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How it works: The baking soda and salt combo dehydrates flea eggs and larvae, stopping the reproductive cycle.
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How to use: Sprinkle a 50/50 mix of baking soda and finely ground salt over carpets, pet bedding, and upholstered furniture. Let it sit for 12–24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly. Repeat weekly until infestation is gone.
✅ Bedbugs
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How it works: Salt dehydrates their exoskeleton; baking soda causes internal distress if ingested.
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How to use: Sprinkle the mixture around mattress seams, bed frames, and baseboards. Use a soft brush to work it into crevices. Leave for a day or two and vacuum well. Repeat regularly during infestation.
✅ Ants
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How it works: Baking soda disrupts their digestion, while salt destroys scent trails.
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How to use: Sprinkle the mix at entry points, cracks, and ant trails. You can also mix with a bit of sugar to attract ants and encourage ingestion.
✅ Cockroaches
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How it works: Baking soda swells inside them after ingestion, causing fatal bloating. Salt supports the drying effect.
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How to use: Mix baking soda and sugar in equal parts with a pinch of salt, then place in shallow dishes near hiding spots (under sinks, behind the fridge). Refresh every few days.
✅ Slugs & Snails
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How it works: Salt instantly dehydrates them; baking soda enhances the drying effect.
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How to use: Sprinkle around garden beds, door thresholds, or directly on slugs. Be cautious not to overuse in garden soil.
🛠️ How to Make the Ultimate DIY Pest Powder
Ingredients:
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½ cup baking soda
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½ cup finely ground salt (non-iodized is best)
Optional Add-ins:
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2 tbsp sugar (for ants/cockroaches)
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A few drops of essential oils like peppermint or tea tree (to deter bugs with strong scents)
Instructions:
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Mix ingredients in a bowl and store in a shaker jar or old spice container.
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Sprinkle in problem areas, along baseboards, window sills, cracks, under furniture, and anywhere pests hide or enter.
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Leave the powder for at least 12 hours before vacuuming or sweeping.
⚠️ Precautions and Tips
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Keep away from pets and small children until cleaned up.
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Avoid wet areas — this solution works best dry.
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For outdoor use, reapply after rain or heavy watering.
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Use consistently over several weeks for best results in ongoing infestations.
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Don’t rely on this alone for severe infestations — consult pest professionals if needed.
💡 Bonus: Other Uses for Baking Soda & Salt
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Deodorizing carpets and shoes
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Removing stains
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Cleaning grout and sinks
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Freshening drains
These two ingredients are inexpensive, versatile, and safe when used properly.
Final Thoughts
Using baking soda and salt for pest control is an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and surprisingly powerful way to reclaim your home or garden from common invaders. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden ant army in your kitchen or mysterious bites from bedbugs, this DIY remedy can help provide relief — without harsh chemicals or costly exterminators.
With regular application and attention to cleanliness, the baking soda and salt method can be your ultimate natural pest control solution.
