Put this in your house and you will never see flies, mosquitoes or cockroaches again!

few things ruin a peaceful evening at home faster than pests. You sit down with dinner, only to find a fly circling your plate like it paid rent. You turn on the kitchen light, and there it is—a cockroach scurrying for cover under the sink. Mosquitoes, buzzing in the background, wait for their chance to feast. These small but persistent invaders make homes feel less like sanctuaries and more like battlegrounds. But here’s the good news: you probably already have the tools to fight back, tucked away in your bathroom and pantry

The trick relies on a combination of everyday ingredients that, when mixed together, create a scent and atmosphere that bugs can’t stand. Unlike chemical sprays or expensive traps, this is a quick, affordable, and non-toxic way to reclaim your home.

Why It Works

The foundation of this natural deterrent lies in peppermint, baking soda, and vinegar. Each on its own has properties that pests dislike, but together, they pack a punch.

Peppermint and mint toothpaste release a sharp, cooling fragrance that flies, mosquitoes, and roaches find overwhelming. Insects rely heavily on scent to navigate and locate food sources. When their environment smells like a cloud of mint, it disorients them, pushing them to flee rather than settle.

Pair that with the fizzing reaction between baking soda and vinegar. When combined, the mixture produces carbon dioxide and a brief foaming action. While short-lived, this reaction intensifies the odor and leaves behind a subtle, lingering sharpness in the air. Roaches, in particular, dislike the disruption and chemical edge of this blend. Together, the toothpaste, soda, and vinegar create a hostile environment for pests without being harsh on your home.

What You’ll Need

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

Within an hour, you should notice the atmosphere shifting. The faint minty aroma freshens the room, and the usual fly activity decreases. Mosquitoes tend to avoid spaces scented with peppermint, while roaches—sensitive to odors and startled by the baking soda–vinegar reaction—often vacate their hiding spots.

It won’t feel like a chemical spray that kills instantly, because it isn’t one. Instead, think of it as making your home inhospitable to pests. They simply decide it isn’t worth staying.

Keeping It Effective

Because the scent fades over time, refresh the mixture every two to three days. During summer or warm months, keep a fresh container near frequently opened doors or windows. If you live in an area where mosquitoes thrive, place one near your bed or sitting area in the evening.

Remember: prevention is just as important. Keep surfaces clean, wipe away spills, and store food in sealed containers. No repellent, natural or chemical, can fully compensate for poor hygiene

Safety Notes

This mixture is safe for most household use, but a few cautions apply:

Keep all repellents out of reach of children.
Essential oils can irritate skin and are toxic to many pets, especially cats. If you have pets, skip the oil and stick to the toothpaste–baking soda–vinegar base.
If applying to painted or delicate surfaces, test a small area first.
This is a deterrent, not a pesticide. For heavy infestations, combine it with deep cleaning, sealing cracks and entry points, and—if necessary—professional pest control.
Small Trick, Big Results
The brilliance of this method is its simplicity. With nothing more than toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar, and water, you can turn your home into a place pests would rather avoid. It costs pennies, takes minutes to prepare, and doesn’t involve spraying harsh chemicals where you eat, sleep, and live.

Next time you hear the annoying buzz of a fly near your fruit bowl or see a cockroach dart for cover, remember: you don’t need to panic or run to the store. The solution might already be sitting in your bathroom cabinet and kitchen pantry. A little mint, a little fizz, and a little planning go a long way toward restoring peace in your home.