How to Use Terro Ant Killer Granules | Barrier & Mound Guide

Nothing ruins a backyard barbecue faster than a marching line of ants finding their way inside. Terro Ant Killer Plus (model T901-6) comes in a 3 lb. resealable shaker bag that works without a spreader, making it simple to deploy exactly where ants travel. The granules kill ants, fire ants, cockroaches, fleas, and other listed insects, but only if you place them where insects actually walk.

Where To Apply Terro Ant Killer Granules

Terro Ant Killer Plus works as a perimeter barrier around foundations, a lawn treatment, or a spot treatment for individual ant hills and fire ant mounds. The granules only affect ants that cross the treated zone, so placement determines your success.

For perimeter defense, apply a 3 to 10 foot band of granules along the foundation. Remove leaf litter and cut back vegetation touching the house first, since ants use those as bridges inside. Treat when insects first appear or when you notice lawn damage rather than waiting for a full infestation.

How To Treat Ant Hills And Fire Ant Mounds

The dose depends on what you’re treating. Regular ant hills get a light dusting while fire ant mounds need a heavier soak to reach the colony below.

For standard ant hills (not fire ants), sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons over and around the hill, then water lightly immediately. If the soil is dry, water the area lightly before applying so ants move closer to the surface and walk through the granules.

Fire ant mounds need a heavier application. Apply 1/2 cup over and 2 feet around each mound, then water it in completely with a minimum of 1 gallon of water per mound area. Use a gentle flow rather than a high-pressure hose, which can disturb ants and push them away from the treatment.

After Application: Safety And Reapplication

Watering activates the granules, which is why every application ends with water. This step also makes the area safe for your family. Keep children and pets off the treated area until the product has been watered in and the lawn is dry.

Expect to see results quickly since the granules kill on contact with the digestive system. If you’re comparing options before buying, our tested roundup of the best ant killer granules on the market breaks down the top performers side by side.

One limitation worth knowing: granules only stop ants that walk through the treated zone. Colonies living far from your barrier, or ants finding an untreated entry point, will keep moving. That’s why Terro’s own guidance emphasizes the barrier approach — cover the foundation line completely and treat every visible mound for full coverage.

FAQs

Does rain wash away Terro ant granules?

Light rain after the granules have been watered in generally won’t wash them away, since the product is designed to stay in the soil once activated. Heavy downpours can disperse granules before they take effect, so check the treated zone after severe weather and reapply if the barrier looks disturbed.

How long does Terro ant killer last after application?

The granules remain active in the soil as long as they stay dry and undisturbed. Heavy rain, lawn mowing, or new ant activity may require reapplication sooner than the two-month mark.

Are Terro granules safe for pets once dry?

The product targets insects that ingest it, and the watering step helps move the active ingredient into the soil where ants travel.