If you’re tired of using harsh chemical sprays around your home, this DIY solution is a natural, effective alternative to store-bought insecticides. Made with simple household ingredients, this homemade cockroach and ant killer is safe, budget-friendly, and surprisingly powerful.

With ingredients like vinegar, salt, and dish soap, this solution targets pests by disrupting their behavior and dehydrating them all without the strong chemical smell or toxic residue.
Why This DIY Pest Spray is So Effective Natural but Potent Ingredients
Each component of this mix plays a unique role in controlling pests:
- White vinegar breaks down scent trails that ants and cockroaches use to navigate, while also killing on contact.
- Salt acts as a drying agent, dehydrating the pests over time.
- Dish soap helps the solution stick to insects and suffocates them by coating their bodies.
This triple-action formula is perfect for attacking both the insects you see and the trails they leave behind.
Easy to Use Around the Home
One of the biggest benefits of this homemade spray is how simple it is to mix and apply. You likely have all the ingredients in your pantry, and once mixed, you can store it in a spray bottle for weeks of easy application. It’s a perfect choice for families and pet owners looking for a gentler alternative.

What You’ll Need and How to Make It
Ingredients
To make a small batch of this natural pest control spray, gather the following:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
Directions
Follow these steps for effective pest control:
- Mix the solution
In a bowl or measuring cup, combine the white vinegar and water. Add the salt and dish soap, then stir well until the salt completely dissolves. - Transfer to spray bottle
Carefully pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle for easy use. - Apply as needed
Spray directly on cockroaches, ants, or their trails. Focus on areas like under sinks, along baseboards, kitchen corners, and other spots where pests frequent. - Repeat regularly
Reapply every few days, or after cleaning surfaces, to maintain effectiveness.
Where and When to Use It
H3: Target Trouble Areas
For best results, spray:
- Entry points (like doors and windows)
- Kitchen and bathroom corners
- Under sinks and behind appliances
- Directly on insect trails and nests
Use caution around electronics or delicate surfaces—always test in a small area first.
Long-Term Pest Prevention
Consistency is key. Because natural solutions break down faster than chemical sprays, reapply the mixture regularly, especially after wiping down treated surfaces. Pair this with good home hygiene (like sealing food and fixing leaks) to keep pests from returning.
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Homemade Cockroach & Ant Killer That Actually Works
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 spray bottle
Description
A powerful, non-toxic homemade spray that kills and repels cockroaches and ants using vinegar, salt, and dish soap.
Ingredients
– 1 cup white vinegar
– ½ cup water
– 2 tablespoons salt
– 1 tablespoon dish soap
Instructions
– Combine vinegar and water in a bowl or measuring cup.
– Add salt and dish soap, stirring until salt dissolves.
– Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
– Spray directly on insects or in areas where they travel or nest.
– Reapply every few days or after cleaning surfaces.
Notes
Avoid spraying on delicate fabrics or electronics. Always test a small surface area first.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Natural Cleaner
Keywords: homemade pest control, DIY ant spray, natural roach killer diet: Non-edible serving_size: As needed calories: N/A sugar: N/A