Every spring, it felt like the same story.
Tiny ants marching across the kitchen counter.
Silverfish showing up in the bathroom.
The occasional cockroach in the garage.
I found myself reaching for chemical sprays over and over again, but I didn’t always like using them around my home.
Then one afternoon, while helping my grandmother clean her pantry, I noticed a small box sitting on the shelf.
It wasn’t expensive.
It wasn’t labeled as a pest killer.
In fact, I already had one sitting in my own kitchen.
She smiled and said, “You’d be surprised how many things this can do.”
Curious, I started looking into some of the traditional ways people have used baking soda around the house.
While it’s not a miracle solution for every pest problem, I discovered several simple uses that fit nicely into my regular cleaning routine.
Why Baking Soda Is So Popular Around the House
Most people think of baking soda as something for baking.
But it’s also widely used to absorb odors, clean surfaces, and freshen different areas of the home.
Keeping a clean, dry home is one of the best ways to discourage many household pests, and baking soda has become one of my favorite everyday cleaning helpers.
1. Freshen Kitchen Trash Cans
Sprinkling a little baking soda in the bottom of the trash can helps reduce unpleasant odors that can attract insects.
2. Help Keep Ant Trails Cleaner
After wiping away ant trails, I clean the area thoroughly and sprinkle a small amount of baking soda in cracks and crevices to help keep those areas dry and clean.
3. Reduce Moisture in Damp Areas
Silverfish and some other pests prefer damp spaces.
I sometimes place an open container of baking soda in humid cabinets or storage areas to help absorb odors and moisture.
4. Freshen Pet Areas
Keeping pet bedding and feeding areas clean is one of the easiest ways to make the home less inviting to pests.
5. Clean Pantry Shelves
A mixture of baking soda and water makes a gentle paste for cleaning shelves before putting food back.
6. Deodorize Shoe Storage Areas
Odors can attract unwanted visitors.
A little baking soda helps keep these spaces smelling fresher.
7. Freshen Outdoor Garbage Bins
A quick sprinkle after washing the bin helps reduce lingering smells.
8. Clean Around Doorways and Window Tracks
Keeping these areas free of crumbs, dust, and food residue makes them less attractive to insects.
9. Keep the Kitchen Clean Every Day
The biggest lesson I learned wasn’t about baking soda itself.
It was that regular cleaning is one of the most effective ways to discourage household pests from settling in.
My Favorite Homemade Cleaning Paste
One recipe I still use every week is incredibly simple.
You’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- Enough water to form a thick paste
- A soft sponge or cloth
Mix into a paste and use it to gently clean sinks, stovetops, trash can lids, and other hard surfaces.
Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly afterward.
It’s one of the easiest homemade cleaners I’ve ever used.
One Final Thought
I used to think keeping pests away meant filling the house with strong-smelling chemicals.
Now I’ve learned that good housekeeping habits often make the biggest difference.
Regular cleaning, storing food properly, fixing leaks, and keeping moisture under control are some of the most effective ways to make your home less inviting to unwanted visitors.
And while baking soda isn’t a magic solution for every pest problem, it’s one inexpensive pantry staple that has certainly earned a permanent place in my cleaning routine.
