Bicarb Soda: The Surprising Pest-Repelling Superstar

As of November 18th, 2025, a Brisbane-based cleaning expert has revealed a budget-friendly solution to combat summer pest woes. According to the expert, a common household ingredient - bicarb soda - can effectively repel cockroaches without the need for expensive insect sprays.

The expert explained that sprinkling bicarb soda in cockroach-prone areas acts as a deterrent, as it disrupts the scent trails that crawling creatures use to find their way. Additionally, combining bicarb soda with lavender oil can further enhance the pest-repelling properties. The lavender's strong scent helps drive away the unwanted invaders.

The best part? Bicarb soda is an incredibly affordable solution, costing just $2.45 for a 500g pack at Woolworths. This budget-friendly hack is sure to be welcomed by Sydneysiders, as multiple suburbs across the Harbour City were recently named among the most pest-infested in Australia.

Beyond cockroaches, the expert also shared other simple tips to keep various household pests at bay, such as using soap to repel spiders and peppermint oil to deter bugs from indoor walls.