DIY Natural Pest Repellent Using Toothpaste and Common Household Items
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of minty toothpaste
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 5 to 10 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional, but enhances potency)
- ½ cup of warm water
- A small bowl, jar lid, or shallow dish for the mixture
How to Make It:
- Start by placing 1 tablespoon of toothpaste into a small bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Slowly add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. The mixture will start to fizz — this is expected.
- Pour in ½ cup of warm water and mix until smooth and even.
- If desired, add 5 to 10 drops of peppermint essential oil to strengthen its pest-repelling qualities.
- Pour the mixture into small, shallow containers like jar lids or small plates.
- Place these around your home — in corners, near trash bins, under sinks, or by windows.
What to Expect Within an Hour
- The minty scent from the toothpaste and essential oil deters mosquitoes and flies.
- The combination of baking soda and vinegar creates conditions that cockroaches find intolerable.
- Within just an hour, you’ll likely notice fewer pests as they begin to vacate the treated areas.
Helpful Tips
- Refresh the mixture every two to three days to maintain its effectiveness.
- For added coverage, dip a cotton swab into the solution and apply a thin layer behind appliances or along baseboards where pests may enter.
This simple, natural solution can be an easy and inexpensive way to help keep unwanted insects at bay.
