Top 10 Best Lawn Insect Killer – Reviews & Guide

Lawn pests kill grass, damage trees, invade homes, and cause many other problems that make them intolerable. Getting them out of your yard will require the best lawn insect killer and mosquito repellent that your money can buy. However, the many options on the pest control market may make it hard for some people to choose one that kills insect pest species without affecting beneficial insects with insect killer granules.

That’s why we’ve compiled this top 10 list of lawn pest control products for homeowners like you! Our experts examined the many different options on the market, tested them, and found that these are the 10 best for your needs. Make sure to read through each of these sections to get the insight you need into treating your lawn insects, such as a mole cricket, sod webworm, mosquito, species, chinch bug species, and much more.


Our Top 3 Best Lawn Insect Killer:

  1. Best Overall: Spectracide Triazicide Lawn Insect Killer
  2. Runner-Up: Ortho Bug B Gon Lawn Insect Killer
  3. Best Budget Buy: Spectracide Acer Plus Triazicide Lawn Insect Killer

10 Best Lawn Insect Killer Reviewed

#1. Spectracide Triazicide Lawn Insect Killer

In our research, this product kept coming up time and time again in reviews and other write-ups. And we found that it provides one of the best experiences that your money can buy. It is designed to kill a large number of pests with ease, handling just about every surface and soil insect on your lawn. In this way, it is likely the best insect lawn killer and one that is good for just about any home on the market.

We also liked its easy-to-use design, which integrates a simple spraying method that requires minimal effort for the user. This benefit is huge because so many homeowners want a product that they can set up without worrying about whether or not it will fail to kill soil insects before the application starts.

Pros:

  • Combats both above- and below-ground insects
  • The very easy-to-use design makes it approachable
  • It kills almost every insect on a lawn

Cons:

  • It may be toxic to some animals
  • It contains heavy chemical residues

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#2. Ortho Bug B Gon Lawn Insect Killer

A few of our experts wanted to boost this insecticidal soap to the top of the list because of its 5,300 square-foot coverage area, its ability to kill nearly 240 insects, (like armyworms and the Japanese beetle), and its long-lasting coverage. However, we ultimately liked the number-one option more because it was easier to use. However, we strongly suggest this choice for those who want a treatment that won’t leave behind odors, milky spore growths, or stains on the grass blades of their lawn.

In our many tests, we found that this treatment method not only killed many insects but provided months of long-lasting protection. That kind of preventative benefit is significant because it helps minimize your financial investment and avoids impacting your finances excessively.

Pros:

  • Free of nasty residue
  • It lacks a powerful odor
  • Safe for general usage over a large area

Cons:

  • Could kill harmless bees
  • Bottles are not as strong as we’d like

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#3. Spectracide Acer Plus Triazicide Lawn Insect Killer

The one-gallon bottle of this pesticide is our pick for the best budget buy for killing pests like lawn moths and grub worms. We love this spray because it comes in a concentrated form, not uncommon for many insect lawn killers. As a result, you can get a considerable number of uses from the insect granules of this product. This benefit is significant because it ensures that you don’t have to buy many different treatment options over the years, cutting back on your overall financial impact.

When properly mixed and applied, this pesticide can cover over 64,000 square feet of lawn. We love this option for large yards, such as farms or other areas with a large amount of space. Even smaller yards can benefit, as small amounts of pesticide can cover these compact areas.

Pros:

  • Will not harm plants
  • It may help control some weeds
  • Can kill underground pests and worms

Cons:

  • The range of species it kills is not as diverse as other products
  • The large container could be harder to store

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#4. EcoSMART Organic Lawn Insect Killer

All-natural pesticides take up a large portion of the market, and this option is the best insect lawn killer of this type that we could find, including most mosquito dunk choices. It uses natural plant oils, such as neem oil, instead of heavy chemicals to produce a safer and effective treatment option for flying insects like scarab beetles. Our tests found that it was safe for plants, animals, and humans – though we still wouldn’t suggest eating it or getting it too close to sensitive areas.

We also liked that this product is relatively easy to apply. Simply open up the 10-pound bag and spread it around your healthy lawn in a layer about one-quarter inch thick. In our tests, we found that the insects it focuses on die in a matter of days, leaving your yard pest-free for several weeks at a time.

