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How to Use Baking Soda to Get Rid of Pests — COCKROACHES, FLEAS, ANTS, MOTHS, MICE/RATS, SPIDERS

Baking soda is one of the most effective natural household helpers you already have in your kitchen. While it’s not a replacement for serious pest control, it can help reduce pests, repel them, or make your home less attractive to them — without chemicals or strong smells.

Below is a simple, safe guide for each type of pest.

1. COCKROACHES

Baking Soda + Sugar Trap

Why it works: Sugar attracts roaches, baking soda disrupts their digestive system.

How to use:

  • Mix 1 tbsp baking soda + 1 tbsp sugar.
  • Sprinkle behind the fridge, under the sink, corners, and dark spaces.
  • Reapply every 2–3 days.

2. FLEAS

Baking soda doesn’t kill fleas alone, but it dehydrates eggs and larvae.

How to use:

  • Sprinkle baking soda generously on carpets, rugs, pet bedding.
  • Brush it in with a stiff brush.
  • Let sit overnight.
  • Vacuum thoroughly the next morning.

Repeat every 2–3 days for a week.

(Safe, but do NOT use baking soda directly on pets.)

3. ANTS

Ants dislike crossing baking soda lines.

How to use:

  • Sprinkle baking soda along windowsills, entry points, door frames, and ant trails.
  • For a stronger remedy, mix baking soda + a little sugar and leave small piles where ants appear.

4. MOTHS

Baking soda absorbs the moisture and odors that attract pantry moths.

How to use:

  • Remove all items from the pantry.
  • Sprinkle baking soda on shelves and leave for 1–2 hours.
  • Wipe clean.
  • Place a small open bowl of baking soda inside the pantry to keep odors and moisture low.

5. MICE / RATS

Baking soda is not a guaranteed rodent killer but can discourage them.

Use as a repellent:

  • Mix baking soda + peppermint oil to make a strong-smelling paste.
  • Place near suspected entry points.
  • Rodents hate peppermint and avoid the area.

For a dry repellent:

  • Sprinkle baking soda alone along walls, under appliances, and near holes.
  • It disrupts scent trails and reduces activity.

6. SPIDERS

Spiders avoid alkaline surfaces.

How to use:

  • Sprinkle baking soda in corners, behind furniture, and along window areas.
  • You can also mix baking soda + water into a spray and spray baseboards and corners.

PRO TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

✔ Keep your home dry — pests love moisture
✔ Store food in airtight containers
✔ Empty trash daily
✔ Use baking soda weekly as prevention
✔ Combine with essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or clove for stronger repellent effects

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