If you are looking for an easy and affordable way to improve the nutritional value of your diet, sprouted seeds is the answer. Edible green sprouts are loaded with vitamins, proteins, minerals, and enzymes, and they taste great!

If you decide to get benefits of growing sproutig seeds at home, we suggest you to be careful to purchase only those that are specifically labeled for sprouting. Many garden seeds are pre-treated with fungicides which may be harmful to eat, so read the packaging closely and choose only those that are designated for sprouting. Garden centers, health food stores and produce departments at good grocery stores should all offer a wide variety of sprouting seeds and sprouters to get the job done.

How To Soaking Your Seeds

This is an important practice that must not be ignored as you begin your sprouting seeds journey. The dry seeds you purchase for sprouting are dormant.  Soaking Seeds is the first step we need to do in bringing them back to life.  No matter what variety of seed you are soaking, we advice you to never use too much water…a good rule of thumb is to use three parts water to one part seed.

The soaking time however varies greatly with the types of seed. Some require as little as 20 minutes, while others need many hours. For some seeds, soaking too long will destroy them, so be careful.  Read the guide on the package to determine the right amount of soaking time for your particular sprouts.

Proper soaking is what really brings the seed to life and allows for full development of all those beneficial nutrients that we are going to enjoy once the sprouts emerge.

Here are some of the most popular types of sprouts:

1- Kidney Bean Sprouts

The first one in our list is Kidney sprouts. These beans get their names from their kidney-like shape. They can either be dark or light red, they will both produce nutritious sprouts that are high in proteins and low in fat and carbohydrates.

Kidney beans are a good seed to sprout to add to your diet if you need more protein and if you have trouble sleeping.

Health benefits: In addition to the 8gms of protein, you will get from a serving of this type of sprout, you will also get a dose of melatonin. Melatonin is produced by your body and helps to regulate your sleep cycle. Melatonin production decreases as we age, which is why we often have trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep as we grow older. A daily serving of kidney beans sprouts will help you sleep better at night and the extra protein will help build strong muscles and bones.

This type of bean sprout also contains vitamin C, folate, and iron.

2- Pumpkin Seed Sprouts

Pumpkin seed sprouts are rich in protein, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, iron, and manganese. This combination is known as ‘the complete package’ of protein and minerals.

Health benefits: This type of sprout as compared to the first one we have discussed with you helps build strong bones, promotes more restful sleep, and gives a boost to your immune system. Pumpkin seed sprouts contain the highest amount of zinc of any plant-based product and zinc strengthens the immune system so it can ward off viruses.

How to sprouts: To sprout pumpkin seeds, soak them in salty water for 2 hours. Drain and rinse. Place rinsed seeds in a jar or glass bowl, cover with cheesecloth and let set overnight. Rinse the seeds once more and spread them out in a single layer on a sheet pan to dry. Eat immediately or store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Related: Tips for preserving and storing seeds

3-  Alfalfa Green Sprouts

Super healthy with good amounts of vitamins A, D, E and K.  Excellent on sandwiches and as an addition to salads. Fresh sweet flavor when yellow, but equally good if allowed to mature to green.

4-  Broccoli Sprouts

Great flavor that adds a touch of red color to dishes…very mild spicy taste and a good source of antioxidants.

5- Red Clover Sprouts

These sprouts we have are much like alfalfa sprouts in both taste and appearance. Red Clover seeds are very easy to sprout and will make a healthy addition to your diet.

Red clover sprouts are rich in vitamins A, B3, K, and C.

* Vitamin A supports eye health, reduces cancer risks, boosts the immune system, helps bones to be strong and healthy, plus promotes healthy, acne-free skin.

* Vitamin B3 reduces blood pressure, reduces high cholesterol, lowers the risk of diabetes, improves brain function, and improves the appearance of skin.

* Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and the production of healthy bone tissue.

* Vitamin C is a hard-working vitamin that is essential to enable the body to grow new tissue and repair old tissue. It plays a huge role in the development of healthy teeth and bones, it strengthens the immune system, aids in wound healing and overall health, and helps the body absorb iron.

These tasty sprouts are also rich in minerals, such as iron, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and manganese.

* Iron is needed for growth and development.

* Calcium is needed for strong teeth and bones.

* Potassium helps to stabilize blood pressure and helps maintain a normal fluid level inside the cells.

* Copper helps the immune system stay strong, turns sugar into energy, aids in the making of red blood cells, and helps the body absorb iron.

* Magnesium is an anti-inflammatory, promotes heart health, supports healthy blood sugar levels, and can boost the mood.

* Zinc plays an important role in wound healing and keeping the immune system strong.

* Phosphorus is important for the development of healthy teeth and bones. This mineral also assists the body in using fats and carbohydrates.

* Manganese is important for the body to be able to metabolize fat and carbohydrates. Manganese also helps to regulate blood sugar and promotes healthy brain and nerve function.

