In the fight against pests such as mice and rats, many solutions have been developed over time, from traditional traps to chemicals. However, an alternative and ecological solution is increasingly emerging as an effective option: baking soda. Not only is this versatile white powder commonly used in cooking and household cleaning, but it can also be an inexpensive and safe way to deter unwanted rodents.
**The mode of action of baking soda:**
Baking soda acts as a repellent agent due to its odor and chemical composition. Mice and rats have a keen sense of smell, and they generally avoid areas where the smell of baking soda is present in large quantities. Additionally, when they ingest baking soda, it disrupts their digestive system by causing excessive gas, which can lead to their death.
**How to use baking soda to repel mice and rats:**
1. **Spread around entrance areas:**
Mice and rats tend to enter homes through small openings and cracks. Sprinkling baking soda around these areas can deter them from entering.
2. **Place bait stations:**
By mixing baking soda with a rodent-attracting food bait, such as peanut butter, and placing these stations near areas where rodents are active, you can attract rodents to the baking soda.
3. **Use baking soda packets:**
Placing baking soda packets in areas where rodents hide, such as cabinets or attics, can help repel pests.
**Advantages of baking soda over other methods:**
1. **Non-toxic:**
Unlike many chemicals used to control pests, baking soda is safe to use around children and pets.
2. **Economic:**
Baking soda is affordable and often already found in many homes for a variety of uses, making it an inexpensive option for pest control.
3. **Versatile:**
Besides being effective against mice and rats, baking soda has many other uses around the home, making it a versatile product.
In conclusion, baking soda offers an environmentally friendly, affordable and effective solution to deter mice and rats. By using it strategically around your home and combining with other pest control practices, you can keep your home free of unwanted rodents in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
