When it comes to pest control, most people reach for chemical sprays or traps. But what if the solution was already in your kitchen? Onions, the humble vegetable found in nearly every home, are surprisingly effective against a wide range of household pests—from rats and mosquitoes to lice and cockroaches.
Packed with sulfur compounds and a strong, pungent aroma, onions act as a natural repellent that pests simply can’t stand. Best of all? It’s affordable, chemical-free, and safe for homes with pets and kids.
Ready to turn your onions into a natural pest deterrent? Here’s your complete guide on how to do it right.
🐀 Rats & Mice
How to Use:
Slice up a raw onion.
Place slices in rat-prone corners—behind appliances, under sinks, or near trash bins.
Replace daily to maintain the strong smell.
Why it Works:
The powerful sulfur odor of onions overwhelms a rodent’s sensitive nose, making them flee from the area. This is a great short-term repellent for mild infestations.
🦟 Flies & Mosquitoes
How to Use:
Blend one onion with a cup of water.
Strain the mixture and pour into a spray bottle.
Spray around doors, windows, and outdoor seating areas.
Why it Works:
Flies and mosquitoes dislike the strong onion scent, which masks the human scent that typically attracts them. It’s an excellent natural option for outdoor gatherings or summer nights.
🪳 Cockroaches
How to Use:
Create a paste using:
1 onion
1 clove of garlic
1 teaspoon of black pepper
Mix with water to form a spray solution.
Apply in dark, moist areas—under sinks, inside cabinets, or behind the fridge.
Why it Works:
This pungent mix creates an environment that cockroaches can’t tolerate. It disrupts their usual hiding spots and feeding zones.
