources.
- Wipe up any ants spotted wandering around kitchens, bathrooms, etc. This also removes pheromone trails.
- Use wipes to remove ants congregating around pet dishes, trash cans, sinks, and other problem areas.
- Wipe down countertops and surfaces where you’ve seen ants near food or sweets. This removes food sources and contamination.
- Clean along baseboards and windowsills where ants may enter. This disrupts trails and entry points.
Lysol wipes kill ants through contact while eliminating food sources. They provide instant clean-up of ant problems.
Tips for Using Lysol to Control Ants
While Lysol can certainly kill ants, you’ll get the best results by using it properly as part of an integrated pest management plan. Here are some tips to maximize Lysol’s effectiveness against ants:
Find and Directly Treat Nests
Locating and directly treating ant nests with Lysol provides the best control. If you can find where ants are entering the home from outdoor nests, spray Lysol concentrate into the cracks.
Check under pots, debris, and mulch outside for hidden nests and spray entrances. Lysol helps compromise the colony at the source.
Combine Lysol with Ant Baits
Lysol provides a quick kill of foraging ants. But combining baits with Lysol gives the best control:
- Lysol kills ants on contact outside the nest
- Baits draw ants back to the nest to kill the colony
Use baits near nests and Lysol along trails and entry points. The pairing works synergistically.
Reapply Lysol Daily Until the Ants Are Gone
It often takes a few Lysol applications over different days to fully disrupt ant trails and nests. Persistence is key:
- Keep spraying trails 1-2 times per day until no more ants appear
- Maintain cotton ball barriers along trails, re-soaking daily
- Continue wiping down surfaces where you see ants regularly
Repeat applications ensure new ants emerging are killed until the infestation is gone.
Ventilate Areas When Using Lysol
Lysol contains alcohol and other harsh chemicals. Be sure to ventilate areas during and after use:
- Open windows and use fans to circulate air
- Avoid breathing in Lysol spray directly
- If using indoors, allow surfaces to fully dry before re-entering
Ventilating minimizes exposure to pets, children, and yourself when using Lysol frequently.
Focus on Preventing Ants
In addition to killing current ants, also take steps to prevent future infestations:
- Store food in sealed containers to deny access
- Clean up spills and crumbs quickly to remove food sources
- Seal cracks and openings where ants enter from outside
- Inspect for ants periodically and treat them quickly when spotted
Good sanitation and sealing entry points will help keep new ants from becoming established.
Pros and Cons of Using Lysol on Ants
Before relying on Lysol to control ants, consider some of the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros of Using Lysol Against Ants
- Kills ants quickly through contact – Lysol is fast-acting and can quickly kill ants if it directly contacts
- Provides residual control on surfaces – Ants die when crossing treated areas between application
- Available in any grocery or hardware store – Easy to purchase and use right away
- Disinfects areas where ants are killed – Eliminates germs from ant-infested areas
- Prevents strong smells – Lysol helps neutralize odors from crushed ants
Cons of Using Lysol Against Ants
- Does not directly kill nests – Lysol only kills foraging ants outside the nest
- Can be toxic for pets if ingested – Lysol should be kept away from pets
- Unpleasant smell if used excessively – Some may find the Lysol smell overpowering
- Not as effective as commercial and insecticides – Lysol takes more repeat applications than standard pesticides
So while Lysol has some drawbacks, its availability, efficacy against ants, and disinfecting ability make it a good option for many homeowners dealing with ants. Using it correctly can provide effective control.
Conclusion
Lysol is an effective tool that homeowners can use against ants. It kills ants through contact, helping to quickly eliminate ants wandering around the home. The active ingredients in Lysol disrupt ants’ exoskeletons and cell membranes on contact.
Spraying Lysol directly on ants, along their trails, and around nest entrances can help compromise colonies. Used properly as part of an integrated approach with baits, Lysol provides strong and control with the added benefit of disinfecting areas.
While Lysol has limitations and risks if used improperly, it can provide a quick, easy, and effective way to knock down ant infestations when used carefully and deliberately. The key is repeated applications until all ants are eliminated.
So in answer to our original question – yes, Lysol does kill ants! Adding Lysol to your ant management strategy can provide powerful control
