Will baking soda kill insect pests like ants, bed bugs, roaches, fleas; and rats? Here is what you need to know.

Baking soda is known to have a lot of uses. Apart from its use in food, it’s also used as a cleaning agent, an air freshener and deodorizer among several others.

However, our focus is on the use of baking powder for pest control.

Join us as we discuss its uses on pests such as rats, bed bugs, ants, fleas and roaches.

Baking Soda for Pest Removal

Baking soda is popularly used in food as a leavening agent.

Also known as sodium bicarbonate, It is white in appearance and has a salty taste. This base mineral has a wide range of uses. Its composition consists of a little bit of cornstarch as well as an acid mineral.

However, we are only interested in discussing its uses for pest control.

Does Baking Soda Kill Rats?

Is killing rats with baking soda possible? Yes, it is. This has been used successfully with impressive results. However, its methods of usage are equally important.

Without applying the right techniques, there would be little or no real impact. Baking soda can be used in its original form for rat control. A recipe can also be prepared. This too is effective on rats.

The “how” of exterminating rats with baking powder is what we are concerned about here. Rats can easily develop resistance to poisons. Especially when the dosage isn’t adequate.

So, how much baking soda is required? At least 2 to 3 grams should be ingested by the rat.

But a rat won’t just start feeding on such baking soda. You’d need to disguise it to look appealing. Baking soda recipe for killing rats can be made by mixing it with sugar and flour. This can be made into balls and kept in strategic areas.

When ingested, baking soda creates excess gas in their stomachs. This is poisonous and leads to their eventual death.

Does Baking Soda Kill Bed Bugs?

The presence of bed bugs can be a torturous experience. But it doesn’t have to be when you can use baking soda to repel them.

Baking soda kills bed bugs. Although best results are obtained when used with other substances like diatomaceous earth.

Having established this fact, knowing how to use it in getting rid of bed bugs is also vital.

The natural absorbing properties of baking soda helps in this regard. Bed bugs have surface liquids on their body that helps keep them hydrated. This is adversely affected when they come in contact with baking soda. As a result, they die of dehydration.

Another way it kills bed bugs is through its abrasive properties.

When sprayed on the floor, carpets, and furniture, baking soda makes it difficult for bed bugs to move. This is because their underbellies particularly affected. Wounds created are infected. Dehydration also results, thereby killing them eventually.

Does Baking Soda Kill Ants?

Ants are among the most common pest problems people have. Unfortunately, This can’t be used to exterminate ant species such as fire ants and carpenter ants. Yes, there are lots of flying theories on how baking soda kills ants. Much of these have been unproven.

One such theory says baking soda, when ingested by ants produces carbon dioxide bubbles. This, in turn, results in an explosion that kills them instantly.

All of these theories relating to the effects of baking soda on ants haven’t been verified. This isn’t to discredit such theories but they aren’t supported by scientific evidence.

So, what next? We recommend using several other proven methods of ant control. A little online research will churn out tons of helpful tips. Nevertheless, do not fall for every strategy you find.

Does Baking Soda Kill Fleas?

Fleas, like bed bugs, feed on blood. These pests are likely to be brought into the home by pets. Your carpets and couches are the most likely areas to find them.

But first, the answer to the question asked is yes. The use of baking soda is an effective way to kill fleas on hardwood floors and other common surfaces.

What more? It will also kill their eggs and larvae. Mixed with table salt, baking soda provides the perfect recipe to rid your home of this pest.

Your baking soda needs to be tested before anything else. Are you surprised? Don’t be. This is a necessary step to ensure it is still active.

One way to find out is by adding a few drops of vinegar to it. This should instantly create a bubble that lasts a few minutes. This shows it’s still active. However, if the bubbles don’t form at all or form slowly, active baking soda will need to be purchased.

Baking soda kills fleas by dehydration. It degrades their body, leading to moisture loss. You’ll need some salt too. This can either be mixed with baking soda or applied separately. When both are mixed, it should be sprinkled on carpet areas as well as furniture.

On the other hand, these can be sprinkled separately.

It should be applied evenly and left overnight. If you have pets, they should be kept away from such areas.

This is to help avoid skin irritations which may result from contact with the mixture. This should be followed by thorough vacuuming to suck up dead fleas, larvae, and eggs. The same process should be repeated for at least 3 days.

Does Baking Soda Kill Roaches?

Yes, it does. But while this is true, you’ll need a baking soda recipe for controlling roaches. So, why is a recipe necessary? It is necessary to help attract roaches.

Roaches are nocturnal pests that are likely to spread diseases.

Therefore, this roach treatment needs to be applied before going to bed.

Other things required include flour, bacon grease, minced onion as well as sugar. These should be poured into a dish and mixed until clumps are formed. This roach recipe should be placed in different parts of your home.

When ingested, it becomes poisonous by reacting with their internal processes.

Baking Soda Use in Pest Control – Safety Considerations

This is an important aspect of pest control. Baking soda, in this case very harmless.

It is used around the home for several purposes including personal hygiene as well as a cleaning agent. This can be generously applied for the best results.