If you’ve noticed droppings in your pantry, heard scratching behind your walls, or seen a tiny blur of movement across your kitchen floor—yeah, you’ve probably got a mouse problem. And if you’re Googling home remedies, chances are you’ve seen baking soda pop up as a possible solution.
But is baking soda a real way to kill rats or mice? Or is it just another internet myth?
Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
- Baking soda is used in home remedies because it may cause gas buildup in a mouse’s stomach.
- People mix baking soda with peanut butter or cornbread mix to make bait that mice are likely to eat.
- Most mice survive because they eat small amounts or pass the gas before it builds up too much.
- The most effective way to handle mice is by sealing entry points and hiring professional pest control.
Why Some Say Baking Soda Can Kill Mice
So why do so many people turn to baking soda as a way to kill rats or mice? There are a few reasons this DIY method has gained popularity:
It Reacts with Stomach Acid
Here’s the science: baking soda (a.k.a. sodium bicarbonate) reacts with stomach acid to produce carbon dioxide gas. That’s what gives it its fizz in everything from cookies to volcano science projects.
In a mouse’s digestive system, that gas has nowhere to go—since they can’t burp—so the theory is that a gas buildup leads to fatal internal pressure or blockage.
You Can Mix It with Bait Mice Actually Eat
Mice are picky eaters, but they’re suckers for peanut butter. Mix equal parts of baking soda and peanut butter, and you’ve got a bait that hides the bitter flavor.
Some DIY recipes also include food baits like potato flakes, cornmeal, or even cornbread mix or Jiffy muffin mix to bulk it up and add texture.
The idea is to make a homemade rat poison that they won’t suspect.
If you’re trying this approach, you’ll want to place the mixture near signs of activity—think droppings, greasy smudge marks, or along common travel routes near walls.
It’s a Popular DIY and “Natural” Option
People gravitate toward baking soda because it feels safer than traditional rodent control products. There’s no harsh poison involved, and it’s a common pantry item.
For families with pets or kids, it may feel like a less risky way to get rid of critters without setting out glue traps, snap traps, or commercial rat bait.
Why Baking Soda Might Not Work for Mouse Control
While baking soda may seem like a simple solution, there are several reasons why it doesn’t hold up as a reliable form of rodent control.
Here’s where this home remedy tends to fall short:
Mice Don’t Always Eat Enough to Do Damage
To be lethal, a mouse would have to consume quite a bit of the baking soda mixture. That’s not guaranteed.
Mice nibble. And if there are other food sources available, like crumbs behind your oven or dog kibble left out overnight, they’ll probably go for that instead.
Mice Can Expel Gas (Just Not Through Burping)
Yes, mice can’t burp. But they can pass gas the other way, which means that carbon dioxide gas might not build up to dangerous levels.
That means discomfort? Maybe.
A fatal outcome? Not likely.
Results Are Unpredictable—and Delayed
Even if a mouse does eat a lethal amount, you won’t see results right away. Unlike a well-placed rat trap that works instantly, it takes time—if it works at all. You won’t know if the mouse is gone or just hiding.
That uncertainty can be frustrating, especially during a growing mouse infestation.
It Doesn’t Work on All Rodents
If you’re dealing with larger species like Norway rats, the dosage issue becomes an even bigger problem. These bigger critters are more food-savvy, harder to fool, and tougher to eliminate with weak baits.
How to Get Rid of a Mouse Problem That Actually Works
If you’re dealing with a mouse infestation, baking soda alone probably isn’t going to cut it. Here are more dependable options:
Seal Your Home from the Outside
Start by sealing entry points—cracks in your foundation, gaps around utility lines, and holes near the roof. Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a dime.
Blocking them out is a key part of any real rat control plan.
Cut Off Food Sources
No food bait is going to work if the mouse has access to a buffet. Store pantry items in airtight containers, sweep up crumbs, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
Use Physical Traps
Snap traps, glue traps, and live traps are still some of the most effective tools for immediate mouse removal. Place them strategically near walls and high-traffic areas.
If you’re dealing with a serious infestation, you’ll want multiple traps.
Try Repellents and Natural Remedies
Some homeowners swear by peppermint oil and other essential oils. These scents can act as a repellent, although they won’t stop a determined mouse from entering your space. They’re better as part of a prevention plan—not your main method.
You might also see people suggesting plaster of Paris as a bait thickener to harden in the stomach. Again, results vary, and safety concerns come into play with pets and kids.
Call a Professional Exterminator
At the end of the day, the most reliable option is professional pest control.
At Simple Pest Management, we specialize in rodent control across San Diego, South Riverside, Sacramento, and West Placer Counties. Our experts inspect your home, seal it properly, and use targeted baits and traps to stop the infestation at the source.
Contact us now, and we’ll take care of the critters—so you don’t have to.
