1. Ant Control
Baking soda can be sprinkled along ant trails or near their nests. Ants are attracted to sugar, and when they mix the baking soda with food, it can cause digestive issues, eventually leading to their demise. To make it more effective, you can mix baking soda with powdered sugar or cornstarch as an attractant.
2. Roach Control
Baking soda is also effective for roaches. It can be mixed with sugar to create a bait for them. When roaches consume the mixture, the baking soda reacts with their digestive system, causing them to dehydrate and die.
How to use:
-
Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar, and place the mixture in areas where roaches are frequently seen.
-
For added effectiveness, you can add a bit of flour to create a paste, which can be applied directly to surfaces where roaches are active.
3. Fungus Gnat Control
Fungus gnats often thrive in the damp soil of houseplants. Baking soda can help control these pests. It works by disrupting the fungus that gnats feed on, as well as making the soil inhospitable for their larvae.
How to use:
-
Sprinkle a light dusting of baking soda on top of the soil in your plants’ pots.
-
Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of baking soda with water and spray it on the soil.
4. Mold and Mildew Prevention
While not directly a pest control solution, baking soda can help control mold and mildew growth, which may attract pests like ants or roaches. Keeping your home clean and free of excess moisture can help deter pests that thrive in damp environments.
How to use:
-
Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces prone to mold or mildew (e.g., bathrooms, kitchen, or basement).
-
Scrub the affected areas with a damp sponge and rinse off.
5. Repelling Fleas on Pets
Baking soda can be used as a flea repellent on pets. It can help kill flea larvae and eggs, and it may also relieve itching caused by flea bites.
How to use:
-
Sprinkle baking soda on your pet’s fur and gently rub it in.
-
Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes and then comb through the fur to remove any excess baking soda.
6. Preventing Garden Pests
Baking soda can also be used to control pests in your garden. It can deter pests like aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew on plants.
How to use:
-
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 gallon of water and spray it on your plants.
-
For slugs, sprinkle baking soda around the perimeter of your garden to deter them from crossing.
7. Control Fleas in Carpets and Upholstery
Sprinkling baking soda on your carpets and furniture can help in killing fleas, as they tend to dry out the fleas and their larvae.
How to use:
-
Lightly sprinkle baking soda on carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
-
Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda and dead fleas.