Which chemical is commonly used to control ants?

Boric acid is recognized as one of the most effective chemicals for controlling ant populations. It works as a slow-acting insecticide that disrupts the digestive systems of ants when ingested. When ants carry it back to their colony, it can help eliminate not just the individual ants but also the queen, leading to long-term colony eradication. This multi-faceted approach makes boric acid particularly effective, as it capitalizes on the social nature of ants, allowing the poison to spread throughout the colony.

Chlorine bleach and hydrogen peroxide are not typically used for ant control because they primarily target bacteria and are not effective against pests like ants. White vinegar, while sometimes used as a natural deterrent due to its strong smell, does not have a long-lasting effect or the power to eliminate ant colonies as boric acid does.