How to Kill and Repel Ants with Lysol

You’ve likely used Lysol to battle germs and viruses, but did you know it might also be your secret weapon against ants?

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of ant warfare, exploring how Lysol can kill ants.

However, we’ll also discuss why it might not be your best long-term strategy and answer some frequently asked questions about this unconventional ant control method.  

Buckle up, and let’s get ready to say goodbye to those pesky intruders! 

What Is Lysol? 

Lysol is a popular brand of cleaning and disinfecting products that are used in households around the world. The brand produces a variety of products such as disinfecting sprays, multi-surface cleaners, bathroom cleaners, and disinfecting wipes.  

The primary aim of Lysol products is to eliminate germs and bacteria, but they also serve other purposes such as deodorizing and stain removal. Lysol can be used on a variety of surfaces including counters, floors, bathrooms, and more. 

Lysol disinfectants are known for their effectiveness against a host of bacteria and viruses, making them an essential part of many cleaning routines. They contain active ingredients such as benzalkonium chloride, ethyl alcohol, and others which have proven antimicrobial properties.  

Besides their bactericidal and virucidal properties, Lysol products are also known to effectively deter and kill a number of common pests such as ants, which is what we’ll focus on in this blog.

Does Lysol kill ant eggs?

Lysol is toxic to ant eggs but the problem is that those eggs are always hidden deep in a nest. Once you locate their nest entrance, fill half a cup with Lysol then top it up with an equal amount of hot water. Pour this into the nest to kill the queen and all her eggs.

The strong irritating Lysol will also remain inside the nest and this will force the ants to move out. Even if this doesn’t kill them all, ants don’t like a nest full of their dead team members. They will mark it as a dangerous zone and they will have to move out and find a new place to nest.

There is also the option of spraying as much Lysol as you can into the nest until it is soaking wet. The chemical in its liquid form is enough to travel down into the nest and locate the eggs. The advantage is that it will also kill the worker ants on contact. Those that survive will also flee the area.

Once the worker ants smell changes in their environment loaded with a strange scent, they will begin moving the queen ant. It is the queen that lays the eggs and once it is moved, the whole colony is relocated to the new place. This is a sure way of getting rid of an infestation since there will be no more eggs.

How Does Lysol Kill Ants? 

As mentioned earlier, Lysol products contain active ingredients that are lethal to ants. These ingredients work in two primary ways – dehydration and asphyxiation. 

When Lysol is sprayed directly onto ants, it can cause them to dehydrate and die. This is because the chemicals in Lysol are able to absorb the moisture from the ants’ bodies, leaving them desiccated. Ants, like many insects, require a certain level of moisture to survive, and without it, they quickly perish. 

The second way Lysol kills ants is by suffocating them. Ants breathe through tiny holes in their bodies called spiracles. Lysol’s ingredients can clog these spiracles, effectively blocking their respiratory system and causing them to suffocate. 

In addition to killing ants on contact, Lysol can also deter ants from invading your home in the first place. Ants leave a pheromone trail for their fellow ants to follow. By spraying Lysol on their trails, you can disrupt these pheromones and make it difficult for other ants to find their way into your home. 

Remember, using Lysol to kill ants should only be a temporary solution. If you are facing a serious ant infestation, it is always best to consult with a professional pest control service to handle the issue in a safe and effective way. 

How Long Does It Take Lysol to Kill Ants?

Lysol kills ants on contact, meaning it starts working as soon as it comes in direct contact with the ants. However, the total time it takes to completely kill an ant can vary based on the size of the ant and the amount of Lysol sprayed.  

Typically, ants begin to show signs of distress immediately after being sprayed and often die within a few minutes. It’s important to ensure that the ants are thoroughly soaked in Lysol for the most effective results. 

How to kill and repel ants with Lysol

Lysol can be used to get rid of both crawling and flying ants. Simply spray pick up a bottle of Lysol disinfectant and spray it on them. As long as they are covered in the chemicals if you spray close enough, they will die.

1. Ants in kitchen trash cans

Ants can be a serious problem in kitchen trash cans since there is always something to eat out of them. Little black ants are the common culprits that are always found crawling in and out of the trash. Lysol can be used to get rid of them with the following simple steps:

1. Empty they trash can
2. Wash it with warm soapy water and let it dry
3. Spray it with Lysol disinfectant to repel ants and kitchen fruit flies from it
4. Keep the can covered and always ensure that food is not spilled around it

2. Lysol for ants in car

Sugar ants are among the common types that infest cars. After washing the car, you can spray Lysol on the seats, carpets and the floor to kill and repel any ants that are still hiding in there. For ants in your dashboard, you can use Lysol wipes to get rid of them.  

