On the surface, the idea of using onions and baking soda to attract or control pests might seem a little out of the ordinary. In fact, many people might even go so far as to believe it’s just a trick or folklore that has been passed down without any basis in fact. However, the fact remains that the idea behind using onions and baking soda to control pests has a basis in fact and a basis in the chemistry and behaviour of the pests. For instance, pests aren’t attracted to things because of magic; they’re attracted to things because of the smells, moisture levels, and food sources in the area. When onions and baking soda are mixed, the result might just be the thing to control pests.
Why are insects attracted to onions
According to research, ‘Repellent activity of green detergents and raw vegetable extracts against Drosophila melanogaster, ‘ insects use their sense of smell to find food. When onions are cut, they give off a strong odour due to the presence of sulphur. This odour travels quickly through the air. These sulfur compounds may resemble the natural smell of food for many insects, especially those that eat decaying organic matter. Pests are often drawn to food, moisture, and chemical signals in their surroundings. This is why something as simple as a chopped onion can act as a trap. Its scent signals food and would attract many pests like flies, ants, and cockroaches.
The role of baking soda in this bait
The function of baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, is totally different. It is not correct to say that it attracts insects on its own. It is sometimes used in the mixture because of its alkaline properties.When insects ingest the baking soda, sometimes covered with attractive substances like food, it can have an effect on the internal processes of the insects. It has been suggested that it might have an effect on the digestive processes of the insects. It might interact with the acid in the insects’ bodies, which will cause gas buildup in the insects’ bodies.It is, however, important to note that there is little scientific proof of its efficiency in killing insects.In simpler terms, the individual role of Onion and baking soda in the mixture is:
- Onion – attracts insects
- Baking soda – attempts to kill insects
How to make and use onion baking soda bait at home
It is very easy to make this bait at home. All you have to do is:
- Chop a small onion and put it in a shallow bowl.
- Mix one to two teaspoons of baking soda with the onion.
- You can add a pinch of sugar to make it more attractive to the insects.
- Place this bowl in areas where insects are usually found.
These areas include near the sink, dustbins, and corners of the kitchen.It is important to replace this mixture every day or two to make it work effectively. This is because the smell of the onion will fade over time. It is also important to ensure that this mixture is out of the reach of pets and children.
Why the mixture works: Science-based understanding
The rationale for calling this mixture of ingredients “bait” is based on the way insects act. While the baking soda on its own is not attractive, the addition of something with a food odour, like onion or sugar, makes the mixture work.Anticimex Malaysia explains the role of baking soda in the bait and states that the insects are attracted by the odour of the onion; they ingest the mixture, which causes acidity to build up in their systems. Some methods use this combination to control insects in a non-toxic way. However, the success of the approach varies greatly because different insects react in different ways to different smells, moisture, and other conditions.Insects are motivated by their needs; they are not drawn to substances like sodium bicarbonate. This isn’t a stroke of genius; it’s just chemistry and biology working together. The odours are strong, and insects mistake them for food.Sodium bicarbonate is included in the mixture to serve as a chemical. There’s no magic in this trick. It relies on the smell and the chemistry of baking soda. While this trick may not be very effective, it offers an interesting glimpse into nature.
