How it works: Baking soda reacts with the acids in the roaches’ digestive system and causes internal damage that leads to death.
What to do:
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Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar (e.g., 2 tbsp each).
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Place the mixture in shallow dishes or bottle caps and set them near roach-prone areas like under sinks, behind appliances, and along baseboards.
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Refill every few days for continued effectiveness.
2. Fleas
How it works: Baking soda dehydrates flea eggs and larvae, disrupting their lifecycle.
What to do:
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Sprinkle baking soda generously onto carpets, pet bedding, and upholstery.
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Use a stiff brush or broom to work it into the fibers.
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Let it sit for several hours (or overnight), then vacuum thoroughly.
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Repeat every few days until the infestation is gone.
Tip: Combine with salt for extra drying power.
3. Ants
How it works: Ants are attracted to sugar but can’t digest baking soda, which disrupts their internal systems.
What to do:
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Mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part powdered sugar.
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Place small amounts in cracks, corners, and along ant trails.
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Replace daily until the colony is gone.
4. Moths (Especially Pantry Moths)
How it works: Baking soda acts as a repellent and keeps areas dry, discouraging moth breeding.
What to do:
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Clean pantry shelves with a solution of vinegar and baking soda.
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Place open containers of baking soda in corners of your pantry or closets.
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Replace every 2–4 weeks.
5. Mice/Rats
How it works: When ingested, baking soda causes gas to build up in rodents’ stomachs, which they cannot release — leading to a lethal outcome.
What to do:
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Mix 1 part baking soda, 1 part flour, and 1 part cocoa powder (or peanut butter as bait).
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Place small amounts in shallow containers or near rodent pathways.
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Keep away from pets and children.
Note: This method works best for small infestations and should be used responsibly.
6. Spiders
How it works: While baking soda won’t kill spiders directly, it’s a natural repellent due to its odor and dryness.
What to do:
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Sprinkle baking soda along window sills, door frames, under furniture, and in corners.
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Combine with a few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil for extra repelling power.
Safety Tips
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Keep away from pets and small children, especially if mixed with sugar or bait.
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Always vacuum and clean thoroughly after treatment.
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Repeat regularly for maintenance and long-term prevention.
Conclusion
Baking soda is an underappreciated pest control ally. Whether you’re tackling a sneaky cockroach problem, battling fleas in the carpet, or trying to keep spiders and ants at bay, this simple ingredient offers a safe, affordable, and chemical-free alternative. With regular use and a bit of patience, you can protect your home naturally — one sprinkle at a time.
