10 Best Insecticides 2020
If you’re like anyone else who takes pride in your property, an insect infestation can easily push you to your wit’s end. The thing about insects is that they don’t know if they’re encroaching on someone’s territory. What makes it even worse is that they’re very quiet and discreet, so a homeowner, you probably won’t notice they’re around until the infestation gets out of hand.
If you want to rid your home of unwanted pests, an insecticide should help to wipe them out with ease. Don’t be too quick to pluck a product off of your local store’s shelf, though; if you want to find the best insecticide for your home, you will have to do a little reading. Find out everything you need to know about buying the right insecticide by reading this guide.
Top 10 Insecticide Comparison Table
Picture | Name | Use | Price | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. Bifen XTS 25.1% Bifenthrin Insecticide, 32-Fluid Ounces/1-Quart | Outdoor | $$$ | 4.7 |
![]() | 2. Control Solutions Inc. 36.8 % Permethrin SFR 32 oz Pest Control Insecticide | Indoor and Outdoor | $$$ | 4.6 |
![]() | 3. Demon Max Insecticide Pint 25.3% Cypermethrin | Indoor and Outdoor | $$$ | 4.5 |
![]() | 4. Bifen I/T Insecticide-Bifenthrin Equivalent to Talstar PRO-Pint | Outdoor | $$ | 4.5 |
![]() | 5. Suspend Sc Insecticide Flea Tick Roaches Ant Professional Pest Control Product | Indoor and Outdoor | $$$$ | 4.5 |
![]() | 6. Cy-Kick CS Controlled Release Cyfluthrin 16oz Insecticide | Indoor and Outdoor | $$$ | 4.5 |
![]() | 7. Ortho Home Defense MAX Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter RTU Wand | Indoor and Outdoor | $$ | 4.1 |
![]() | 8. Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer For Lawns & Landscapes Concentrate 96400-32 fl oz | Outdoor | $ | 4.0 |
![]() | 9. Garden Safe Insecticidal Soap Insect Killer (Ready-to-Use) (HG-10424X) (24 fl oz) | Indoor and Outdoor | $ | 3.7 |
![]() | 10. Safer Brand End All Insect Killer, 32 oz | Indoor and Outdoor | $$ | 3.7 |
Main Considerations When Buying Insecticide
If you take your time to read labels, you’ll learn that while insecticides look pretty much the same on the outside, they don’t technically work the same. There are pros and cons to each type you’ll find, and that is why it is essential that you set standards and find the best insecticide that suits your needs.
- Type of Insect. Insecticides are often labeled ‘general use’ products, and this indicates that they will work for any insect. So, if you are dealing with ants, ticks, or mites, these products will work well to clear out any nests and infestation.
For other insects, however, such as beetles – which are heavy duty compared to other insects – a general-purpose insecticide may not be able to wipe them out completely. If you’re dealing with bigger bugs like beetles and roaches, consider getting an insect-specific formulation that’s developed just for them.
- Area of Application. Are you dealing with bugs inside of your home or is it more of a garden or lawn issue? Make sure you read the label and find out which areas your chosen insecticide is safe to use.
For instance, some insecticides are not safe for use indoors because they threaten to damage furniture, flooring, and other structures inside your house. Then there are others that aren’t ideal for outdoors because the environment could compromise and disperse the formula.
- Safety Considerations. Unless you’re dealing with a severe, widespread case of insect infestation that can only be resolved by pest extermination specialists, you’re probably still planning to stay at home while you get rid of your pests. If there are going to be people and pets in your home while you spray your insecticide, you should make sure it is safe for use in a family home.
Some of these products have very strong chemical scents that can easily cause headaches and dizziness. Others threaten to harm pets and children if they come in contact with the product. Be particularly vigilant of precautionary instructions to use your product safely without harming those around you.
Top 3 Best Insecticide Reviews
1. Bifen XTS 25.1% Bifenthrin Insecticide

Promising to kill and control over 50 different types of insects and bugs, Bifen XTS 25.1% Bifenthrin Insecticide has easily become the best insecticide for a majority of consumers. One fourth of the entire formula is a potent insecticide called Bifenthrin, which effectively eliminates existing insects and prevents others from taking up residence.
For difficult to reach insects and bugs that bury deep in soil or trees, Bifen XTS 25.1% Bifenthrin Insecticide easily penetrates different outdoor surfaces; this guarantees that even hidden insects will be easily resolved by the formulation. Plus, Bifen XTS is also highly effective for other outdoor pests like ants and termites that could be infesting your garden or lawn.
Bifen XTS is an oil-based product, which means that it penetrates much more deeply when sprayed; this works wonders when used outdoors, but could cause furniture and structural damage when sprayed inside your home. Despite this, Bifen XTS is generally safe even for pets and children around if you make sure to use the product according to the stated instructions on the packaging.
2. Control Solutions Permethrin Pest Control Insecticide

If you’re looking for an all-around insecticide that you can use on commercial and residential properties alike, Permethrin SFR Pest Control Insecticide is the product for you. This insecticide contains 36.8% permethrin, which is a powerful bug killer that wipes out a wide variety of insects on the spot.
For outdoor use, Permethrin SFR Pest Control Insecticide can be sprayed generously on lawns, gardens, and outdoor recreational areas like patios and decks. For indoors, this insecticide is best used for spot and crack treatment, as opposed to the widespread application; this is because the formula does have a bit of a chemical odor, so it can be unpleasant to spray generously indoors.
3. Demon Max Insecticide Pint 25.3% Cypermethrin

Using a 25.3% cypermethrin formulation, Demon Max Insecticide Pint 25.3% Cypermethrin effectively kills ants, flies, termites, roaches, and spiders, to name a few. It can be used outdoors and indoors; however, use inside a house requires strict compliance with provided directions and instructions to guarantee safety.
The product is pet safe, and can even be sprayed on plants and other vegetation in your garden. The only restriction is that it should not be sprayed on edibles such as fruit-bearing plants and vegetables.
Compared to the previous two products, Demon Max Insecticide Pint 25.3% Cypermethrin is relatively less potent. The concentration of the product’s active ingredient might be lower, but the main ingredient itself isn’t as powerful as the other two. Despite that, however, it remains a good option if you’re exercising what’s available to you.