You’ll rarely see just one ant walking along the kitchen counter. More often, you’ll find a line of ants marching together, looking for food they can take back to their colony.
Normally, our first instinct is to grab anything we can to get rid of them as quickly as possible. More often than not, it’s a can of Lysol or some other household cleaning product. But does Lysol kill ants?
Although Lysol is directly advertised as a home cleaning product, it also has insect-killing properties.
Lysol contains a chemical called quaternary ammonium, which is an active ingredient in most commercial insecticides.
This chemical disrupts the cell membranes of many insects, such as ants, killing them almost instantly upon contact.
Ethyl alcohol is one of the active ingredients in Lysol and also plays a role in killing ants.
How Can Lysol Get Rid of Ants?
Lysol is a combination of different chemicals to cleanse and disinfect your home. The same chemicals that make it so powerful at killing germs also have a devastating effect on many insects.
It can break down the ant’s exoskeletons and disrupt the cell membranes inside their bodies. This is why Lysol can be highly effective at eliminating a large infestation of ants if used correctly.
Important Things to Remember Before Using Lysol to Kill Ants
It’s important to note that there are some specific considerations you should take when using Lysol to kill ants:
Always Follow the Label
Lysol contains toxic chemicals, so it’s important to always follow the label. It should never be within children’s reach, and you should always take precautionary measures when using it, such as wearing gloves and protective eyewear.
Ventilate the Area
Due to the toxic chemicals in Lysol, ensure that any area where you use it is well-ventilated. Even though you won’t directly inhale the fumes, they can still be dangerous. With that being said, don’t use Lysol in enclosed areas.
Test the Area First
If you intend to spray Lysol directly on that line of ants marching through your kitchen, it’s best to do a test spray first.
Lysol’s chemical properties can damage some materials, so it’s wise to test a small area first and see how it reacts. This can be particularly true if you are spraying on wooden, leather, or electronic surfaces.
Dilute When Necessary
Although you can spray the Lysol directly from the spray can, you may need to dilute it if you are using it more frequently. Diluting the solution can make it less damaging to your surfaces while still being effective at killing the ants.
Spray on Areas Where Ants Congregate
When the ants come into your home, they will often leave a scent trail for other ants to follow. This is why it’s important to spray in areas where the ants are congregating and leaving their trails.
It’s also best to spray Lysol around windowsills, door frames, and other possible entry points. Not only does this kill the ants, but it will also prevent new ones from coming in.
You May Use It for Other Insects Too
Besides ants, Lysol can also be used to control other insects, such as cockroaches and spiders. Use it just like how you normally would when dealing with ants.
Would Lysol Wipes Have the Same Effect? Can It Kill Ants?
Aside from the spray version, Lyson has made another breakthrough in the home cleaning industry – Lysol Wipes. As the name suggests, these are pre-moistened wipes intended to clean and disinfect surfaces.
Despite being a different form of Lysol, it still contains the same active ingredients as the spray version.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the majority of ants are blind. They rely heavily on their environment’s smell and the trails they leave behind to find their way. Ants release pheromones.
They use these to communicate with one another and let them know where food can be found. Lysol Wipes are highly effective at eliminating these pheromones, which makes it difficult for other ants to find their way.
This means that the scent alone from Lysol, whether from the canister or wipes, can confuse and disorient the ants. However, it’s worth noting that Lysol Wipes may be less effective at killing large ants infestations than the spray version.
Will Lysol Also Kill Eggs?
Lysol, the name that has been associated with all-purpose cleaning for nearly a century, has been recommended to clean surfaces that may carry harmful and infectious viruses.
As a multi-purpose cleaner, it can also be used to kill ants and their eggs. However, the scent alone isn’t enough to kill the eggs, and they must be sprayed directly. Within a few seconds, ant eggs will start to turn pale white and eventually die.
Final Thoughts: Lysol and Ants
Using Lysol to get rid of ants is an effective, albeit strong-smelling, method. However, it is important to remember that it must be used with caution and care.
Always read the label of your Lysol product before using and never spray directly on surfaces without testing a small area first. Additionally, make sure to use it in well-ventilated areas and dilute it when necessary.
Finally, it’s worth noting that not even Lysol can completely eradicate an ant infestation. As always, the best way to deal with ants is to keep your house clean and eliminate sources of food and water.
