Ortho vs Spectracide Fire Ant Killer
If you have fire ants, you know how difficult they can eliminate. Several products on the market claim to kill fire ants, but which is best? Ortho and Spectracide offer solutions for getting rid of those pesky critters.
However, differences in how these two products work may make them more or less effective for your particular situation.
Ortho vs Spectracide Table
This comparison table will help you to understand the difference between Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 and Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer Granules at a glance.
Ortho | Spectracide |
 |  |
Active Ingredient: Acephate | Active Ingredients: Lambda-Cyhalothrin |
It Begins Killing In 60 Minutes | Starts To Kill In Minutes |
It Kills The Queen And Destroys The Mound | Kills The Fire Ant Queen And Entire Colony |
Treats Up To 162 Mounds | Kill Entire Colony Within 24 Hours |
Protects Your Lawn For Up To 6 Months | Made With Exclusive Accelerator II Technology |
Guaranteed To Kill Or Your Money Back | Guaranteed Results Or Your Money Back |
Each 11.5 Lb. Package Covers 5,000 Sq. Ft | For Best Results, Apply In Morning Or Evening Hours |
Especially For Fire Ant But Also Kill Any Type Of Ant Species | Especially For Fire Ant But Also Kill Any Type Of Ant Species |
Target Pest
Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 and Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer Granules are specifically formulated to eliminate fire ants. Fire ants are known for their aggressive behavior, painful sting, and quick breeding, making them a major pest.
The queen is the heart of the colony, laying thousands of eggs that ensure the survival and expansion of the colony. These products aim to eradicate the queen, crippling the colony’s ability to reproduce and survive.
Mode of Action
The products need to be directly applied to the ant mound, the hub of the ant colony. When the queen consumes the poison, she dies, leading to a rapid decline in the colony’s population.
The direct mound application method ensures maximum reach of the poison, maximizing chances of eradicating the queen.
Active ingredient
Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer Granules harness the power of its active ingredient, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, which constitutes 0.04% of the product. This specific chemical compound serves as the primary agent that eliminates fire ants, working to break down their colonies from within.
In contrast, Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 relies heavily on a different active ingredient. It contains Acephate, which makes up a significantly larger proportion of the product at 50%. Acephate is a potent insecticide known for its ability to effectively exterminate fire ants, disrupting the structure and function of their mounds.
Mound Treatment
It is recommended to use these products as soon as new mounds are spotted. This timely treatment prevents the fire ants from establishing new colonies and spreading further, thereby assisting in controlling the overall ant population in the area.
Application Time
The Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 has a rapid action formula, starting its killing action just an hour after application. Conversely, Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer Granules require a full day to take effect.
The differences in speed may affect the choice between these two products depending on the severity of the infestation and the urgency of the situation.
Watering Requirement
The Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 requires no watering-in, making it easy and straightforward to use. However, Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer Granules require gentle watering after application.
The water helps to disperse the granules and the active ingredient into the ant mound, thus enhancing its effectiveness.
Odor
The Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 is known for its strong odor, which some users may find unpleasant or overpowering. In contrast, Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer Granules also has a smell, but it is less overpowering than the Ortho Orthene product. This difference in scent intensity could influence user preference.
Package
The Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 packaging is robust and recyclable, indicating a commitment to environmental sustainability. It also features a built-in seal opener for ease of use.
On the other hand, Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer Granules comes in a resealable bag that aids product preservation and reduces waste.
Advance Technology
Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer incorporates Accelerator II technology, a unique feature that accelerates the release of the active ingredient into the mound.
This technology is designed to enhance the speed and effectiveness of the product. Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1, although lacking this technology, is a dedicated outdoor fire ant mound treatment focusing on direct mound application.
Money-Back Guarantee
Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer stands by its effectiveness by offering a money-back guarantee to unsatisfied customers.
This provides reassurance of the product’s reliability and effectiveness. Conversely, Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 has no money-back guarantee, which might impact consumer confidence when purchasing the product.
Our Observation
The Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 emerges as the superior product due to its efficient and convenient application. It kills the queen and destroys the mound, showing results within just 60 minutes, without the need for watering-in, which offers significant convenience to the user.
Its capacity to treat up to 162 mounds further underscores its high efficacy. Although it has a strong odor and the powder can drift, the user-friendly application, fast results, and ability to be used around ornamental plants make it the preferable choice.
The Spectracide Fire Ant Shield Mound Destroyer Granules, while also effective, requires watering-in, limiting its convenience, and takes 24 hours for complete results, longer than the Ortho product. Hence, the Ortho Orthene Fire Ant Killer1 is the best option for fire ant control.
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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.
