Imagine a scene worthy of a horror movie: suspicious little noises at night, discreet traces under the furniture… Yes, you guessed it, these are the unwanted household pests—rats, mice, or cockroaches—that invite themselves into your home without warning. What if the solution to permanently get rid of them was already right in your kitchen, within easy reach? A simple, natural, economical, and particularly effective food. Intrigued? We’ll tell you everything.
Rice + plaster: the surprising combination that drives away pests
Tired of expensive traps and chemicals that require you to air out your entire house? Good news: a much gentler and smarter method exists. It combines two ingredients you’re familiar with: raw white rice, and a component often used in crafts : powdered plaster . Together, they form a powerful duo that deters unwanted visitors.
Rice, when ground into powder, is a strong attraction for rats and cockroaches. Add a touch of plaster to it, and you have a bait that is dangerous only for them . Indeed, once ingested, the mixture hardens in their bodies as soon as they drink water, causing a fatal outcome.
A very simple home remedy to prepare
You don’t need to be a DIY whiz or a chemistry expert to implement this trick. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Uncooked white rice
- Powdered plaster ( also called plaster of Paris or white cement )
- Water
- Small containers ( cups, bottle caps or small ramekins )
- A blender or mortar
Blend the raw rice into a fine powder. Mix in equal parts with plaster. Place this mixture in shallow containers near areas where pests are present. Place a bowl of water next to it; this activates the trap .
Where should you place your traps for maximum effect?
To maximize the effectiveness of your bait, target the intruders’ favorite spots:
- Under sinks or basins
- Behind the appliances
- In the cupboards or the pantry
- Near the trash cans
- Around baseboards or cracks
Repeat the installation every 3 to 4 days and continue for a month to ensure that the entire colony is reached.
