### **The $5 Secret Weapon Against Pests**
Baking sodaâyour kitchenâs humble leavening agentâis a **silent assassin** in the war against household pests. From cockroaches to mice, this non-toxic powder disrupts pestsâ biology, dehydrates their exoskeletons, and even explodes their stomachs (yes, really). Unlike chemical pesticides, baking soda is **safe for kids, pets, and the planet** . Hereâs how to weaponize it against 7 common invadersâand why pests fear your pantry.
### **Cockroaches: The Sugar-Baking Soda Death Trap**
Cockroaches canât resist sugarâbut when mixed with baking soda, it becomes **lethal** :
**Method** : Combine 1 part baking soda + 1 part powdered sugar. Sprinkle near nests or entry points.
**Why It Works** : Baking soda reacts with roach stomach acid, creating gas that ruptures their digestive systems.
_âTheyâll literally explode from the inside,â_ says entomologist Dr. Lisa Chen.
### **Fleas: Carpet Bombing with Baking Soda**
Fleas thrive in carpets, but baking soda **dries out their eggs and larvae** :
– **Method** : Sprinkle generously on carpets, let sit 2 hours, then vacuum. Add a few drops of lavender oil to repel survivors.
– **Bonus** : Mix baking soda + salt + diatomaceous earth for a triple-threat flea killer.
### **Ants: The Invisible Wall of Death**
Ants hate baking sodaâs alkaline properties. Create a **barrier they wonât cross** :
– **Method** : Line entry points (windows, doors) with baking soda. For instant kills, mix with powdered sugar (same as roaches).
### **Moths: The Silent Killer of Pantries**
Clothes moths and pantry moths detest baking sodaâs odor and drying effect:
– **Method** :
– **Clothes Moths** : Place sachets of baking soda in closets.
– **Pantry Moths** : Sprinkle on shelves and inside containers.
### **Mice/Rats: The Fizzing Farewell**
Rodents canât burp or pass gasâa fatal flaw when baking soda enters their diet:
**Method** : Mix baking soda with peanut butter (their favorite bait). Once ingested, it creates a fatal buildup of carbon dioxide.
**Note** : Pair with steel wool to block entry points.
### **Spiders: The pH Bomb They Canât Escape**
Spidersâ exoskeletons dissolve in alkaline environmentsâ**baking soda is their kryptonite** :
**Method** : Spray a mix of baking soda + water in corners and crevices.
### **Other Pests: Flies, Silverfish, and More**
**Flies** : Mix baking soda + vinegar in a bowl. The fizzing attracts and traps them.
**Silverfish** : Sprinkle baking soda in damp areasâtheyâll dehydrate on contact.
### **The Science Behind the Kill**
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) works via three mechanisms:
**pH Disruption** : Alkaline powder burns pestsâ exoskeletons and digestive systems.
**Dehydration** : Absorbs moisture from bodies and eggs.
**Gas Production** : Reacts with stomach acids in roaches and rodents, causing fatal bloating.
### **Safety First â When Baking Soda Backfires**
**Avoid Mixing with Ammonia or Vinegar** : Reduces effectiveness.
**Donât Inhale Powder** : Irritates lungs (use a mask when sprinkling).
**Keep Dry** : Moisture neutralizes its pest-killing power.
### **FAQs**
**Q: Does baking soda really kill pests instantly?**
A: Noâit takes hours to days, but itâs 100% effective with persistence.
**Q: Is it safe around pets?**
A: Yes, but store mixtures out of reach (large ingestion can cause stomach upset).
**Q: Can I use baking soda outdoors?**
A: Yes Sprinkle in gardens to deter slugs and beetles.
**Q: Why do pests hate baking soda?**
A: Its alkaline pH disrupts their biology, and the texture damages their exoskeletons.