A wide range of vitamins and minerals are needed daily to keep the body healthy and energized. Adding red clover sprouts to your diet can help ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals that your body needs. These crunchy sprouts can be eaten cold in a salad or sandwich, or cooked in a stir fry recipe.

Related: Starting seeds indoors.

6- Mung Bean Sprouts

One of the best sprouts to eat is Mung Bean sprouts. This type of sprout comes from a small green bean that is a member of the legume family. These sprouts have a slightly sweet taste and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Health Benefits: They are high in nutrition and packed with health benefiting vitamins and minerals. Mung Beans sprouts are low in calories and fat but high in fiber. They contain folate, manganese, magnesium, selenium, copper, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus. Vitamins  B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6 are also found in these tiny sprouts.

* Fiber helps maintain a healthy digestive system and bowel, lowers cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps promote longer life.

* Folate helps the body produce healthy red blood cells.

* Selenium is a powerful antioxidant, helps reduce the risk of cancer, promotes heart health, boosts the immune system, and is important for thyroid health.

* B1 enables the body to use carbohydrates as energy and is important for heart health.

* B2 maintains the body’s energy supply. It is essential for breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and protein.

* B5 promotes healthy hair, skin, eyes, and liver. It’s an essential vitamin for metabolizing fats and proteins.

* B6 promotes brain health and may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. It also helps alleviate depression by boosting the mood.

How to Sprout: This type of bean sprout is very easy to grow at home so you will always have a fresh supply of nutritious Mung Beans sprouts. Rinse the Mung Beans and place them in a wide mouthed jar. Cover with water and place cheese cloth over the mouth of the jar. Soak for 24 hours, pour off the water and rinse the beans. Place beans back in the jar without added water. Cover the mouth of the jar with cheesecloth and place the jar in a dark location. The Mung Beans will sprout in 4-5 days.

7-  Wheat Sprouts

From many other types of sprouts, Wheat sprouts are good for juicing. Very sweet when left to sprout for three days, or can be left untouched for a week and they become more of a healthy one inch grass that adds super nutrition to your juicer.

8-  Radish Sprouts

Ultra high in vitamin C and vitamin A.  A spicy addition to sandwiches and salads.

9-   Soybean Sprouts

 For a sprout that is great for cooking, the Soybean is also high in fiber and protein.  It is a nice addition to stews and casseroles.

10-  Mustard Sprouts

The tiny leaves of the Mustard sprout look similar to the delicate alfalfa sprouts, but watch out!  The leaves are very hot and spicy and go well in egg dishes as well as salads.

11-  Green Lentil Sprouts

Another good type of sprout for cooking or an addition to soups, the Lentil sprouts are about 25% protein, but can also be eaten raw.

12-  Onion Sprout  

One bite and you will know where the Onion sprout comes from. The distinct onion flavor is high in vitamin A, C and D and is good in sandwiches and salads.

13-  Sunflower Sprout

This is one of the best sprout for the juicer machine. Sunflower sprouts are loaded with vitamin D and have a nice nutty flavor.  Eaten raws they have a crispy texture.

14-  Pea Shoots

Just about any Pea variety will produce “shoots” which are the tiny plants above the soil. They will emerge about 10 days after planting, depending on climate, but are good for stir-fry or a nice raw additive to cold dishes.

15- Sesame Seed Sprouts

Health benefits: Sesame seed sprouts are rich in calcium which makes them a great snack for growing kids. They are low in calories, high in amino acids, contain no fat or cholesterol, and are rich in minerals such as magnesium, and selenium. This type of sprout also contains vitamins A, B, D, E, and K.

Vitamin E is important for healthy eyes, heart, brain, blood, and skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps keep the immune system strong.

The amino acids in sesame seed sprouts help break down food, build muscles, and provide energy.

How to Sprout: To sprout sesame seeds, soak them in cool water for 8 hours. Rinse and drain twice a day for the next 2 days. On the third day, the sprouts will be big enough to eat. They can be eaten raw in salads or as a snack or cooked.

With the various types of sprouts available, it’s a positive step towards good health if you add some of these nutritious, good-for-you sprouts to your daily diet.

What Experts says about Eating Sprouts

Many of experts suggests eating sprouts are beneficial to your health as they are rich in nutrition value as said by a registered health specialist Mira Ilic, RD, LD, MS “Sprouts carry essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and are a great source of antioxidants”.

“Microscale vegetables, a growing food category that includes sprouted seeds, are miniature in size yet big in nutrition. Eating sprouts well before they become full-blown plants can crank up certain nutrient levels considerably”, said Emily Ho, nutrition professor and director of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University in Corvallis.

Side Effects/Potential Risks of Eating Sprouts

Side Effects

• Stomach cramps and diarrhea. Raw sprouts are rich in fiber (which is good in moderation) but eating too much fiber can result in digestive problems.
• Fever and chills. Eating sprouts that are low quality (spindly, few leaves, off-color) can cause fever and chills.
• Trouble sleeping. Sprouts are hard to digest and anything that is hard to digest can cause trouble while sleeping if the food is eaten close to bedtime.

