No reliable pest-killing use for baking soda is established by the extension and government sources reviewed here. That means it would be misleading to promise three pests it kills—or to name three it does not. Baking soda is discussed in gardening guidance for limited plant-disease control, not as a validated insecticide. For ants, cockroaches or suspected termites, use pest-specific measures instead.
Why there is no reliable “three pests it kills” list
Household recipes often combine baking soda with sugar or other ingredients, but the sources reviewed do not establish that those mixtures reliably kill any particular pest. They also do not establish a dependable list of three pests baking soda will not kill. The evidence does not prove that baking soda could never affect a pest under any conditions; it does mean there is no sound basis here to recommend it as pest control.
The distinction matters because similar-sounding natural products have different uses. The University of Florida IFAS discusses sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and potassium bicarbonate in the context of plant diseases, noting limited disease-control performance and possible plant injury from sufficiently concentrated or repeated applications. That discussion does not validate baking soda as an insecticide. Read the UF/IFAS guidance on natural products for managing landscape and garden pests.
UF/IFAS separately describes diatomaceous earth as a material that can dehydrate certain insects, including ants, fleas, bed bugs and cockroaches. It also notes copper residue can deter slug and snail feeding. Those claims concern different materials; they are not evidence that baking soda does the same. See UF/IFAS’s overview of natural pest and disease management.
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What to do about the pests people commonly ask about
Ants: target the colony, not just visible foragers
Killing ants seen walking across a counter is not the same as controlling the colony. UC IPM notes that contact insecticides can quickly kill foragers but do not control the colony; colony-oriented baits are more relevant to longer-term control. Follow the product label and place bait where children and pets cannot reach it. UC IPM’s ant guidance explains the difference between contact control and colony control.
Cockroaches: identify the species and remove access to food and shelter
UC IPM recommends identifying the cockroach species, improving sanitation and excluding pests by closing entry points. If insecticides are needed, baits are a primary approach and generally provide better control than sprays; results can take a week or longer. A serious indoor infestation may require professional service. Read and follow the label for any pesticide. Consult UC IPM’s cockroach guidance. The University of Maryland Extension also discusses purpose-made baits and boric acid, with label reading and safety precautions emphasized: Maryland Extension’s cockroach resource.
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Termites: get an inspection if you suspect structural activity
Do not rely on baking soda for suspected termites or damage to a building. EPA describes options including soil-applied termiticides, bait systems and wood treatments. In most cases, termiticide application is properly performed by trained pest-management professionals, and companies offering termite services must be licensed by the state. EPA also cautions that a product that merely claims to kill termites has not demonstrated that it protects a structure. Read the EPA’s termite identification and control guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose a pest-control method
Before using a product or home remedy, check four things:
Quick Recap
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- Correct pest and site: Identify the pest and confirm the product label covers both that pest and the place you intend to use it.
- Individual insect or infestation: A method that kills exposed insects may not reach a colony or resolve an infestation.
- Safe use: Follow the label’s directions for placement, application and precautions, especially around children and pets.
- Need for professional help: Arrange an inspection when the problem is persistent, severe or could involve structural termites; termite services should be provided by a state-licensed company.
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