While using Lysol to get rid of ants in a car, get the one that has a lemon fragrance. This comes in a gallon and you can add it to your final rinse. The chemicals will remove stains on your car seats and carpets while the strong lemon fragrance remains on them to repel ants and other insects.

3. Cleaning the floor

After cleaning the floor, pour 8 ounces of Lysol deodorizing cleaner with a lemon fragrance into a bucket. Then add 1.5 gallons of warm water and use it to wipe the floor. This will remove ants in cracks and the smell will also keep them away.

You can also keep a clean towel into the bucket and use it to wipe kitchen counters to keep ants away. In case of any stains on the counters, the Lysol solution will help in removing them. Coldwater will not give good results since it may take longer to soak any stains. However, it will still work against any ants in the area.

4. Ant hill

If you have an anthill, simply mix 3 cups of Lysol disinfectant cleaner with 5 liters of hot water in a bucket. Add 2 cups of dish soap into the bucket and pour this into the anthill. This is enough to kill them and their eggs. If the queen is not well hidden, the solution will also get rid of it on contact.

If possible, get the one with a lemon fragrance so that the smell can remain behind to repel ants from coming back. Repeat the process if the colony is a big one so that it is completely destroyed. Confirm that they are drenched in the solution and give it about 6 hours before you bring it down the hill.

Can Lysol Wipes get rid of ants?

Lysol wipes can get rid of ants because they contain antibacterial properties. This can be used to deter ants that climb up glass surfaces, kitchen counters, tables, and any surface at home. using them on a clean surface an added advantage. It is therefore advisable to clean a surface fast before wiping it with those wipes.

Using them on a dirty surface will not be effective since the dirt will naturalize the about left of the surface. Lysol wipes do not contain bleach and this is why they are not meant for stain removal. Those wipes can also be used to remove ants in laptops.

However, it is important to check where and what you are using the wipes on. Lysol wipes should never be used on wooden surfaces that are not coated. In case you have to use it on such a surface, use it in small quantities or test it on a small area to see if there is any effect on it.

For sensitive people who easily react to chemicals, have your gloves on when using Lysol wipes or at least wash your hands if you have touched them. Rinse any part of your skin that comes into contact with it with lots of water to avoid irritation. Keep children and pets away from any surface that has been wiped with them until it is dry.

Why is Lysol not the Best Ant Repellent?

While Lysol can be a handy short-term solution to get rid of a few ants, it’s not the most effective long-term ant control strategy. First, Lysol is primarily a disinfectant and cleaner, not a pesticide. Its primary function is to kill bacteria and viruses, not pests. 

Second, Lysol only kills ants on contact. This means it will not effectively eliminate an entire colony, especially those hidden deep in the nest or within your walls. Ant infestations often involve hundreds or even thousands of ants, many of which will never come into contact with the Lysol. 

Lastly, the use of Lysol as an ant repellent can lead to overuse of the product, potentially leading to harmful effects on the environment and indoor air quality. There are more effective, targeted, and environmentally friendly ant control products available on the market. 

FAQs 

What are the Active Ingredients in Lysol that Affect Ants?

The primary active ingredients in Lysol that affect ants are ethanol and alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate. Ethanol has a dehydrating effect on ants, absorbing the moisture from their bodies and leading to their death.  

Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, on the other hand, can block the ants’ respiratory system, effectively suffocating them. 

Are there Any Precautions or Warnings when Using Lysol for Ant Control?

Yes, while using Lysol for ant control, it’s crucial to remember that Lysol is a strong chemical. It should be used in well-ventilated areas and kept out of reach from children and pets. Avoid contact with skin and eyes as it can cause irritation.  

Always use gloves when using Lysol and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. If ingested or inhaled in large quantities, Lysol can be harmful. 

Can Lysol be Used Outdoors to Control Ants? 

While Lysol can be used outdoors, it’s not the most effective or environmentally friendly method to control ants. Its effects are temporary and localized, and it won’t reach ants deep inside their colonies.  

Additionally, Lysol can be harmful to plants and beneficial insects. It’s recommended to use pesticides specifically designed for outdoor ant control for a more effective and targeted approach. Always remember to follow label instructions when using any pesticide. 

So, “Does Lysol kill ants?” Yes, but remember it’s a temporary fix. 

If you found this article by Pestweek helpful, share the ant-busting knowledge with your friends and let’s continue the fight against pests together!