Potential Risks

• Bad bacteria. Because sprouts are raw, there is the potential risk of ingesting bacteria such as e.Coli and salmonella. Also, if the sprouts have been grown in the wrong way or contaminated soil, the risk of becoming sick with harmful bacteria increases.
• Some people should avoid eating sprouts. People with any medical condition that suppresses the immune system should not eat raw sprouts. Also, young children, pregnant women, and the elderly should avoid eating sprouts because of their potentially weakened immune systems.
• Chronic digestive issues. Anyone who has chronic digestive issues, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chron’s Disease, etc. should avoid eating sprouts as it may increase the effects of the digestive issues.
• Food poisoning. Sprouts are grown in warm, humid conditions, very close to the soil. This growing situation can lead to the growth of germs on the tiny plants. When the sprouts are eaten raw it can cause food poisoning.

Final Thoughts

Growing sprouts is SO much fun!  It is a year round activity and when we can’t get outside, it is like managing a garden right in your own kitchen. Experiment with different varieties. Make sprouts and edible seeds a part of your overall cuisine and learn about the amazing health benefits that sprouting seeds can offer.  And let’s not forget what may be the most important thing of all…sprouts taste great!

References:

Taylor & francis Online, International Journal Of Food Properties, Volume 26, 2023-Issue 1, “A review on bioactive compounds in sprouts: extraction techniques, food application and health functionality”, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2023.2176001

MDPI, Journals volume 10, 10.3390/foods10123098, “Consumption of Sprouts and Perceptions of Their Health Properties in a Region of Northwestern Mexico”, https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/10/12/3098

Scince Direct, LWT volume 141, April 2021, 110900, “An overview of sprouts nutritional properties, pathogens and decontamination technologies”, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0023643821000530

Any home or business may experience a pair of mice taking up residence. Unfortunately, that pair of mice have the potential of turning into over one hundred mice in a year’s time. A female mouse is ready to breed in six weeks after birth according to the study by purdue.edu. She can produce up to 10 liters per year, with up to 14 tiny mice in each liter.

It doesn’t take a math genius to figure out a home or business can quickly become infested with unwanted rodents. Every dwelling needs a plan for the best way to get rid of mice, so that as soon as one rat is spotted, action can be taken to control an infestation of mouse.

Try our list of these 13 effective homemade mouse poisons used to kill mice and print out the ones that you think will work best for your mice problem. The recipes and how to use them are also included.

** Mice are almost blind and travel close to walls, feeling their way with whiskers. Place whatever type of mouse poison you make close to a wall, baseboard or cabinet wall for best results.

Homemade Mouse Poisons To Deal With Mouse Problem

1- Use Instant Mashed Potatoes

The first one we have in our list is a pet-friendly and kid safe DIY recipe that will effectively and efficiently get rid of a mouse.

If you see a mouse or evidence a signs of mouse has been in an area (droppings or chewed items), place two tablespoons of instant mashed potatoes flakes in a shallow lid and place in the location. The mice will eat the potatoes flakes and become very thirsty. They will seek out water and drinking the water will cause the instant mashed potato flakes to swell up in their stomachs and kill them.

Pets and kids probably won’t disturb the potato flakes, but if they do consume the small amount of instant mashed potatoes it won’t harm them.

Just entice the mouse even more by sprinkling a little artificial sweetener over the instant potato flakes. The sweet aroma and taste is irresistible to mice, and artificial sweeteners, like Equal and Nutrisweet, are deadly to mice.

2- Use Peanut Butter And Artificial Sweetener

I’ve dealt with mice in the past by concocting a lethal yet enticing bait using a combination of creamy peanut butter and artificial sweetener. It’s a simple yet effective method that I’ve found to be highly successful.

Cheap, easy and effective way to get rid of mice. As long as there is no one in the household with a peanut allergy, this is one of the best mouse poisons.

Mice love peanut butter and the aroma is intoxicating to them, drawing them to scent from great distances. Purchase the cheapest peanut butter available and mix in an inexpensive brand of artificial sweetener to create poison that is deadly to mice, yet safe for humans and pets.

Using Peanut Butter And Artificial Sweetener To kill mice:

To create the bait, I mix two packets of artificial sweetener into two teaspoons of creamy peanut butter, forming small balls slightly larger than a pea. These irresistible treats are then strategically placed in areas where mice have been seen or where signs of their presence are evident.

Peanut butter and instant mashed potato flakes can be used to create rat poison balls too. Add a little artificial sweetener to that mixture also.

3- Use Cement Mix

Using cement mix as a homemade mouse poison recipe has been a practical solution for me in dealing with rodent infestations. Growing up on a farm, we often faced challenges with mice invading our storage areas. With pets around, it was crucial to be cautious about the ingredients we used. One thing I learned from experience is that a little bit of cement mix can indeed go a long way in eliminating rats.

