Baking soda is a household staple that goes far beyond cooking and cleaning. Its natural properties make it an affordable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic solution for controlling common household pests. Let’s explore how baking soda can help you deal with fleas, mice, rats, cockroaches, ants, bedbugs, centipedes, and more—all without harsh chemicals.
1. Fleas
Baking soda is effective at killing fleas by dehydrating their eggs and larvae, breaking the cycle of infestation.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle baking soda generously over carpets, rugs, and pet bedding.
- Use a brush to work it into the fibers.
- Leave it for 12–24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Repeat every few days until fleas are gone.
2. Mice and Rats
When consumed, baking soda reacts with stomach acids in rodents, releasing gas they cannot expel, leading to their demise.
How to Use:
- Mix equal parts baking soda, flour, and sugar to create a bait.
- Place small amounts of the mixture near areas where you notice mouse or rat activity.
- Check and refresh the bait as needed.
3. Cockroaches
Baking soda disrupts cockroaches’ digestion and is an affordable and effective way to eliminate them.
How to Use:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar.
- Sprinkle the mixture in areas where cockroaches are active, such as under sinks, near garbage bins, and along baseboards.
- Reapply regularly for best results.
4. Ants
Ants are attracted to sugar, and when they consume a mix containing baking soda, it disrupts their bodily functions.
How to Use:
- Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar.
- Place small amounts near ant trails and entry points.
- Ants will carry the mixture back to their colony, eliminating the infestation.
5. Bedbugs
Baking soda can dry out bedbugs and their eggs, helping to control infestations.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle baking soda along the seams and corners of your mattress and furniture.
- Leave it for 24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Repeat the process weekly until the infestation is under control.
6. Centipedes and Other Crawlers
Centipedes avoid areas with baking soda as it irritates their exoskeleton.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle baking soda along baseboards, under sinks, and in dark, damp areas where centipedes hide.
- Reapply every few weeks to maintain effectiveness.
Why Baking Soda Works for Pest Control
- Dehydration: Baking soda absorbs moisture from pests’ bodies or their environment, leading to dehydration and death.
- Attraction & Reaction: When combined with sugar or flour, it attracts pests who consume it. The chemical reaction inside their bodies disrupts their digestive systems.
- Eco-Friendly: Baking soda is non-toxic to humans and pets when used appropriately, making it a safe alternative to chemical pesticides.
Additional Tips for Pest Control with Baking Soda
- Keep Areas Clean: Baking soda is most effective in clean environments, so vacuum and wipe down surfaces before applying it.
- Combine with Other Remedies: Pair baking soda with diatomaceous earth or essential oils for stronger pest control.
- Seal Entry Points: Prevent pests from returning by sealing cracks, holes, and other entry points in your home.
Precautions
- While baking soda is safe for humans and pets, avoid overusing it in areas accessible to pets, as ingestion in large amounts can cause stomach upset.
- For severe infestations, use baking soda as a complementary solution alongside professional pest control methods.
With its versatility, safety, and affordability, baking soda is the ultimate natural pest control weapon. From fleas and mice to ants and cockroaches, this humble powder can help you reclaim your home from pests without resorting to harmful chemicals. Give it a try today!
