Have you ever caught a line of ants on your kitchen countertop or a cockroach inviting itself into your home without embarrassment? We all know that moment of annoyance when we ask ourselves: “But how can I get rid of it without turning my house into a chemical laboratory?” (Hint: the solution could well be in your bathroom… and in your flour cupboard!)
Why do these unwanted visitors love our kitchens?
It’s a fact: our kitchen is a little paradise for insects. Heat, forgotten crumbs, humidity… It’s a real all-you-can-eat buffet for cockroaches and ants. And even if you clean regularly, all it takes is a small crack or a little spilled sugar for them to arrive en masse.
In the face of this, commercial products promise impressive results. But between their price, their sometimes aggressive composition, and the precautions to be taken with children or animals, many are looking for gentler alternatives… and just as effective!
An amazing homemade toothpaste recipe
Here is an economical and natural tip, which has been circulating for some time on the Internet version of grandmother’s remedy forums. The idea? Make small homemade balls from everyday ingredients. This mixture acts as both an irresistible bait and an effective repellent.
What you need:
- 3 teaspoonssugar
- 4 tablespoonsflour
- 3 teaspoonsof toothpaste (classic white paste type, avoid colored gels)
- 3 teaspoons water
- A small bowlfor mixing
The steps:
We mix everything up!
In your bowl, pour the sugar, flour, toothpaste, and water. Stir well until you get a homogeneous dough, not too liquid or too dry.
We shape small balls
With your fingers (or a small spoon), form balls the size of a hazelnut.
We place them in the right places
Place these baits in strategic places: under the sink, behind appliances, in the corners of the kitchen or near the garbage can. Caution: Avoid areas accessible to children and pets.
We are repeating the operation
For visible results, repeat this operation two to three times a week for a few weeks. You will gradually see the undesirables become rarer… until it disappears completely.
Why it works (really)
Sugar irresistibly attracts ants and cockroaches, like a jar of jam attracts wasps in summer. But once the trap is set, it’s the toothpaste that comes into play. Thanks to certain agents contained in its formula (such as bicarbonate or fluoride), it acts as a disruptor for these insects, which do not last long after ingesting it.
A few precautions to maximize efficiency
- Hygiene first:No miracle if the kitchen is a mess! Remember to clean surfaces thoroughly, empty the trash regularly and store food in airtight boxes.
- Discreet monitoring:Observe the insects’ favorite places to pass: this is where your little balls will be most effective.
- Blocking the accesses:Take advantage of this period to fill in the cracks, gaps or other passages that these visitors like.
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