Terro Vs Amdro Ant Bait
The main difference between Terro and Amdro ant baits is the active ingredient. Terro contains borax, while Amdro contains hydramethylnon. Borax is a natural mineral toxic to ants, while hydramethylnon is a synthetic insecticide.
Amdro vs Terro Table
This table presents a comparison to help you understand the differences quickly and easily.
| Terro | Amdro |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Active Ingredient Borax | Active Ingredient Hydramethylnon |
| Complete Control within 2 weeks | Complete Control within hours to over 1 week |
| Borax slowly kills ants allowing sharing of bait | Insecticide is carried back to nest and eliminate colony |
| Yes, more durable outdoors | Yes, less durable outdoors |
| Kills Common household ants that eat sweets | Kills Sweet and grease eating ants |
| Pack Sizes 2, 4, 6, 12 stations | Pack Sizes 4, 8 stations |
| Bait Volume per Station 0.36 oz | Bait Volume per Station 0.33 oz |
| Replace every 3 months | Replace every 3-6 weeks outdoors |
| Flat surfaces only | More flexible |
| Yes, when used properly | Yes, when used properly |
| Easy Open by Snap-off tab | Ready to use from box |
| Odorless | Odorless |
Getting rid of them usually requires using bait stations that attract worker ants distributing the toxic bait throughout the colony.
Two popular over-the-counter ant bait options are TERRO Liquid Ant Baits and Amdro Ant Killing Bait Stations. Both can help eliminate ant infestations, but they have some key differences.
Overview
TERRO Liquid Ant Baits contain borax as the active ingredient in a sweet liquid bait formulated to attract and kill common household ants.
Amdro Ant Killing Bait Stations use hydramethylnon as the active ingredient in a bait station designed to attract and destroy ants.
Active Ingredient
The active ingredient in Terro Ant Bait Stations is borax, a natural mineral salt that is toxic to ants. Borax interferes with ants’ digestive systems when ingested.
Amdro Ant Bait Stations contain hydramethylnon, a synthetic insecticide also toxic to ants but which works differently than borax.
Complete Control
Complete control with Terro Liquid Ant Baits may take up to two weeks since the bait needs time to make its way through the colony.
Amdro Ant Killing Bait Stations work on some ants within hours, but complete control of larger colonies may take over a week.
How It Works
Terro’s liquid ant bait attracts ants with its sugary bait. Ants consume the bait and leave behind pheromone trails to recruit more ants.
The borax then slowly kills the ants, allowing time for them to share the bait throughout the colony before dying.
Amdro’s bait stations attract ants, which carry the insecticidal bait back to the nest. When consumed by the queen and other ants, Amdro can destroy the entire colony.
Weatherproof
Both TERRO and Amdro ant bait stations are weatherproof, meaning they can be used indoors or outdoors. However, Amdro stations are less durable than Terro for outdoor use and may need replacement more often.
Variety of Ants
Terro Liquid Ant Baits are effective against many common household ants that eat sweets, while Amdro targets sweet and grease-eating ants but not some species like carpenter and fire ants. Both can kill a wide variety of common ant species.
Pack Sizes
Terro Liquid Ant Baits come in packs of 2, 4, 6, or 12 bait stations. Amdro Ant Killing Bait Stations come in 4 or 8 bait station packs. Each bait station contains about 1/3 ounce of bait gel.
Long-Lasting Effect
Terro Liquid Ant Baits are designed to prevent drying out so the bait lasts. They recommend replacing stations every three months for continuous control.
Amdro stations can last up to 2 years if stored properly but need indoor replacement every three months and outdoor replacement every six weeks.
Placement Areas
Terro Liquid Bait Stations can only be placed on flat surfaces, while Amdro stations have more flexibility. Both can be placed in inconspicuous areas around the home where ants are seen.
Pet Safe
When used as directed, both Terro and Amdro ant baits are considered pet-safe. The bait stations should always be kept in areas not accessible to children, pets, or wildlife.
Easy Open Tab
Terro Liquid Ant Bait stations have an easy snap-off tab for simple opening without scissors. Amdro stations are also ready to use right out of the box.
Odorless
Since the ant baits come enclosed in plastic bait stations, both Terro and Amdro ant baits are odorless and non-staining.
Our Observation
Based on the our observation, Terro Liquid Ant Baits seem best for controlling a wide variety of common household ants with their borax-based bait formula. The weatherproof design makes them more durable for outdoor use.
Amdro Ant Killing Bait Stations offer the flexibility of being effective against grease-eating ants as well as sweet eaters. Their faster-acting insecticide may provide a quicker knockdown of populations. Both products are pet-safe when used properly.
Overall, we recommend opting for the TERRO Liquid Ant Baits as the best all-around outdoor and indoor ant bait option for most homeowners dealing with annoying ant infestations.
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.
