First—An Honest and Important Note
Baking soda is not a miracle exterminator. What it can do is help discourage pests, disrupt their comfort zones, absorb odors, and support cleanliness, which is a huge part of pest control. For serious infestations, professional help is still necessary.
Used correctly, baking soda is a safe, inexpensive, supportive tool—not a standalone cure.
Why Baking Soda Helps at All
Baking soda works mainly because it:
- Absorbs moisture and odors pests are attracted to
- Disrupts scent trails (especially for ants and roaches)
- Creates dry, uncomfortable surfaces for insects
- Supports overall cleanliness, which pests depend on
It works best when combined with good hygiene and sealing entry points.
1. Cockroaches
How it helps: discourages activity and dries hiding spots.
How to use:
- Mix baking soda with sugar (1:1)
- Place small amounts in shallow lids near cracks, under sinks, behind appliances
- Keep dry and replace every few days
⚠️ Keep away from pets.
2. Fleas (Supportive Use Only)
How it helps: dries carpets and disrupts flea-friendly environments.
How to use:
- Sprinkle baking soda lightly on carpets and rugs
- Brush in gently
- Leave for several hours
- Vacuum thoroughly
This supports flea control but does not replace proper treatment for pets.
3. Ants
How it helps: breaks scent trails.
How to use:
- Sprinkle baking soda along ant paths, entry points, windowsills
- You can mix with powdered sugar for stronger attraction
- Reapply after cleaning or rain
Clean surfaces first—ants follow scent, not food alone.
4. Moths (Closets & Drawers)
How it helps: absorbs moisture and odors moths like.
How to use:
- Place baking soda in small open containers or cloth sachets
- Put in closets, drawers, storage boxes
- Replace monthly
Avoid direct contact with fabrics.
5. Mice / Rats (Important Clarification)
⚠️ Baking soda does NOT reliably eliminate rodents.
What it can do:
- Reduce food smells
- Discourage nesting areas
- Support cleanliness
How to use:
- Sprinkle baking soda in trash areas or corners to absorb odors
- Never rely on it as a rodent control method
Rodents require sealing, traps, or professional help.
6. Spiders
How it helps: makes areas less attractive.
How to use:
- Sprinkle baking soda along baseboards, windows, corners
- Focus on dry areas spiders prefer
Spiders often leave when insects (their food source) disappear.
Safety Tips
- Keep away from pets and children
- Do not mix with chemical pesticides
- Use dry—moisture reduces effectiveness
Final Thought
Baking soda works best as a supportive, preventative tool, not a one-step solution. Clean spaces, sealed cracks, and consistency matter more than any single ingredient.
Sometimes pest control isn’t about stronger chemicals—it’s about making your home quietly unwelcoming.
