Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine toothpaste and water. Stir until toothpaste is completely dissolved. This may take a few minutes because toothpaste is not designed to dissolve quickly in water.
Add dishwashing liquid: Stir in dishwashing liquid. Dishwashing liquid helps break down oils and increases the mixture’s ability to stick to surfaces, making it more effective as a repellent.
Transfer to spray bottle: Pour mixture into spray bottle. If there are any pieces of undissolved toothpaste, use a funnel lined with a coffee filter to strain them out as you pour. How to use: Spray the mixture in areas where ants and mites are common. Common areas include window sills, doorways, kitchen counters, and bathroom corners. Avoid spraying plants directly, as soap and toothpaste can harm them.
Reapply as needed: Depending on the severity of your pest problem, reapply every few days or after cleaning the treated areas. Always shake the bottle well before use, as the ingredients can separate over time.
How it works:
Fragrance: Most toothpaste formulas contain strong scents, especially peppermint, which repels many types of insects, including ants and mites. The scent disrupts their pheromone trails and deters them from entering the sprayed area.
Essential oils: Some toothpastes contain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil, which have natural insect-repellent properties. Soap: Adding dishwashing liquid increases the adhesion of the mixture to surfaces and can suffocate insects by breaking down their protective lipids. This homemade repellent is a convenient and nontoxic way to deal with minor ant and mite problems, but for more serious infestations, you may need to hire a professional pest control company.