Pros:

  • Safe for just about any gardening situation
  • Effective on the pests that it does kill
  • Mint scent is quite pleasant

Cons:

  • The coverage area is not great considering the product size
  • The species list is not quite as high as others

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#5. Bonide Insect & Grub Lawn Insect Killer

We find this to be one of the best lawn insect killer products with a granular design. This type of pesticide features granules instead of a liquid and can be spread quite quickly. Our tests found that this product kills mosquitoes, fire ants, pharaoh ants, mole crickets, and fleas. As a mosquito killer, it’s better than your average bug zapper.

We also liked that it could kill pests anywhere on your lawn over a 7,500-square-foot area. This coverage comes with just a six-pound bag, producing a pretty solid efficiency rating. And in our tests, we found that it would kill insects on contact for an almost immediate efficiency.

Pros:

  • Very efficient and deadly to the correct bugs
  • Safe after a few hours, letting children and pets have fun without fear
  • It does not leave a residue behind

Cons:

  • Works on a relatively small number of pests
  • Requires a spreader to get the best results

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#6. BioAdvanced Complete Lawn Insect Killer

Those who want a more natural and organic option may appreciate this somewhat granular insecticide option for insect control. We found that it mainly used natural and organic ingredients to achieve a strong result. Though it’s not 100 percent free of chemicals (which is why it falls a bit on our list), it is among the safer hybrid options on the market. It should be reasonably safe for children to play around a yard after the product fully dries.

Our tests found that this pesticide killed a majority of pests in a yard in under 24 hours. That type of efficiency is critical for those who want to get rid of vermin fast. We also liked the three-month protection length, as it allowed you to rest easy for extended periods without treatment.

Pros:

  • Surprisingly fast considering its mostly natural nature
  • Mostly relatively safe to use in many environments
  • Leaves no residue

Cons:

  • It may still be harmful if ingested
  • Flows from lawns very quickly in the rain

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#7. Sevin Lawn Insect Killer

This option uses granules to target fleas, worm larvae, ants, ticks, and many more pests as a residue-free pesticide. Simply spread the product around the lawn directly from the bag or a bucket and water the grass. We found that this process takes about 20-30 minutes or so and that the pesticide should dry in about 2-3 hours, so keep your children and pets away until after it is dried.

This 20-pound bag will cover around 5,000 square feet, providing a reasonably extensive range of protection benefits. We found that it could help with over 30 different pests and insects – not a huge amount but not insufficient compared to a few others on this list. It also

minimizes

lawn damage by using smaller lawn insect killer granules.

Pros:

  • Safe for most pets and children
  • Eliminates pests for up to three months
  • Safe for vegetable crops

Cons:

  • Relatively expensive compared to others
  • Will damage some animals

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#8. Spectracide Immunex Fungus Plus Lawn Insect Killer

This product is the best lawn insect killer for managing problems like fungus and lawn diseases. Its diverse spectracide triazicide insect killer formula focuses not only on lawn insects but some weeds, persistent fungus (like powdery mildew and black spot), and other common lawn diseases. In this way, it helps to provide your lawn with a more robust and healthier structure.

This treatment option can handle over 20 insects, which is a relatively lower number than other options on the market. As a result, we suggest it for those who have fungus and other lawn diseases, rather than managing a widespread and diverse range of insect problems.

Pros:

  • It can also fight mildew and diseases
  • Stops the spread of lawn fungus
  • Relatively safe on most lawns

Cons:

  • Not effective on a large number of listed insects
  • Somewhat pricey compared to other products

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#9. Scotts GrubEx1 Lawn Insect Killer

Scotts is a very reliable company that produces some of our favorite products, including this grub killer. It is the best insect lawn killer for grubs, as it focuses on these underdeveloped insects right where they grow. By concentrating this formula on your plant roots, GrubEx will kill 25 percent more grubs than the average product, providing you with the general help that you need.

We like this treatment approach, as well, because it prevents mature insects by killing the grubs before they grow. In this way, you protect your lawn, eliminate serious insect infections, and avoid the kind of frustrating and uncomfortable spring, and summer pests typically trigger.

Pros:

  • Great preventative tool for adult insects
  • Protects your lawn by killing destructive grubs
  • It lasts for up to four months

Cons:

  • Not effective on adult insects
  • It comes in a huge bag

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#10. BioAdvanced 700270B Lawn Insect Killer

Last but not least on our list is this powerful product designed for a handful of different insect species. It is probably best used on grubs, mosquitoes, and ants, killing many surface pests. As advertised, it can kill upwards of 30 different insects. That number isn’t quite as high as others on this list, explaining this product’s somewhat low ranking compared to others.

