No special equipment is required. Just gather these common household items:
1 tablespoon mint toothpaste
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon white vinegar
120 ml (½ cup) lukewarm water
5–10 drops peppermint essential oil (optional, but it strengthens the effect)
A bowl and spoon for mixing
Small, shallow containers like jar lids or saucers
How to Make the Mix
Start by blending the toothpaste and baking soda together until you have a smooth paste.
Add the vinegar slowly. Expect foaming—that’s the reaction working as intended.
Stir in the warm water until the mixture is even and slightly thin.
If you’re using peppermint essential oil, add it now and stir again.
Pour the finished liquid into your small containers.
That’s it. The whole process takes less than five minutes, and you’ve just created an all-natural bug repellent.
Where to Place It
Strategic placement makes all the difference. Flies and mosquitoes sneak in through open windows and doors, while roaches favor dark, damp corners. Position your containers in high-traffic areas for pests:
Behind trash bins
Near sinks and drains
Close to doors and windows
Along baseboards or behind appliances
For extra protection, dip a cotton swab into the mixture and smear a thin line along thresholds, baseboards, or window frames. This not only deters insects but also forms a subtle barrier where pests might enter.
What to Expect
