Baking soda is an effective natural remedy to control cockroaches. It dehydrates the exoskeleton of cockroaches, eventually leading to their death. To use it, mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar in a bowl and place it in areas where cockroaches are commonly seen. The sugar will attract the cockroaches, and the baking soda will kill them. Baking soda is a natural and inexpensive alternative to chemical insecticides. It is safe for humans and pets and does not leave any harmful residue. However, it may not be effective against a large infestation, and care should be taken when using it. It can be harmful if ingested in large amounts or if it comes in contact with the skin, so it is necessary to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Chemical Composition of Baking Soda
The chemical molecular formula of baking soda is NaHCO3. It is made up of sodium ions (Na+), hydrogen ions (H+), bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), and water (H2O). It is a white crystalline powder with a slightly salty and alkaline taste. When mixed with acidic substances, baking soda reacts and produces carbon dioxide gas.
Does Baking Soda Kill Cockroaches?
Baking soda has been proven to be an effective and natural remedy to kill cockroaches. The powder is abrasive and dehydrates the exoskeleton of the cockroach, leading to roach death. It disrupts the acid-base balance in the cockroach’s digestive system, leading to its eventual death. When mixed with sugar, baking soda can attract cockroaches, making it easier to eliminate them. Baking soda is non-toxic and does not leave any harmful residue. It may not be effective against a large infestation, but it can be a helpful natural solution to control cockroaches in small numbers.
How to use Baking Soda to kill roaches?
Baking Soda and Sugar
Combine equal parts of baking soda and sugar in a bowl and place them in areas where cockroaches are commonly found. The sugar will attract the cockroaches, and the baking soda will kill them. Repeat the process until the infestation is under control.
Baking Soda and Water
Create a baking soda and water paste, then apply it in the cockroach-infested areas. The baking soda dehydrates the cockroach, leading to its death.
Baking Soda and Borax
Mix baking soda and borax in a bowl and sprinkle the mixture in areas where cockroaches are found. The borax will attract the cockroaches, and the baking soda will kill them.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Apply baking soda and vinegar paste in the areas infested by roaches. The mixture reacts and releases carbon dioxide gas, which can suffocate and kill the cockroaches.
Baking Soda and Essential Oils
Sprinkle baking soda and essential oils such as peppermint or tea tree oil in cockroach-rich areas. The essential oils repel the cockroaches, while the baking soda kills them.
How long does it take baking soda to kill roaches?
The time baking soda takes to kill cockroaches depends on the application method and the infestation’s severity. It can take a few days to a week for baking soda to kill cockroaches effectively. When using a bait or trap method, the sugar or borax mixed with the baking soda can attract the cockroaches and cause them to consume the baking soda. This can lead to the cockroaches dying within a few days. Using a direct application method, such as a paste or spray, may take a bit longer for the baking soda to work. The baking soda will dehydrate the cockroach, leading to its eventual death, which can take a few days.