Advion Ant Gel vs Terro

The main difference between Advion Ant Gel and TERRO Liquid Ant Bait is that Advion contains indoxacarb as the active ingredient while TERRO contains sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax).

Indoxacarb works by disrupting the ants’ nervous systems, while borax interferes with their digestive systems. Both work slowly to ensure the poison spreads throughout the colony.

Terro vs Advion

This comparison chart to help you understand the differences between the two products.

Advion Terro
Active Ingredient (Indoxacarb 0.05%) Active Ingredient (Borax 5.4%)
Disrupts ants’ nervous systems causing delayed mortality Interferes with ants’ digestive systems causing mortality
Effective Against All major ant species Effective Against Wide variety of common household ants
Results in 24-48 hrs and Complete control in 2 weeks Complete control in up to 2 weeks
Indoors & outdoors, cracks & crevices Indoors on flat surfaces and areas frequented by ants
Syringe applies gel bait precisely Pre-filled bait stations simple to apply
Pet safe when used as directed Pet safe when used as directed
Odorless Odorless

Short Overview

TERRO Liquid Ant Baits are prefilled, ready-to-use borax-containing bait stations that attract ants with a sweet, sugary liquid. Advion Ant Gel features a non-repellent formula with indoxacarb as the active ingredient.

It comes in syringes for precise placement. Both products aim to leverage ant foraging behaviors to spread the bait back to the nests.

Active Ingredient

The active ingredient in TERRO Liquid Ant Bait is 5.40% sodium tetraborate decahydrate, also known as borax. Borax is a natural mineral salt that interferes with ants’ digestive systems when ingested.

The active ingredient in Advion Ant Gel is indoxacarb at 0.05%. This insecticide causes delayed mortality in ants by disrupting their nervous systems.

Complete Control

With TERRO Liquid Ant Baits, complete control can take up to two weeks as the borax bait spreads through the colony over time.

For Advion Ant Gel, you should start seeing results within 24-48 hours as worker ants ingest the indoxacarb bait. However, complete elimination of the colony may take up to two weeks. Both products rely on ants to share the bait.

How It Works

TERRO Liquid Ant Baits use borax to kill ants slowly after they ingest it, allowing time for them to share it with other ants first. Advion Ant Gel also causes delayed mortality with its active ingredient.

The ants are attracted to the sweet bait, consuming and sharing it throughout the colony before the indoxacarb disrupts their nervous systems. Both utilize ant foraging behaviors to spread the poisons.

Variety of Ants

Both TERRO Liquid Ant Baits and Advion Ant Gel are effective against a wide variety of common household ants. TERRO specifically lists effectively against a wide range of common household ants, including acrobat ants, allegheny ants, argentine ants, big-headed ants, cornfield ants, crazy ants, ghost ants, little black ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, pyramid ants, thief ants, white-footed ants, and other sweet-eating ants.

Advion claims effective against all major species of ants, including Acrobat ants, Argentine ants, Big-headed ants, Carpenter ants, Cornfield ants, Crazy ants, Field ants, Ghost ants, Harvester ants, Honey ants, Little black ants, Odorous house ants, Pavement ants, Pharaoh ants, Pyramid ants, Red Imported Fire ants, Rover ants, Thief ants, and White-footed ants.

Pack Size

TERRO Liquid Ant Bait comes in packs of 2, 4, 6, or 12 prefilled bait stations, each containing 0.36 fl oz of liquid bait.

Advion Ant Gel is packaged in 4 syringes containing 30 grams each or larger syringes with 1.06 oz per syringe. The syringe applicators allow precise placement of the Advion gel bait in cracks, crevices, and other small spaces.

Long-Lasting Effect

TERRO Liquid Ant Bait stations are designed to prevent the borax bait from drying out, providing a constant supply. Still, it’s recommended to replace them every three months.

Unopened Advion Ant Gel can last up to 5 years if stored properly indoors. The syringes also keep the gel protected from elements. Once dispensed, the indoxacarb bait will continue working for as long as the ants keep consuming it.

Placement Areas

TERRO Liquid Ant Bait stations can be placed along baseboards, in cabinet corners, on countertops, appliances, windowsills, doorways, near plumbing, and garbage cans – on any flat surface.

Advion Ant Gel can be applied both indoors and outdoors in cracks, crevices, under appliances, in attics, and anywhere else ants may nest or travel. The gel syringes allow for precise placement in tight spots ants frequently.

Pet Safe

Both TERRO Liquid Ant Baits and Advion Ant Gel are considered pet-safe when used as directed. However, it’s always a good idea to place them in areas out of pets’ reach.

Bait stations and syringes should be tightly sealed and stored safely away from children and animals. As long as the products are applied correctly in hard-to-reach locations, they present low risks to kids and pets in the household.

Easy Application

TERRO Liquid Ant Bait stations feature a snap-off tab that makes opening them simple and easy without requiring scissors. Advion Ant Gel comes with plungers and tips for each syringe, allowing precision application of the gel.

The plungers let you dispense just a small amount of gel at a time in an easy, no-mess process. Both products are designed for quick, convenient application.

Odorless

A benefit of both TERRO Liquid Ant Baits and Advion Ant Gel is that they are odorless products that won’t leave any unpleasant smells after application.

The TERRO bait stations help encapsulate the product. Meanwhile, the Advion gel is translucent and non-staining. This makes both ideal for indoor use without leaving residue or smells behind. They can be applied discreetly without detection.

Our Observation
Based on this comparison, both TERRO Liquid Ant Bait and Advion Ant Gel are highly effective at eliminating common household ants. TERRO offers more flexibility with different bait station pack sizes.

Meanwhile, Advion’s gel formula allows for precise targeting of cracks and crevices. While both products are odorless and safe when used properly, Advion’s delayed-action indoxacarb may provide longer-lasting control after application.

However, TERRO’s borax-based bait is more natural. Overall, we recommend TERRO as the best option for long-lasting, colony-eliminating ant control indoors and out.

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