Elaine, the reason I opt for Orthene in my plants/pots is because I want results immediately, not days later. Many baits have to be watered in as well. Not so with Orthene. Of course, Orthene may even have a "bait" formulae. I just use the powder. It is effective and I know it has worked within 24 hours. If used on a mound, there will not be a single ant found when the mound is disturbed. When used on my staghorns (ants just love to live there!) I will also know the ants are nowhere to be found the very next day. I guess everyone has their favorite way of killing the pesky insects.