How to Use Baking Soda to Get Rid of Pests

Baking soda is a versatile and non-toxic household ingredient that can effectively control various pests like roaches, ants, spiders, mice, bedbugs, and more. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and economical solution to your pest problems, baking soda is the way to go. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to use baking soda to combat up to 30 different types of pests.

Why Choose Baking Soda?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a mild yet effective substance that disrupts the internal digestive system of pests when they ingest it. It acts as a desiccant for many insects, absorbing moisture from their bodies and causing dehydration. The best part is that baking soda is safe to use in homes with pets and children.

General Method for Using Baking Soda as Pest Control

Identify the Pest’s Favorite Spots:

  • Take note of where the pests are congregating or entering your home.

Prepare the Baking Soda Mixture:

  • For insects: Mix equal parts of baking soda and a bait suitable for the specific pest (e.g., sugar for ants and cockroaches, flour for bedbugs, or powdered chicken broth for roaches and mice).
  • For mice: Mix baking soda with an irresistible bait like peanut butter or cheese spread.

Application:

  • Sprinkle the baking soda mixture directly into areas where pests are active. Concentrate on trails and entry points for ants and roaches, walls for mice, and corners, crevices, and mattress seams for spiders and bedbugs.

Refresh the Mixture Regularly:

  • Replace the baking soda mixture every few days to maintain its potency and continue attracting pests.

Specific Tips for Different Pests

Roaches and Ants:

  • They are attracted to sweet things, so mixing baking soda with sugar can effectively lure them into consuming the mixture.

Spiders:

  • While spiders typically don’t eat dry mixtures, spreading baking soda in areas where they congregate can help deter them due to its texture.

Mice:

  • Mice will eat almost anything, but combining baking soda with something tasty makes it an irresistible lethal bait.

Bedbugs:

  • Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste and apply it to the cracks and crevices of your bed frame, mattress, and surrounding furniture.

Safety and Cleanliness

Keep the Area Clean:

  • Reduce clutter and keep your home clean to make it less attractive to pests.

Seal Cracks and Openings:

  • Prevent pests from entering by sealing cracks around doors, windows, and baseboards. This will enhance the effectiveness of your baking soda treatment.

Use with Caution Around Pets:

  • Although baking soda is non-toxic, excessive ingestion can be harmful to pets. Make sure to place the mixture out of their reach.

Using baking soda to combat pests is not only effective but also environmentally friendly. By adopting this method, you can maintain a pest-free home without relying on harsh chemicals. Give it a try and experience the difference!