Toothpaste: A Surprising Ally Against Cockroaches and Ants — A Step-by-Step Guide

Absolutely! While it might sound surprising, toothpaste—especially mint or fluoride-based varieties—can be a cheap, chemical-free solution to deter or even kill cockroaches and ants. This works because the strong scent (particularly menthol) disrupts their scent trails and irritates their senses, while certain ingredients can be toxic to insects when ingested.

Here’s a step-by-step DIY guide (or “recipe”) to use toothpaste as a natural pest repellent.

???????? Toothpaste: A Surprising Ally Against Cockroaches and Ants

???? Why It Works:

• Mint/menthol: Overpowers insect scent trails and repels them.
• Fluoride & detergents: Toxic when consumed by ants or roaches.
• Sticky texture: Can trap smaller pests.
• Sugar (optional): Attracts them to the bait.

???? Toothpaste Pest Bait Recipe (Safe for Indoor Use)

???? Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons white mint toothpaste (avoid gel)
• 1 tablespoon baking soda (kills pests by producing gas inside them)
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional, to attract them)
• 1 teaspoon water (to make it spreadable)
• Cotton balls, bottle caps, or cardboard pieces (for bait stations)
• Gloves (optional, for application)

????️ Instructions:

1. Mix the ingredients
   In a small bowl, combine the toothpaste, baking soda, and sugar/honey. Stir in a bit of water to get a paste-like consistency.
2. Prepare bait stations
   • Place small amounts of the mixture onto cotton balls, old bottle caps, or pieces of cardboard.
   • These act as “stations” that you can place discreetly around your home.
3. Strategic placement
   Put the bait stations in areas where ants or cockroaches are commonly seen:
   • Under the sink
   • Behind appliances
   • Inside cabinets
   • Along baseboards
   • Near garbage bins
4. Leave overnight
   Let the bait sit for 24–48 hours. You’ll often notice a decrease in insect activity within 1–3 days.
5. Repeat and refresh
   Reapply every few days for best results, especially in humid areas or if the paste dries out.

???? For Repelling (Not Killing): Toothpaste Barrier Paste

If you want to repel rather than kill:

Ingredients:

• Plain white mint toothpaste
• A few drops of peppermint oil (optional for extra potency)

How to Use:

1. Dab a small amount of toothpaste along windowsills, door cracks, and any small crevices.
2. Reapply every few days or after cleaning.

⚠️ Cautions:

• Keep away from pets and small children—toothpaste is not safe to ingest in large amounts.
• This is a temporary home remedy. For major infestations, consult a pest control professional.
• Avoid using near food prep areas.

✅ Benefits of Using Toothpaste:

• Cheap and readily available
• Non-toxic alternative to sprays
• Easy to apply and clean up
• No strong chemical smells