What is a common control method for household ant infestations?

The application of boric acid bait is considered a common and effective method for controlling household ant infestations. Boric acid is a slow-acting insecticide that, when ingested by ants, disrupts their digestive systems and ultimately leads to their death. This method is particularly effective because it allows worker ants to carry the bait back to their colony, where it can also affect other ants, including the queen.

Using boric acid bait is advantageous as it targets the entire colony rather than just individual ants, leading to a more comprehensive solution to the infestation. Additionally, boric acid is often preferred because it is relatively low in toxicity to humans and pets when used properly, making it safer for use in a household environment.

While other methods like planting native deterrent plants, monitoring moisture levels, or using essential oils can help in prevention or management of pest issues, they do not typically provide the same level of immediate and direct control over an active ant infestation as boric acid bait does.