Mix 2/3 cup baking soda, 2/3 cup flour, and 2/3 cup sugar
Add a small amount of water to form a dough-like consistency
Roll the mixture into small balls
Place these balls in areas with rodent activity
The mixture causes gas to build up in the rodent’s digestive system
Note: For severe rodent infestations, professional pest control services are usually more effective and humane.
Preventative Measures Using Baking Soda
Beyond treating active infestations, baking soda can be used preventatively:
Natural Repellent Sprays
All-Purpose Pest Repellent:
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water
Add a few drops of dish soap
Pour into a spray bottle
Apply to areas prone to pest activity
Reapply weekly as a preventative measure
Garden Applications
Plant Fungus Prevention:
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 gallon of water
Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and a few drops of dish soap
Transfer to a spray bottle
Apply to plants to prevent fungal diseases that attract certain pests
Spray once a week, preferably in the morning
Limitations and Considerations
While baking soda offers a natural alternative to chemical pesticides, it’s important to recognize its limitations:
Effectiveness Varies: Results can vary depending on the type of pest and severity of infestation. Professional pest control may be necessary for severe cases.
Not Immediate: Unlike chemical pesticides, baking soda solutions may take longer to produce noticeable results.
Regular Application Needed: Most baking soda treatments require consistent reapplication to maintain effectiveness.
Safety Precautions: Though generally safer than chemical options, keep baking soda mixtures away from children and pets, especially those containing sugar or other attractants.
Complementary Approach: For best results, use baking soda as part of a comprehensive pest management strategy that includes proper sanitation and exclusion methods.
Other Natural Pest Control Companions
For enhanced effectiveness, consider combining baking soda with these other natural pest control methods:
