Does Baking Soda Kill Mice? Here's What to Know

Mice in your home can be more than just an inconvenience, they can pose health risks and cause damage to your property. If you’ve searched for DIY solutions, you’ve probably seen suggestions about using baking soda to kill mice.

But how effective is it? Let’s break down the facts, explore alternatives, and discuss when professional help might be the best choice.

Key Takeaways

Baking soda may kill mice by creating gas in their stomachs, but it is not very reliable.
Mice would need to eat a lot of baking soda, which makes it an unlikely solution.
Better options include traps, natural repellents, and sealing up any entry points to keep mice out.
Professional pest control is the most effective way to get rid of mice and prevent them from returning.

HOW DOES BAKING SODA KILL MICE?

The idea behind using baking soda as a mouse poison is that it reacts with stomach acid to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Consumption: The mouse eats bait containing baking soda mixed with food like peanut butter or cornmeal.
Chemical Reaction: Once ingested, the stomach acid reacts with the baking soda to release carbon dioxide.
Gas Buildup: Since mice cannot burp or vomit to release the gas, it can build up in their digestive system, causing discomfort and potentially fatal blockage.

This process might sound straightforward, but it has significant limitations when used to manage a mouse infestation.

WHY BAKING SODA MAY NOT WORK

Using baking soda to kill mice might sound like a simple solution, but it has some big drawbacks that make it less effective.

For one, mice would need to eat a large amount—over 50% of their diet would have to be baking soda—for it to work. That’s a tall order since mice are naturally cautious and tend to nibble instead of chowing down on something new.

Even if you mix it with tasty bait like peanut butter or cornmeal, they might not eat as much baking soda to cause harm.

And here’s the kicker: these critters can release some of the gas it creates through their digestive system, which means the buildup might not be enough to do serious damage.

All in all, baking soda isn’t the reliable rodent control solution it’s often made out to be.

ALTERNATIVES TO BAKING SODA

If you’re looking for DIY ways to handle the signs of mouse infestations, consider these alternatives that are more reliable than baking soda:

1. Mouse Traps

Mouse traps are a reliable way to manage mice. Snap traps work quickly and effectively, while glue traps are ideal for tight spaces. If you prefer a humane option, live traps let you catch and release mice.

For the best results, place traps near entry points, rodent tracks, or areas with visible droppings.

2. Natural Repellents

Natural remedies can be a great way to keep mice at bay without resorting to harsher solutions. Here are a few options that many homeowners find effective:

Essential Oils: Peppermint and eucalyptus oils can act as natural deterrents.
Ammonia: Its strong odor is unpleasant to mice, encouraging them to avoid treated areas.
Diatomaceous Earth: This natural product can irritate and dehydrate mice if ingested.

HOW TO KEEP MICE OUT OF THE HOME

Getting rid of mice takes a combination of strategies. Here’s what you can do:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, and holes mice could use to enter. Pay special attention to areas around pipes, vents, and windows.
Set Bait Stations: Use rat bait stations containing rodenticides or homemade mixtures like baking soda and peanut butter.
Clean Up: Eliminate food sources and nesting materials by cleaning up crumbs, sealing food in airtight containers, and reducing clutter.

IS IT TIME TO CALL A PEST PROFESSIONAL?

At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer same-day service for homeowners dealing with mouse infestations. Whether you need an exterminator to eliminate an active infestation or ongoing pest control to maintain a mouse-free home, we’re here to help.