Simple and Safe Ways to Repel Mosquitoes and Cockroaches During the Rainy Season

In recent days, constant rain has made the surroundings damp and humid. If we don’t clean and keep our living space dry and well-ventilated, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and cockroaches. Not only do these pests cause discomfort, but they also spread dangerous infectious diseases that can seriously threaten our health and well-being. Therefore, as soon as you notice mosquitoes or cockroaches appearing in your home, it’s important to act quickly and drive them away.

Using chemical sprays might seem like an easy solution, but in reality, they are neither cost-effective nor safe. Prolonged exposure to these substances can harm your respiratory system, especially for children and pets. Fortunately, there are many simple, safe, and inexpensive household methods you can try to get rid of these pests naturally—without relying on toxic chemicals.

According to a post shared on VnExpress, one easy yet effective way to repel mosquitoes and cockroaches is by mixing laundry detergent and sugar in a 1:1 ratio, then diluting the mixture with water.

1. To repel mosquitoes

Pour the prepared mixture into a plastic bottle with the top part cut off, and place it in corners where mosquitoes often gather—such as near beds, under tables, or in kitchen corners. Mosquitoes are attracted to the sweet scent of the mixture and will fly toward it. Once they land and come into contact with the solution, the alkaline component of the detergent will kill them almost instantly.

Because the solution tends to evaporate over time, it’s best to replace it weekly to maintain its effectiveness.

You can also place small containers of this mixture near indoor plants or in shaded areas where mosquitoes often hide. However, be cautious if you have young children or pets, as accidentally ingesting the mixture could cause poisoning and require medical attention.

Another option is to mix one tablespoon of detergent with four liters of water and spray it around corners, under furniture, and near windows twice a week. This helps destroy mosquito hiding spots and keeps your home free from these pesky insects.

2. To repel cockroaches

Instead of leaving the solution in open containers, pour it into a spray bottle and spray it into crevices, under sinks, and behind appliances where cockroaches usually hide. You can also soak a cloth in the solution and wipe down areas where cockroaches have crawled.

Cockroaches breathe through small openings on their body surface called spiracles. The alkaline properties in the detergent block these openings, causing them to suffocate. Over time, they will avoid those areas entirely.

If your home has insect screens or mesh windows, you can spray this solution directly onto them as well. It serves as a protective barrier against mosquitoes, cockroaches, and other small insects that try to enter your home.

3. Additional household benefits

Beyond repelling insects, the detergent and sugar mixture offers several unexpected cleaning benefits. It can help eliminate unpleasant odors from drains, remove yellow stains from towels or clothes, and even degrease dirty kitchen cloths filled with oil and dust.

Because laundry detergent has both strong cleaning power and a pleasant fragrance, pouring this solution down your indoor drains can effectively deodorize them. However, avoid using it in outdoor or street drains.

When used for stain removal, this mixture can safely replace chemical bleach without irritating your hands. To get the best results, soak stained clothes or towels in the solution for one to two hours before washing. The yellowish stains will disappear easily.

For greasy or dusty cleaning rags, a quick five- to ten-minute soak followed by a rinse in clean water is usually enough to restore them to their original condition.

4. Final thoughts

Every household can adapt these natural solutions depending on their needs and available materials. Experts continue to recommend choosing non-toxic, environmentally friendly methods over chemical-based ones to protect your family’s health.

By using simple household items like detergent, sugar, and water, you not only keep mosquitoes and cockroaches at bay but also save money and maintain a cleaner, fresher living space—naturally and effectively.