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In the world of pest control, many people instinctively turn to store-bought sprays and toxic chemicals. But what if one of the most effective solutions for getting rid of unwanted household pests is already sitting in your kitchen cupboard?
Enter baking soda — the humble white powder with powerful, natural pest-repelling properties.
Recent interest in DIY pest control has brought this common household ingredient back into the spotlight. And with good reason. When paired with simple items like water or sugar, baking soda becomes a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical treatments. Even better, it’s safe to use around pets and children — unlike many over-the-counter insecticides.
Let’s explore how and why baking soda works, and which pests it targets most effectively.
How Baking Soda Works Against Pests
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a naturally occurring compound with mildly abrasive, drying, and alkaline properties. It’s commonly used for cleaning, deodorizing, and even treating minor health issues. But when it comes to pests, it becomes deadly — for very specific biological reasons.
Here’s how it works:
Gas Build-Up in Insects: Insects like cockroaches, ants, and bed bugs cannot process gas the way mammals can. When they ingest baking soda — often mixed with sugar or another attractant — it reacts with their stomach acid and releases carbon dioxide gas. Since these pests cannot release the gas, it builds up internally and becomes lethal.
Desiccation: Baking soda can dehydrate insects by breaking down their waxy outer layer. This disrupts their water balance and can lead to death from dehydration.
Abrasive Action: The grainy texture of baking soda can physically harm soft-bodied pests, damaging their outer shells or digestive systems.
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