However, we find it is very effective on the pests that it does kill. You should have an insect-free lawn in as little as 24 hours. This protection will last as long as three months, as well, making it a relatively practical and helpful option that we consider well worth your consideration as a homeowner.

Pros:

  • Fast-acting on many species
  • Efficient 40-ounce bottle covers nearly 7,000-square-feet
  • Pet friendly in most yards

Cons:

  • Quite potent in smell
  • Not as diverse in its range of treated insects

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Guide To Buying Lawn Insect Killer

Best Lawn Insect Killer

Pest-control scientists and professionals generally take several steps before choosing a pesticide to use on a lawn. We suggest that you follow a simplified version of these actions to ensure the best results. Our experts find that these provide you with the best opportunity for picking a suitable pesticide.

Identify the Pest Properly

Many pesticides are explicitly suited for a specific species of pests. Though most treatments should provide a comprehensive level of care, some may not work on a handful of species. As a result, you need to make sure that you identify the pests in your yard before buying any product.

If you feel uncertain about your identification, take pictures and compare them to pest guides for your area. This step will help verify the species in your yard and make it simpler to choose your pesticide’s best option. Make sure to pay attention to these zones of infestation as well to focus your care.

Recommended Reading: 5 types of worms in potted plants and what you should do

Know Their Life Cycle

Lawn pests have different life cycles that you must understand when choosing pesticides. We suggest this step because many treatments focus on these unique moments in the life cycle and disrupt them using various chemicals. As a result, this information can dictate what option you choose.

Typically, lawn pests either have a larval development or a nymph stage. Larval insects start as small worms and develop into larger insects. Nymphs are smaller versions of an insect that are the same as an adult physically beyond their size. Choose your pesticides based on these life cycles.

Gauge the Problem’s Extent

Take a few days to examine your yard and see where these pests have spread. We suggest taking samples of your soil to spot grubs, worms, and other types of pests. Other insect tests help identify where these vermin are located and how badly they’ve spread through your yard.

At this point, you can choose a pesticide and an application amount that meets your needs. Remember – you want to use only as much pesticide as the problem requires. Using too much can cause your lawn health problems and contaminate the ground, making growths more difficult.

Create a Plan of Attack

Now, we suggest creating a treatment plan that follows your pesticide’s instructions and makes sense for your yard. Choose a delivery method that works the best for you – such as a sprayer bottle attachment – and carefully consider how and when you want to apply your pesticide.

Choose a day when it is warm and dry to avoid pesticide disruption. Make sure that the following days – at least two – will be dry as well. A little dew on the grass won’t affect your pesticide, but heavy rains or even snow will cause them to run and ruin their effectiveness very quickly.

Apply the Pesticide

Use your application tool to spread pesticide fully throughout your lawn. Make sure that you move slowly as you apply to spread it evenly. Don’t linger too long over a single section, though, or excess pesticide may soak into the ground and cause contamination problems with your soil.

Follow the instructions for application frequency to get the best results. For example, you may find that you need to apply some pesticides once or twice a year for maximum effectiveness. Others may require application every 3-4 months or even every month to keep pests out of your yard for good.


FAQ:

Are liquid or granular pesticides better?

Both liquid and granular pesticides have benefits, with liquid often being easier to apply and more effective, while granular pesticides cause less contamination and may be less costly in some cases.


Are these lawn pest killers safe for people?

The chemicals in these pesticides are potent and can irritate when exposed to sensitive areas, and may even be deadly if ingested. Handle with care and keep away from small children and pets.


Will these items kill grass?

The best lawn insect killer options utilize a grass-safe chemical balance that keeps your yard safe from destruction. Make sure to follow the product’s directions, though, as improper use could be harmful to your lawn.


Can I pour leftover pesticides down the drain?

Never, we repeat, NEVER pour leftover or even used pest killers down your drain. This action is against the law and can cause serious contamination problems with your water supply that may affect others.


Do these substances have a smell?

Depending on what products you buy, you may or may not experience an intense odor. Often, this odor is diluted by water when mixing a concentrate, so you won’t have to worry nearly as much about it.


Our Verdict

The best lawn insect killer will honestly depend on your needs. Though we believe Spectracide Triazicide Lawn Insect Killer is the best on the market, we understand that some people may find better usage with another type. And we are continually researching new products and potential items that could be used to fight pests, so make sure to check back here regularly to see updated lists and more detailed info.

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