Amdro vs Spectracide Ant Killer
The nuisance of ants in homes and gardens is an all-too-common problem. While many products in the market claim to combat these pesky intruders, not all are equally effective or versatile.
This article provides a detailed comparison of two prominent ant killers – Amdro and Spectracide – examining their effectiveness, uses, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
Spectracide vs Amdro Table
Which is the best ant killer: Amdro or Spectracide? We will compare the two products and help you decide which is best for your needs.
Amdro | Spectracide |
 |  |
Active Ingredient Zeta-Cypermethrin | Active Ingredient Gamma-Cyhalothrin |
Attracts and Kills the Whole Ant Colony | Kills Listed Ants on Contact |
Pet Safe, If Used As Directed On Label. | Pet Safe, If Used As Directed On Label. |
Kills Ants Outside So They Can’t Come Inside | Granules Completely Dissolve Where You Use For More Killing Power |
You Can Use It on Lawns, Landscaped Areas, or Around Structures | You Can Use on Lawns or Around Structures as a Barrier Treatment |
Do Not Use When Ground or Grass Is Wet or When Rain Is Expected Within 24 Hours | Reapply After Hard Rains to Areas Where Downspouts Empty |
Kills 25 Species of Ants, Including Acrobat Ants, Argentine Ants, Carpenter Ants, Crazy Ants, Nuisance Ants, Pavement Ants, Pharaoh Ants and 17 Other Species. | Kills Over 65 Insect Including Ants, Fleas, Crickets, Earwigs, Millipedes, Roaches, Sowbugs, Silverfish and Listed Other Pests |
Active Ingredient
The active ingredient is the most important part of any ant killer. It is what makes the product effective at killing ants. Amdro’s active ingredients are hydramethylnon and sulfluramid.
Hydramethylnon attacks an ant’s respiratory system, while sulfluramid disrupts an ant’s nervous system. Together, these two ingredients are effective at killing ants.
Spectracide’s active ingredient is Lambda-Cyhalothrin. This is a pyrethroid insecticide that works by disrupting the nervous system of ants and other insects. It is a powerful ingredient that is effective at quickly killing ants.
Mode of Action
Amdro is designed as a delayed-action bait. Ants carry the granules back to their colonies, consuming them and feeding them to other ants, including the queen, which eventually destroys the whole colony. This systemic approach can benefit larger infestations, as it targets ants at their source.
On the other hand, Spectracide operates as a contact insecticide, killing the ants that come directly into contact with it. It can be used indoors and outdoors for spot treatments and has a residual killing effect lasting up to 16 weeks. However, it requires manual exposure to the ants, which could prove challenging for large-scale infestations.
Target Pest
Spectracide Ant Shield Is Designed to Kill a Variety of Ants, Including Carpenter Ants, Pavement Ants, and Fire Ants. It Also Kills Over 65 Types of Insects, Including Crickets, Earwigs, Fleas, Roaches (German and American), Palmetto Bugs, Water Bugs, Millipedes, Mites, Silverfish, Sowbugs (Pillbugs), And More
Amdro Ant Block is specifically designed to kill 25 species of ants, including Argentine ants, carpenter ants, crazy ants, and 17 other species.
Using Instruction
Amdro Ant Block is a granular ant bait that can be used outside around buildings, on anthills, and in landscaped areas. Apply Amdro Ant Block when ants are active and foraging for the best results. Each bottle of bait can be used to treat your home six times.
Spectracide Ant Shield is outdoor liquid ant bait. It can be used around structures, mounds, and landscaped areas. You can use on as a barrier treatment. You will need one package to treat 1,500 sq. ft.
Pet Safe
Both of these products are not safe for pets. You need to keep them away from children and pets. It’s also important to avoid direct contact with the consequences.
- Only apply up to six (6) times per year per location.
- Do not apply within 24 hours of rain.
- Do not allow the product to run off from the target site.
Safety Precautions
Both Amdro and Spectracide require careful handling. Children and pets should keep them out of reach, and users should avoid direct skin contact or inhalation of the products.
Both products are toxic to aquatic life and should not be applied near bodies of water or storm drains.
Sustainability
Regarding sustainability, Amdro has the edge over Spectracide due to its targeted action. Since it’s a bait system, it’s only ingested by ants, causing less harm to non-target organisms.
Spectracide, being a broad-spectrum insecticide, may affect other non-target insects and has a higher risk of environmental contamination.
Our Observation
The main difference between Amdro and Spectracide Ant Killer is the active ingredient. Amdro contains hydramethylnon and sulfurated, while Spectracide contains Lambda-Cyhalothrin. Both products effectively kill ants, but Spectracide may be more effective at quickly killing the insects.
The choice between Amdro and Spectracide Ant Killer largely depends on the scale and nature of the infestation. While Amdro is more suitable for tackling extensive colonies, Spectracide is effective for quick, targeted eradication.
However, while these products can help mitigate the ant problem, remember they carry potential risks for pets, children, and the environment. Always follow the product instructions and safety precautions to ensure safe and effective use.
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James E. Butkovich, Pest control maven with a knack for eco-friendly & Chemical solutions. Blogger with a mission to make homes pest-free, one post at a time.
