If youâve been spending a fortune on pest sprays and traps with little to no results, you might be overlooking one surprisingly effective household solution â toothpaste! Yes, the same tube you use to clean your teeth might just be your secret weapon against unwanted pests.
Hereâs how it works and why many households are turning to this budget-friendly trick:
đ Why Toothpaste?
Toothpaste contains strong-smelling ingredients like peppermint oil, menthol, and baking soda that are actually repellents to many small pests â especially rodents, ants, and cockroaches. The strong scent confuses their senses and disrupts their natural trails.
đޤ How to Use Toothpaste for Pest Control
1. For Ants:
- Identify where ants are entering your kitchen or walls.
- Apply a thin line of toothpaste along windowsills, door frames, or entry points.
- Youâll notice the ants start avoiding those areas almost immediately.
2. For Cockroaches:
- Mix equal parts of toothpaste and sugar.
- Add a pinch of baking soda.
- Place small blobs of this paste in corners, under the fridge, or near cabinets.
This attracts roaches but the baking soda reacts with their system â a natural killer.
3. For Mice:
- Mice hate the strong scent of minty toothpaste.
- Soak cotton balls in toothpaste and place them in mouse-prone areas (behind furniture, near pantries, etc.).
- Replace every few days to keep the scent fresh.
đ§źÂ Bonus Tip: Use White Toothpaste Only
Avoid gel-based or colored toothpaste â they donât work as well and might stain surfaces. Stick to basic white mint toothpaste for the best results.
â ď¸Â Safety Reminder:
While these are safer than chemical sprays, keep all homemade mixtures away from kids and pets. Also, this method helps repel and reduce â not fully eliminate â infestations.
â FAQ
Q: Will this kill pests or just repel them?
A: For ants and mice, it repels. For roaches, it can be lethal if mixed with baking soda and sugar.
Q: Is it safe for my kitchen counters?
A: Yes, but always test a small spot first. Most white toothpastes are safe on tile, wood, or metal.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Reapply every 2â3 days or when the smell fades.
đ â¨Â Next time you spot pests creeping in, donât panic â grab your toothpaste instead of the poison! You might just save money and make your home smell fresher too.
