Final answer:
Bleach keeps Pharaoh ants away due to its strong odor and chemical properties which remain effective even after it dries. It disrupts ant pheromone trails and can act as a deterrent. Besides its use as an ant repellant, bleach has multiple household applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effectiveness of bleach in keeping Pharaoh ants away is due to its strong chemical properties. Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, which has a powerful scent and toxic effects to ants and other insects. After drying, the residual smell and chemical traces can continue to act as a deterrent to ants. Moreover, bleach destroys the pheromone trails ants use to navigate, disrupting their ability to communicate and find resources.
Aside from its use as an ant repellant, bleach has a variety of other applications. Reader's Digest highlights its versatility in household and garden tasks, such as being an effective weed killer and used in spreading water-borne fertilizer. Similarly, Good Housekeeping recommends a mixture of bleach and vinegar as a homemade trap to attract and drown fruit flies. These are just a few examples of the many practical uses for bleach beyond its conventional cleaning purposes.