Have you ever flipped on the kitchen light at night only to see a cockroach dash across the floor? Or maybe you spotted a lizard clinging to the wall near your pantry? Few things make a home feel less comfortable than these uninvited guests. What if something as simple as an onion could help keep them away?
Unwanted pests are more than just unpleasant to look at—they can bring health risks into your home. Cockroaches, for example, may carry bacteria on their legs and spread it onto surfaces where you prepare food. Their droppings and shed skins can also trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive people. Lizards, though often harmless, can leave droppings that make your home feel unclean. Many households turn immediately to chemical sprays, but those can leave behind strong odors and residues that you may not want around your family or pets.
The urgency is clear. If pests are left unchecked, they multiply quickly, turning a small nuisance into a major problem. Cockroaches can lay dozens of eggs at a time, and lizards often follow where insects thrive. Before you know it, your kitchen, bathroom, or garage may feel like their territory. The problem becomes even harder if you live in warm or humid areas where these creatures thrive year-round.
But here’s where the suspense begins. Over the years, people have discovered creative, natural ways to discourage pests from entering their space. Imagine opening your fridge, pulling out an onion, and using it in a way you never thought possible. In a moment, I’ll reveal the simple steps, but first let’s count down the under-recognized strategies that may help you reclaim your home.
- Keep surfaces dry and clean. Pests are drawn to crumbs, spills, and standing water. Wiping counters and fixing leaks can drastically cut down on what attracts them. Mini-hook: the fewer reasons pests have to come in, the less often you’ll see them.
- Seal cracks and entry points. A tiny gap under your door or around your window may serve as a pest highway. Some studies suggest that even a strip of weather seal or caulk can help block access.
- Natural repellents like bay leaves or cloves. Their strong scents are often under-recognized but may discourage insects from staying in cupboards or corners. Mini-hook: your spice rack might double as your pest control kit.
- Onion slices combined with a sprinkle of salt. The odor may help deter cockroaches, which rely heavily on scent to find food sources. Placing this mixture in corners, under sinks, or near garbage areas may discourage them from lingering.
- The magic onion blend. This is the most surprising part. When onions are chopped and mixed with a bit of baking soda, the strong scent may help drive pests like cockroaches and even lizards away. Unlike chemical sprays, this method uses everyday ingredients you already trust in your kitchen.
Making the mixture is simple. Chop one medium onion and mix it with a spoonful of baking soda. Place small portions in open containers and set them in areas where pests appear most often—behind the fridge, under the sink, or near entry points. Replace every couple of days to keep the scent strong. Always place it out of reach of pets or children, since onions are not safe for them to consume. And before adopting any new routine, consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about sensitivity or safety.
This method won’t kill pests instantly, but it may encourage them to stay away from your living spaces. Combined with good cleaning habits and sealed entry points, it becomes part of a bigger strategy to keep your home fresh and pest-free. Imagine walking into your kitchen and not feeling the dread of spotting something scuttling across the floor.
So why not give it a try? Start with one onion and a pinch of baking soda tonight. See how your space feels over the next week. Sometimes the simplest solutions—ones sitting right in your pantry—can make the biggest difference.
This article is informational only and does not replace professional medical advice — recommend readers consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
