Pest control companies use several different chemicals to treat ants in your home and yard, including:
Boric acid is a natural insecticide for killing ants. The slow-acting poison is found in baits or dusts.
Pyrethrins are a type of botanical insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. The insecticide kills ants on contact.
Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid, similar to pyrethrins, that kills ants on contact.
Fipronil is a newer insecticide that is effective at killing ants systemically, meaning it is absorbed into the ant's body and kills it over time.
Abamectin is a type of avermectin, a slow-acting poison that is commonly used in baits or dusts.
Hydramethylnon is a type of hydrazone, another slow-acting poison used in baits or dusts.
These chemicals can be harmful to humans and pets. Hire a professional exterminator to ensure the safety of your family.