Kitchen Tips: Troubled by kitchen pests and cockroaches? This remedy using onions and baking soda works wonders..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 08 Apr, 2026
Onion and Baking Soda Insect Repellent: Do you also find that the moment you switch on the kitchen light at night, you see an army of cockroaches scurrying in every direction? To be honest, they not only look repulsive but also pose a significant threat to your health. If you wish to avoid using chemical-laden sprays, we have just the perfect home hack for you today. With nothing more than a single onion and a little baking soda, you can create an incredibly effective cleaner and repellent.

Homemade Onion and Baking Soda Insect Repellent: It might sound a bit strange, but this combination of onion and baking soda can outperform even the most potent commercial insecticides. If you are plagued by an insect infestation and are looking for a natural solution, give this method a try.
In reality, food items left out in the kitchen and spills on countertops often serve as an open invitation for flies, ants, and stubborn cockroaches. Conversely, the expensive and toxic chemical products available on the market can be detrimental to your health. In such situations, this simple home remedy works like magic. Let's find out how to prepare it.
This remedy operates on the principle of "Lure and Strike." The onion attracts the insects with its pungent aroma, while the baking soda acts as a deadly trap for them. So, let's see what ingredients are required to make this mixture. Ingredients: 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and a pinch of sugar (to further enhance the attraction for insects).
Preparation and Usage: First, finely chop the small onion into small pieces. Place the chopped onion in a small bowl and mix in two teaspoons of baking soda. Sprinkle a little sugar over the mixture and mix everything thoroughly. Now, place small portions of this mixture onto small plates or lids and position them in the corners of your kitchen where insects are most frequently spotted—such as under the sink, near the dustbin, inside cabinets, and behind the gas stove.
How does this remedy work? Insects typically locate their food sources by following scents. The scent of sulfur compounds released by onions acts as a food signal for insects. When cockroaches or ants are lured by the onions, they inadvertently consume the accompanying baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as well. Upon entering the insects' digestive systems, the baking soda generates gas and completely disrupts their internal functions, ultimately leading to their demise.
Caution: The scent of onions tends to dissipate within a day; therefore, for optimal results, prepare a fresh mixture daily. Additionally, ensure that this mixture is kept out of the reach of children and pets.
Other Home Remedies to Protect Your Kitchen from Pests: If you prefer not to use onions, you can try these alternative methods: Peppermint Oil: Insects strongly dislike the pungent aroma of peppermint. Place a few drops of peppermint oil onto cotton balls and position them near windows and doorways.
Neem Oil: Mix neem oil with water and spray it into the corners of your home. Its bitter scent effectively repels insects. Vinegar and Water: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, then use the solution to wipe down kitchen countertops and windowsills. This will prevent flies and ants from entering your home.

Crush dried bay leaves and place them in areas where cockroaches are frequently spotted; the scent of the bay leaves will cause them to flee immediately. Lemon Juice: Add lemon juice to the water you use for mopping; this keeps the floors sanitized and deters ants. By adopting these simple kitchen hacks, you can keep your kitchen clean and safe without the use of any harmful chemicals.
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