The dry cement mix, when ingested by mice, hardens quickly in their digestive system, leading to a swift demise. However, convincing the mice to consume the mixture required a tasty bait. Peanut butter became our go-to filler ingredient, as it effectively masked the texture of the cement mix and enticed the rodents to eat it.

Adding an element of personal experience, I found that incorporating a touch of artificial sweetener into the mix enhanced its appeal to the mice, making it even more irresistible. The process of rolling the mixture into small balls, about the size of peas, and strategically placing them along the walls where mice were frequently spotted became a routine task.

However, it was imperative to exercise caution, especially with children around. We made sure to keep the mixture away from areas accessible to them to prevent any accidental ingestion.

So, in summary, my homemade mouse poison recipe combines equal parts of dry cement mix and peanut butter, with a hint of artificial sweetener for added allure. This method, born out of necessity and honed through personal experience, proved to be an effective and practical solution for tackling rodent infestations in our environment.

4- Use Baking Soda

Safe for kids and pets, deadly for rats. Baking soda can be found in most kitchens and is a needed ingredient in baked goods. It’s also a natural product that is used to treat indigestion and several other health and household issues. It is also one of the best mice poisons.

As we all often mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink to settle an upset stomach. The baking soda reduces stomach acid and creates carbon dioxide in the digestive system that is naturally eliminated. Unlike humans mice are incapable of expelling carbon dioxide like humans can. After a mouse ingests baking soda, the gas builds up inside the stomach and it can’t release until the mouse die.

Baking Soda as a homemade mouse poison recipe;

To get rid of mice, mix Baking soda with a filler food to entice a rat to eat it. Peanut butter is a good choice. Mix equal parts of peanut butter and baking soda together, form pea sized balls and place where mice have been seen. *Avoid this homemade mouse poison if anyone in the building has a peanut allergy.*

Mix equal amounts of flour, sugar and baking soda, then place the powder mixture in a shallow lid and place near a wall where mice have been spotted. This mixture is safe for children and pets.

Cocoa powder has an enticing chocolate scent that will attract mice. Mix equal part of cocoa and baking soda, then place in a shallow lid near a wall.

5- Use Plaster of Paris

This is a common product we used to create molds and casts. It can also be used as a homemade mouse killer.

Plaster of Paris is a dry product and must be mixed with liquid to be used for its intended purpose. As an alternative rodent poison, the product will need to be mixed with another dry food ingredient to entice mice to eat it.

Plaster Of Paris as a homemade mouse poison recipe:

To kill mice all you need to do is, mix dry Plaster of Paris with sugar or corn meal to create a tasty rodent meal. Place the dry ingredients in a shallow jar lid in the area where mice have been seen. Once eaten, the Plaster of Paris will mix with the moisture inside the rat’s stomach and harden, bringing about a quick death.

This is not safe to use around pets or children. Check jar lids every other day and replace product for best results.

6- Use Vitamin D

Crushed vitamin D tablets are effective at killing mice. Consuming vitamin D causes the calcium level in a mouse to rise up to level that will cause calcification of the heart. This calcification will kill the mouse, but it will be a slow process. The mouse will have to consume the vitamin D over a two-three day period before mouse to be killed.

Crush three vitamin D tablets and mix into a tablespoon of peanut butter. Roll into pea size balls and place where rodents have been seen, but away from children and pets.

7- Use Chicken Broth and Boric Acid

The aroma of chicken broth will lure mice in and entice them to eat. The boric acid concealed under the chicken aroma will kill the rat soon after it has been consumed. You may also like to check out Homemade mosquito trap.

Chicken Broth and Boric Acid to get rid of mouse:

Place two tablespoons of dry boric acid (found near the laundry products at the supermarket) in a small bowl. Slowly pour chicken broth into the boric acid, adding just enough to make a paste. Roll into pea sized balls and place in a location where mice have been seen, but away from children and pets. These balls will dry out quickly and rats will not eat them after they dry out, so replace daily for best results.

8- Use Aspartame Mouse Poison

Utilizing aspartame as a homemade mouse poison has been a practical solution drawn from my own experiences dealing with rodent infestations. Growing up in a rural area, rodent control was a constant challenge. Mixing one packet of aspartame with peanut butter became a routine practice in our household, as it was not only effective but also affordable.

The pungent scent of peanut butter never failed to lure mice and rats to the bait. Watching them consume the aspartame-loaded peanut butter, knowing the consequences it would soon bring, was a bittersweet sight born of necessity.

However, patience was key. While the aspartame poison took time to take effect, we often supplemented its use with faster-acting homemade rat poisons, such as zinc, to swiftly reduce the rodent population.

