Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the toothpaste and water. Stir until the toothpaste is completely dissolved. This might take a few minutes, as toothpaste is not designed to dissolve quickly in water.
Add Dish Soap: Stir in the dish soap. The dish soap helps break down oils and enhances the mixture’s ability to stick to surfaces, increasing the effectiveness of the repellent.
Transfer to Spray Bottle: Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. If there are undissolved particles of toothpaste, use a funnel lined with a coffee filter to strain them out as you pour.
Application: Spray the mixture around areas where ants and mites are frequently observed. Common areas include window sills, doorways, kitchen counters, and bathroom corners. Avoid spraying directly on plants as the soap and toothpaste may harm them.
Reapply as Needed: Depending on the severity of your pest issue, reapply the mixture every few days or after cleaning the treated areas. Always shake the bottle well before use, as the ingredients might separate over time.
How It Works:
Scent: Most toothpaste formulas contain strong scents, especially mint, which is repellent to many types of insects, including ants and mites. The odor interferes with their pheromone trails and deters them from entering the sprayed areas.
Essential Oils: Some toothpastes include essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil, which have natural insect-repelling properties.
Soap: The addition of dish soap increases the mixture’s adherence to surfaces and can suffocate insects by breaking down their exoskeletal lipids.
This homemade repellent is a convenient and non-toxic way to help manage minor ant and mite problems. However, for more severe infestations, it may be necessary to consult professional pest control services.
