We’ve all experienced that annoying scene: a fly buzzing endlessly around the fruit basket, or worse… a sneaky cockroach darting under the sink. These unwanted guests, as persistent as they are undesirable, can quickly turn your home into a battleground. But what if the solution was already in your bathroom and kitchen cupboard? A simple trick, using everyday ingredients, could make all the difference…
Why do insects flee from this natural mixture?
Imagine a minty breeze tickling your nose… Pleasant for us. But for insects, it’s a red alert! The combination of peppermint and toothpaste creates a powerful scent that mosquitoes, flies, and even cockroaches can’t stand. Add to that the fizzing reaction of baking soda and white vinegar, and you get a chemical and olfactory cocktail these pests will avoid at all costs.
How to make this homemade repellent in 5 minutes flat
No need to be a chemistry expert! Here’s what you’ll need:
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1 tablespoon of mint toothpaste
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1 tablespoon of baking soda
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1 tablespoon of white vinegar
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120 ml of warm water
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5 to 10 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional but recommended)
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Small shallow containers (jar lids, saucers, etc.)
In a small bowl, mix the toothpaste and baking soda until you get a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the vinegar — it will fizz, and that’s totally normal! Then, add the warm water while stirring well. For an extra punch, add a few drops of peppermint essential oil.
Pour the mixture into your small containers, then place them in strategic spots: behind trash cans, near sinks, windows, or in dark corners.
And after one hour, what happens?
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