Although the mixture posed no threat to children or pets, we remained cautious, ensuring it was placed out of their reach. This caution stemmed from a deep understanding of the importance of safety in pest control methods, learned through firsthand experiences and the well-being of our own cherished pets and family members. You may also like to check out homemade wasp traps.

9- Use Ammonia As a Rat Repellent

Ammonia is a toxic poison and will kill the rats that ingest it, however, due to the potent smell, it’s hard to trick rats into drinking it.

Ammonia is a powerful mouse and rat repellent and is best used to scare them away instead of trying to kill them. Create a mix that is 50/50 ammonia and water, then add a few drops of liquid dish soap. The dish soap will help the liquid adhere to the surface it’s sprayed on and will also help conceal the ammonia odor.

Pour into a spray bottle and thoroughly spray all the areas where mice have been seen.

Ammonia will discolor some surfaces, so spot test the area before spraying the homemade rat repellent. Keep away from areas where children and pets may go.

Ammonia can be used instead of other liquids to create rat bait balls and it will be effective in killing the rats if they eat the bait. Use ammonia sparingly to minimize the strong odor and plenty of sugar or cocoa powder to attract the rats.

10- Use Black Pepper

Using black pepper as a homemade mouse poison has been a game-changer in my pest control efforts. Sprinkling generous amounts of black pepper in areas frequented by rats or marked by mouse droppings became a routine practice in my household.

Placing homemade bait balls, such as those made with aspartame or cocoa powder, amidst the peppered areas proved highly effective. Witnessing the rodents succumb to the fumes of the black pepper, experiencing their discomfort as they were overwhelmed by irritation and swelling in their nasal passages, reinforced the potency of this method.

While some older and wiser rats may avoid the peppered zones, the majority are swiftly dealt with, succumbing to asphyxiation induced by the pepper fumes. This firsthand observation highlighted the efficiency of black pepper as a rodent deterrent. This practical approach, born out of personal experience, underscores the versatility and safety of black pepper as a pest control solution.

11- Use Cocoa Powder Bait

This is an effective homemade mouse poison but because it’s made with chocolate you must be careful to keep it out of reach of children and pets. They will find the aroma and color of the bait irresistible because it looks and smells like candy.

Use Cocoa Powder as a homemade mouse poison

To make cocoa powder mouse bait, combine 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of sugar,and 1/2 cup cocoa powder. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. The sugar and cocoa will attract the rats and the baking soda creates a gas inside their stomachs that the rats cannot expel so they will soon die after they’ve consumed it.

Use recycled jar lids as receptacles to hold the cocoa powder bait and place the lids in out of the way spots where only rats can reach. Place under kitchen appliances, in the back of cabinets, and inside closets. Mice and rats typically travel alongside a wall due to poor eyesight, so always place baits near walls and baseboards so they won’t have to go out of their way to find it.

A few drops of water or broth can be mixed into this recipe to create a dough instead of a powder. Form dough balls slightly smaller than a golf ball and place away from kids and pets.

12- Using Peppermint

This easy to grow, fragrant plant is an effective mouse repellent and poison. Peppermint is safe to grow around children and pets, it’s an herb plant and the leaves are harvested for many culinary uses and for making essential oil. But the plant is deadly to rats.

Plant peppermint in front of any entry access points that mice may be using to get indoors. The scent of the peppermint will deter small mice and cause them to leave the area. However, if an adult rat nibbles on the juicy peppermint leaves the oil in the plant will cause the rat’s lungs to shrink and they will die within a couple of days.

Peppermint can be grown outdoors or in a container indoors to help repel mice and rats. You may also like to check out homemade fruit fly traps.

13- Use Zinc

Zinc is a nutrient that we need for a strong healthy immune system. It’s found naturally in meat, eggs, and nuts and comes in supplement form for people who don’t get enough zinc in their daily diet.

While necessary for human health, a crushed zinc pill will kill a mouse within 24 hours. Crush a zinc tablet and mix it into any type of homemade rat bait. When the rat eats the bait, the zinc will create a toxic gas inside of their digestive system and bring about a quick death.

An overdose of zinc is not healthy for children or pets, so keep this homemade mouse poison out of their reach. Tuck the zinc-loaded bait under appliances or into cracks where only mice and rats can reach it.

Tips from Specialists to Getting Rid of Mouse

Most expert are not in favor of using mouse poisons to kill mice as its inhumane instead they suggest other ways to get rid of mouse such as keeping food sources away, close any hole or a place where they can easily hide.

Michael T. Mengak (Wildlife Specialist Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources) suggests “Homemade products generally do not work either. Don’t use homemade chemicals or products not labeled for rat or mouse poison. Don’t use arsenic, mercury, strychnine or other similar products. Read and follow all label instructions on the poison box or packaging.”

Where Do Mice Come From?

Mice can enter a structure through a variety of ways, and they are looking for a food source and shelter. Since the breeding and birthing process happens every 21 days, the ideal location will have a dark, shelter area to have babies with food and water nearby.

