Have you noticed ants, bugs, or roaches finding their way into your home? Before turning to strong chemical sprays, you can try a few simple household ingredients. Coffee grounds and baking soda are inexpensive options that may help discourage certain pests when combined with good cleaning and prevention habits.

Used coffee grounds can be sprinkled around doorways, cracks, patios, and other areas where insects may enter. Their strong smell may discourage ants and some crawling insects. They are not a guaranteed solution for an infestation, but they can be a useful part of a pest-prevention routine. Plus, you can reuse something that would normally end up in the trash.

Baking soda is another common ingredient found in DIY pest-control methods. A popular mixture combines equal parts baking soda and sugar. The sugar can attract certain insects, while the baking soda may affect pests that consume it. Small amounts can be placed near areas where insects are active, but they should always be kept away from children and pets.

For better results, focus on common entry points such as windowsills, garage entrances, patio doors, and cracks or crevices. Keeping floors and surfaces free of crumbs, storing food properly, and sealing gaps can make these methods more useful. Coffee grounds can also be added to compost, giving them another purpose around the home.

Coffee grounds and baking soda are not replacements for professional pest control when you have a serious infestation, but they can be affordable tools for prevention. The next time you make coffee, think twice before throwing away the grounds. As the original article puts it, “these everyday kitchen staples may help make your home a less inviting place for ants, bugs, and roaches.”