Does Onion And Baking Soda Kill Insects: The method of attracting or controlling insects using onion and baking soda may seem a bit strange. Many people consider it to be just a home remedy or a baseless belief. But the reality is that behind this, to some extent, science and understanding of the behavior of insects works. Insects are not attracted by any magic, rather they are drawn by smell, moisture and a food source.

What came out in the research?

According to research Repellent activity of green detergents and raw vegetable extracts against Drosophila melanogaster, insects find food through their sense of smell. When onion is cut, it emits a strong smell due to the sulfur compounds present in it. This smell spreads rapidly in the air and seems like food to many insects, especially those insects which depend on rotten substances. This is the reason why chopped onion can attract insects like flies, ants and cockroaches.

baking soda roll

Now if we talk about baking soda, its role is slightly different. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, does not attract insects in itself. But when it is mixed with onion or any sweet thing, insects eat this mixture. It is believed that baking soda reacts with the acid present in the body of insects to form gas, which can affect their digestion. However, it is also true that solid scientific evidence on its effectiveness in killing insects is still limited.

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It is also quite easy to make it at home. Cut a small onion and keep it in a shallow vessel. Add one to two spoons of baking soda in it. If you want, you can also add a little sugar to make it more attractive. Keep this vessel in those parts of the kitchen where insects are often seen, like near the sink, around the dustbin or in the corners. Keep in mind that keep changing this mixture every one or two days, because the smell of onion reduces with time. Also keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

based on insect behavior

This method is called bait because it is based on the behavior of insects. According to Anticimex Malaysia, insects are attracted by the smell of onion and eat this mixture, after which the baking soda reacts in their body. However, its effect is not the same on all types of insects, because the reaction of each insect is different.

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