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Introduction
Dealing with rats and cockroaches can be a frustrating and persistent problem for many households. While commercial pesticides are effective, they often contain harsh chemicals that may be harmful to pets, children, and the environment. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives using everyday ingredients that can help keep these pests at bay. This article explores simple, safe, and eco-friendly DIY tips utilizing items like rice and other natural products you probably already have at home.
Ingredients
Uncooked white rice
Baking soda
Bay leaves
Peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil
Garlic cloves
Vinegar
Boric acid powder (optional and to be used with caution)
Dried chili flakes
Cotton balls
Instructions
1. Rice and Baking Soda Mix (For Rats):
Mix equal parts of uncooked white rice and baking soda in a small container.
Place the mixture near areas where rats frequent, such as along walls, behind appliances, or in corners.
Rats eat the rice, and the baking soda reacts inside their stomachs, helping to eliminate them naturally.
2. Bay Leaves and Peppermint Oil (For Cockroaches):
Scatter dried bay leaves in cabinets, cupboards, and other cockroach-prone areas.
Dab a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them strategically around your kitchen and bathroom.
Both bay leaves and peppermint oil act as natural repellents by overwhelming the cockroach’s sensitive smell receptors.
3. Garlic and Vinegar Spray (Cockroach Deterrent):
Crush several garlic cloves and steep them in a cup of vinegar overnight.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it around doorways, windows, and cracks.
This powerful scent keeps cockroaches at bay without harmful chemicals.
4. Boric Acid and Chili Flakes Powder (Cockroach Control – Use with Care):
Mix a small amount of boric acid with dried chili flakes.
Sprinkle this powder in corners and dark places.
Boric acid is effective but should be used with caution around children and pets.
Serving and Storage Tips
Store your rice and baking soda mixture in a sealed container if you plan to replenish it frequently.
Replace bay leaves and cotton balls with peppermint oil every few weeks to maintain effectiveness.
Keep garlic-vinegar spray refrigerated and shake well before each use; discard if it smells off.
Boric acid powder should be kept out of reach of children and pets, preferably in labeled containers.
Variations
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