For Rats: Rice + Plaster of Paris (Powdered Gypsum)
Rats are smart — but this trick fools them. Combine uncooked rice and plaster of Paris in equal amounts, then add a bit of sugar or cocoa powder for scent. When eaten, the plaster hardens inside their stomachs, providing a humane and efficient result.
Place the mix in shallow dishes along rat trails — behind cabinets or near garbage bins. Keep it away from kids and pets.
Gentler Option: Rice + Sugar + Baking Soda
If you prefer a softer, pet-safe approach, replace plaster or boric acid with baking soda. Mix equal parts uncooked rice, sugar, and baking soda, and leave it in small dishes near pest entry points. The reaction between baking soda and stomach acid creates gas — something rats can’t release — leading to natural results over time.
Extra Natural Deterrents
- Peppermint oil: Soak cotton balls and leave them near doors or holes.
- Bay leaves: Perfect for cupboards — rodents hate the smell.
- Garlic paste or cucumber peels: Keep cockroaches away naturally.
- Clean regularly: A tidy home is your first defense against pests.
Why Go Natural?
Chemical sprays can leave harmful residues and trigger allergies. Natural rice-based methods are non-toxic, inexpensive, and just as effective with a little patience. A few kitchen staples can replace dozens of store-bought products — all while keeping your air and surfaces clean.
The Takeaway
You don’t need a professional exterminator or expensive chemicals to reclaim your home. With a bit of rice, some creativity, and a few pantry items, you can naturally send pests packing — safely and affordably.
👉 Try it yourself! Have you used any other clever home remedies to get rid of pests? Share your experience or favorite trick in the comments below — your idea might help someone else keep their home pest-free!