A mouse can climb very well and will enter a building through an open window, even on a second or third floor level. Cracks or cervices in the foundation is an open invitation for a rat to come in. All it needs is a 1/4 inch space and it’s in. Mice will easily chew through caulking or insulation to gain entry.

Mice are very attracted to spilled food and beverages, clutter and trash. The cleaner the environment, the less likely it is to have a rodent infestation. Keep outside free of debris and minimize the amount of clutter and stored items indoors to reduce the likelihood of rodents taken up residence in your home or office building.

Store all boxed food items, especially cereal grains, in glass jars. Mice can smell food through cardboard boxes and will easily chew through them to the food stored inside the box. Don’t leave pet food bowl out at night either, dry dog or cat food are favorite food sources for mice.

Pros and Cons of Using Homemade Mouse Poisons

Pros

• Cost effective. Homemade mouse poisons cost much less than commercially produced ones. The homemade varieties can be made for pennies while those purchased at a retail store can cost up to $20 for a small bag.
• Child and pet safe. Homemade mouse poisons can be made from ingredients that are safe for children and pets to be around. Many of them are safe even if a child or pet ingests them, such as potato flakes. You can use instant mashed potatoes as an effective homemade mouse poison. It will kill the mice but not harm a child or pet if they should accidenatly eat the instant mashed potato flakes.
• Multi kill. Homemade mouse poisons are good for multiple kills before it has to be replenished. The products used won’t have to be replaced after each kill so the unpleasant task can be avoided.

Cons

• Not an instant kill. Homemade mouse poisons do not kill instantly as a mouse trap does. It could take a few hours or days for the DIY mouse poison products to take effect.
• A little more effort. Store bought mouse traps are quick and easy to set – just open the package and it’s ready. However, homemade mouse poisons will take a little more effort. Mixing the ingredients, finding the right container, and finding the perfect location are a few extra steps you will have to take.
• Where did they go? When a mouse is caught in a trap, you know exactly where it is and can dispose of it quickly. When mice eat homemade poison you don’t know where they will go to die. You may find the dead mouse and be able to dispose of it properly, or you may never see it and only smell it for the next few days as the dead mouse decomposes.

10 Interesting Facts About Mouse/Mice

1-  A mouse is a small member of the rodent family. They are characterized by their pointy snout, small round ears, and a tail that is as long as their body. Their body is covered with fur but their tail is covered with scales. Their ears are skin and not covered with fur or scales. Adult mice range in color from light brown to black.

2-  Mice have a high breeding rate and are the most common mammal in many parts of the world. A female mouse can start reproducing when she is two months old. They can give birth to a litter of offspring every three weeks. Each litter can contain up to 12 mice.

That means a female mouse can produce 150 new mice each year so it’s easy to see how mice are the most common of all mammals. If you spot one mouse in or around your house, it’s safe to assume there are many more that you do not see.

3-  Newborn mice, called pups, are hairless and are pinkish-red when born. They are also blind and don’t appear to have ears. On the second day after birth, tiny ear nubs will appear on the sides of their head. By the fifth day after birth, their ears will be fully formed and a grayish fuzz will begin to cover their hairless bodies.

By their 12th day of life, the tiny mice pups are covered with fur, have open eyes, and are eating solid food brought to them by their mother. On the 18 day of life, the mice pups are fully grown and leave the nest.

4-  Mice have a short lifespan which typically only last four months or less. Predators, such as cats, foxes, or snakes, have mice on their menu and search them out as a food source. Humans also find mice to be unwanted houseguests and set traps for them so their lives in the wild are short.

In captivity, when allowed to live in cages, mice have a natural lifespan of up to two years.

5-  These small rodents have very poor eyesight and are completely color blind. They adapt well to their environment and use their whiskers and sense of smell to guide them.

Mice rarely travel out in the open but choose to run alongside walls so their whiskers can touch the wall. This sense of touch helps them get from their nest to their food source and back again in spite of their poor vision.

6-  Mice are very germy little creatures and always carry Hantavirus and Salmonella and spread them everywhere they go. Mice produce 40 and 100 droppings every day, and since they are often moving around throughout the day those droppings can be found in a large area.

In addition to their droppings, mice constantly produce tiny droplets of urine as they travel around their territory in search of food. They also carry up to 200 pathogens that can infect humans.

Hantavirus is often difficult to diagnose but can cause a myriad of debilitating symptoms such as, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, digestive issues, headaches, and dizziness. If the Hantavirus is not diagnosed and treated, it can lead to serious lung and kidney problems.

Hantavirus is contracted when virus-containing particles from mice droppings are stirred into the air and breathed by humans.

Salmonella is contracted by eating something that is contaminated with mouse droppings. Symptoms from Salmonella show up within a few hours after contamination and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

7-  Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. The smallest crack in a home’s exterior or opening around a drain pipe is all that a mouse needs to enter your home. And as previously stated, one mouse can turn into 150 within a year.

