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

Keep Flies, Mosquitoes, and Cockroaches Out of Your Home With This Simple Natural Remedy

Few things can ruin the comfort of a home faster than pests. You sit down for a quiet dinner and suddenly a fly hovers over your plate like it belongs there. You turn on the kitchen light and a cockroach darts across the counter, disappearing into a crack before you can reach it. Or maybe you’re finally about to fall asleep when the high-pitched whine of a mosquito fills the room, promising a long, itchy night. These tiny intruders may be small, but they have a way of making your sanctuary feel like a battleground.

Most of us turn to chemical sprays, expensive traps, or professional exterminators when the problem gets bad. But here’s the good news: you don’t always need to. In fact, you may already have the tools to drive pests away, sitting quietly in your bathroom cabinet or pantry. A handful of simple, everyday ingredients—peppermint toothpaste, baking soda, and vinegar—can work together to create a scent and environment that most bugs can’t tolerate.

This is not a quick-kill pesticide, and it won’t leave your home reeking of harsh chemicals. Instead, it’s an affordable, safe, and effective way to make your house a place pests would rather avoid.

Why This Works

The foundation of this remedy lies in the strong smell of peppermint, the foaming reaction of baking soda and vinegar, and the natural disruption these create for insects. Flies, mosquitoes, and roaches rely heavily on scent to locate food and navigate their surroundings. Peppermint, with its sharp cooling fragrance, overwhelms their senses and throws them off balance. Roaches in particular are known to dislike strong, minty odors. That’s why peppermint essential oil is often used in natural repellents. Add to that the fizzing reaction between baking soda and vinegar. When these two mix, they create carbon dioxide and a temporary foaming action. While the reaction only lasts for a short time, it leaves behind a sharp scent and a subtle chemical edge that roaches especially dislike. Combined with peppermint, this creates a hostile atmosphere for pests without being harmful to people.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment or costly products. Just gather these common household items: 1 tablespoon of mint toothpaste, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, ½ cup (120 ml) of lukewarm water, 5–10 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional, but makes the effect stronger), a small bowl and spoon for mixing, and shallow containers such as jar lids, bottle caps, or small saucers.

How to Make the Mixture

Start by mixing the toothpaste and baking soda together until you form a smooth paste. Slowly add the vinegar. Expect bubbling and fizzing—that’s exactly what you want. Stir in the lukewarm water until the mixture is thin enough to pour but not watery. If you have peppermint essential oil, add a few drops and stir again. Pour the mixture into your small containers. That’s it. In less than five minutes, you’ve created an all-natural pest repellent.

Where to Place It

The placement of your containers makes all the difference. Bugs don’t spread evenly through a house—they target specific zones. Flies usually enter near open doors and windows, mosquitoes seek out humid corners and bedrooms, while cockroaches prefer dark, damp areas close to food or water. Put the containers in these high-traffic spots: behind or beneath trash bins, near sinks and drains, along baseboards and behind appliances, close to doorways and window ledges, and in bedrooms near windows or beds if mosquitoes are a problem. For extra protection, dip a cotton swab into the mixture and smear a thin line along window frames, thresholds, or cracks where pests sneak in. This creates a subtle scent barrier that most insects won’t cross.

What to Expect

Don’t expect the dramatic effect of chemical sprays. You won’t see pests instantly fall over. Instead, the atmosphere in your home gradually becomes inhospitable. Flies will lose interest in circling your food. Mosquitoes will avoid hanging around scented rooms. Roaches, sensitive to both odor and chemical disruption, will start seeking out other hiding places. Within an hour of placing the containers, you’ll likely notice fewer pests moving around. The minty aroma will also freshen your home in the process, leaving rooms smelling clean and crisp.

Keeping It Effective

Because the scent fades over time, the mixture should be refreshed every two to three days. In warmer months, or if you live in an area where mosquitoes thrive, keep a fresh batch near entry points and living spaces. During summer evenings, a container near your bed or sitting area can make a noticeable difference. Of course, even the best repellents work best when combined with prevention. Clean up spills, wipe down counters, take out the trash regularly, and store food in sealed containers. Bugs are opportunists: remove their food sources, and they’ll have little reason to stick around.

Safety Notes

This remedy is safe for most households, but a few precautions apply. Keep the containers out of reach of children. Essential oils can irritate skin and are toxic to pets, especially cats. If you have pets, skip the oil and stick to toothpaste, baking soda, and vinegar. Avoid placing the mixture directly on delicate surfaces. Test a small spot first if you’re unsure. Remember, this is a deterrent, not a pesticide. For heavy infestations, combine it with deep cleaning, sealing entry points, and, if needed, professional pest control.

Why This Trick Is Brilliant

The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity. With ingredients that cost pennies and are already in most homes, you can reclaim your space without exposing yourself or your family to harsh chemicals. Unlike sprays that leave residues on furniture or kitchen counters, this mixture quietly works in the background, creating an environment pests find intolerable. It’s also empowering to know that the solution is within your reach. You don’t have to run to the store in a panic every time you spot a roach or hear the whine of a mosquito. With a little toothpaste, a spoonful of baking soda, and a splash of vinegar, you can take control of your home again.

Final Thoughts

A peaceful home should never feel like a war zone against flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. While no remedy can guarantee a pest-free life forever, this simple combination of mint, baking soda, vinegar, and water provides a safe, effective, and affordable way to tip the odds in your favor. So, the next time you catch a cockroach darting under the fridge or swat away a mosquito by your bedside, remember—you don’t need chemicals or complicated gadgets. The solution is likely already in your kitchen and bathroom. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can turn your home into a space where pests simply don’t want to stay.