What is it about bleach that keeps Pharaoh ants away even after drying? [closed]








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I posted this question [here](https://biology.stackexchange.com/questions/108928/what-is-it-about-bleach-that-keeps-pharaoh-ants-away-even-after-drying) and one of the commentors thought that this Chemistry SE might be able to offer more sure answers.


My apartment high-rise has been afflicted with ants in the past few years. The pest control technician says that it has become a common problem due to warming weather. Various things have been tried, and I am leaving this in their expert hands (or rather, the apartment management is). This question is not asking for further countermeasures.


When I find a place or pathway with many ants, I find that simply wiping with a damp cloth or vinegar doesn't keep them away for long. Wiping is supposed to disrupt their pheromone trails, but I only find somewhat lasting effects if I wipe with undiluted household bleach. I am pleasantly surprised that they stay away even after the bleach has dried. After some internet research, I found that bleach leaves behind a salt residue when dried. **Is it the salt residue that keeps the ants away when wiping otherwise doesn't have lasting effect?**


I've had another corroborative experience that leads me to suspect that salt residue has a repulsive effect on pharaoh ants. I keep a large beer glass of very salty water on hand because of the dental benefits of salt water rinse. I probably use too strong a solution, which likely has drawbacks (something I have yet to research). It is kept on top of the fridge. Around the glass is salt water staining. I never see ants around it, even though ants like water. I admit that this corroboration is not very strong, as I generally do not see ants on top of the fridge anyway.