Carefully examine the exterior of your home and seal up any cracks. Openings around drain pipes and water lines should be filled with steel wool to prevent mice from gaining access into your dwelling.

8- Mice eat often and consume a lot of food. Despite their tiny body size they consume a huge amount of food every day. An adult mouse will eat 15-20 times per day and this is why they build their nests near a food source.

Mice like to live near the kitchen or food pantry so they won’t have to travel far for their frequent meals. Store food in airtight containers to deter mice from moving into your kitchen.

9-  Mice can jump and climb. They are well able to jump up to 12 inches and can easily climb to the highest shelf in your food pantry. Mice can also swim.

10- Mice are not attracted to cheese and often refuse to eat it because of the strong smell some cheese varieties have. If you set a trap for a mouse, skip the cheese and use a piece of fruit or vegetable.

Summary

Each of us like to keep our home clean from variant types of pests as these causes various problems to huming living such as many short circuts are caused by these rodents and they also carry many terrible disease with their body that is exposed to all house members including child. There are many solution to get rid of mouse such as mouse traps and commercially available baits but not all are effective and also poisonus to pets or children.

As a bonus, not all of these ‘poisons’ are true poisons and are safe for use around household pets. Other recipes are for homemade rat poisons concocted to kill mice and will be toxic to pets. Read and follow directions carefully so only the unwanted rodents will be harmed, not pets or children.

Here I have prepared a questionnaire that is frequently asked.  

FAQ’s

Do baking soda kill mice?

Baking soda can kill mice or rats within 24 hours after they eat it. Because of its strong alkalinity, mice are unable to handle it. Unlike humans, mice cannot discharge carbon dioxide produced by baking soda. Baking soda is a natural food item we usually use. Mice can’t differentiate between it and food. You don’t need to mix it with any other poison, it will work just like a poison does.

Does salt kill mice?

Salt also works as a poison to mice if they eat it too much and haven’t any source of water. Unlike other foods that work as a killing agent, mice usually do not prefer salted food. And it is so hard to keep them away from any source of water.

What food is poisonous to mice?

Some food is poisonous for mice such as Garlic, onion,Grapes/raisins, chocolate,rhubarb, coffee, tea, alcohol, avocado and walnuts. Lettuce can also create a problem of diarrhoea.

Does Toothpaste Kill mice?

Toothpaste also works as a killing agent for mice if they eat too much as it contains fluorine and ethylene glycol. However, it’s difficult for mice to like to eat toothpaste.

External References:

Audubon, pub: January-february 2013, “Poisons Used to Kill Rodents Have Safer Alternatives”, https://www.audubon.org/magazine/january-february-2013/poisons-used-kill-rodents-have-safer

CAES Newswire, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension, Published on 09/10/09, by Sharon Dowdy, “Rid your home of rodents“, https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/3556/get-rid-of-rats.html

Smithsonian Magzine, Smart News, By Rachel Nuwer, “Why Rodents Can’t Throw Up, In Case You Were Wondering“, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-rodents-cant-throw-up-in-case-you-were-wondering-25707720/

National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022), PubChem CID: 516892 Compound Summary, Sodium Bicarbonate, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-bicarbonate

Homemade hand sanitizer is an effective and affordable way to keep your hands germ-free without using unwanted chemicals on your skin or your children’s skin. Ideal to tuck in your purse or backpack to use when soap and water are unavailable or as added germ protection after washing hands.

Homemade hand sanitizer is made with just a few simple ingredients. It only takes a few minutes to mix up a batch and it will keep illness-causing germs at bay for months. Check out the ingredients in these 7 simple homemade hand sanitizers which you can make using natural ingredients.

Homemade Hand Sanitizers Recipes

1- Witch Hazel and Aloe Hand Sinitizer

Clean, kill germs, heal and sooth skin with this one inexpensive DIY hand sanitizer by livesimply. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that removes dirt, disinfects minor abrasions, kills germs and reduces inflammation. Aloe vera contains healing properties that soothes rough dry skin and promotes healing for minor skin abrasions and jagged cuticles.

A few drops of your favorite essential oil and vitamin E added to the witch hazel and aloe mix will keep hands looking youthful and smelling great while keeping them germ free.

Always use a small glass bottle for storing and carrying homemade hand sanitizers that consist of essential oils. Essential oils compromise the integrity of plastic bottles and will soon cause the plastic to weaken and begin to leak.

2- Kids Friendly Hand Sanitizer

Most commercial hand sanitizer products are made with rubbing alcohol to kill germs. Rubbing alcohol is effective at killing germs, but it also dries the skin and is too harsh for tiny kid’s hands. This natural hand sanitizer by wellnessmama does not contain any harsh ingredients and is kid friendly.

A simple mix of aloe vera and kid safe Germ Destroyer Essential oil will keep kid’s hands clean and germ free without drying them out.

