Claims like “Use toothpaste to get rid of mice, cockroaches, and ants” are not supported by reliable evidence. Toothpaste is not a proven or effective pesticide, and there is no evidence that it can eliminate infestations.
If you’re dealing with pests, these approaches are much more effective:
🐜 Ants
- Clean up food crumbs and sugary spills promptly.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Seal cracks where ants enter.
- Use commercially available ant baits, which worker ants carry back to the colony.
🪳 Cockroaches
- Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean and dry.
- Fix leaking pipes and remove standing water.
- Seal entry points around doors, pipes, and walls.
- Use roach baits or gel baits according to the product instructions.
🐭 Mice
- Seal holes larger than about 6 mm (¼ inch).
- Store food, including pet food, in rodent-proof containers.
- Reduce clutter where mice can nest.
- Use snap traps in areas where mouse activity is seen.
Why toothpaste isn’t a good solution
- It isn’t designed to attract or kill these pests.
- It may simply dry out or make a mess without solving the problem.
- Relying on it can allow an infestation to worsen.
If you have a persistent or large infestation, professional pest control is often the fastest and most effective option.
If you tell me whether you’re dealing with ants, cockroaches, mice, or more than one, I can suggest the most effective control methods for that specific pest.