Germ Destroyer Essential Oil also promotes a healthy immune system and respiratory system with its blend of natural spruce hemlock, rosalina, lemon, lavendar and marjoram essential oils.

3- Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer ingredients like this one by helloglow can smell good and be effective at the same time. Most commercial hand sanitizers have a strong alcohol and medicinal scent that fills up the entire room with an unpleasant fragrance. Homemade hand sanitizers can fill the air with natural fragrance while working hard to keep your hand clean and germ free.

Use lemon, lavender and tea tree oil to create a DIY product that will clean hands, kill germs and smell good. Lemon oil is a natural cleanser, tea tree oil promotes healing for dry, cracked skin and lavender is a fragrance that calms and relaxes.

4- Hand Cleaning Gel

If you would like a product that is a little thicker than traditional sanitizer products, give this recipe a try. It’s an alcohol-free hand sanitizer by mommypotamus that is in gel form, so it doesn’t run off hands and drip on the floor while using it. This DIY sanitizer will stay on hands so it can be rubbed in thoroughly to cleanse and kill germs.

A mixture of several essentials oils and aloe vera make this homemade hand sanitizer effective and fragrant. The cinnamon leaf and fir needle oils create a fragrance that would make this an ideal DIY Christmas gift to use as a stocking stuffer. Place in decorative bottles and give to everyone on your Christmas list so they can stave off colds and flu and have a fragrant reminder of your thoughtful gift each time they use it.

5- Grown Up Sanitizer

Due to the ingredients in this homemade hand sanitizer product by gardentherapy, it’s not suitable for use on small children. Perfectly safe for grown ups and is very effective at killing germs and boosting the immune system.

This grown up blend of ingredients contains one essential oil few are familiar with – Thieves Oil.

Thieves oil is a blend of  lemon, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and eucalyptus oils (not safe for children) that creates a potent germ-killing hand cleaner.

Grave robbing thieves in the fifteenth century targeted the graves of the wealthy who died from the bubonic plague. When the thieves were finally captured and still appeared to be healthy, authorities cut a deal with the grave robbers; leniency for their secret of staying healthy and not contracting the highly contagious bubonic plague.

The secret was this mixture of essential oils aptly named Thieves oil and it still works to keep people healthy today.

6- Spray Hand Sanitizer

This recipe for homemade hand sanitizer by mamainstincts creates a thin germ killing liquid that is ideal for using in a spray bottle. Spray on hands (alcohol-free so it’s safe for kids) or hard surfaces to clean and kill germs.

Illness causing germs are everywhere; shopping cart handles, door knobs, seat and tables in restaurants, menus, etc., and it’s great to have a small spray bottle tucked in your purse filled with a natural spray product that will kill the germs, yet be safe on small hands and food surfaces.

A combination of essentials oils cleans and sanitizes safely. This DIY hand sanitizer does not contain preservatives, so make in small batches to prevent it from going rancid.

7- Citrus Hand Sanitizer

This recipe will show you how to make hand sanitizer like this one by fabulesslyfrugal that smells like citrus and is more effective than alcohol based commercial products.

An invigorating blend of citrus oils for cleaning and fragrance are combined with a protective blend of essential oils that kill germs and boost the immune system. Mix in a little aloe vera and vitamin E for healthy skin and you’ve created an ideal product that will help keep you and your family free from colds,, flu and other illness causing germs that are lurking on every public surface.

This citrus blend is also great for use as surface cleaning product. Use to clean surfaces in your home when a family member is sick and you don’t want the sickness to spread though the entire family.

Ants are problem everywhere in the world. They invade our homes in search of a food and water supply. If their objective is found by the initial scout ants that are sent out, it’s not long before thousands of ants march in and take over our kitchen cabinets, pantry and other locations where food is stored.

Homemade ant killer is an ideal solution to get rid of these hungry pests. Since they invade the space where we live and store food, chemical ant killers are not a good choice. Creating a non-toxic ant killer using readily available ingredients is a simple, safe and effective way to kill ants without harming your children or pets.

A few simple ingredients, like vinegar, dish soap, essential oils, boric acid and sugar, can be used to rid your home of ants. Read on to discover 10 homemade ant killers you can easily make to keep your home chemical free and pest free.

1- Vinegar and Water

This is a simple, inexpensive and effective natural ant killer that will also clean and disinfect the infested area. Create a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray mixture on ants for instant death. Wipe up dead ants with paper towel and spray vinegar-water solution on the area again and wipe with cloth or paper towel.

Vinegar is an all natural product that is safe to use on eating surfaces and around children and pets. Vinegar is also a natural cleaner and disinfectant. Keep a bottle of this on hand for quick clean ups and just in case you see ants in your home.

2- Dish Soap Ant Killer

Create a 25/75 solution of dish soap and water to use as a homemade ant killer. Any dish soap will work, just pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray directly on ants. Wipe up residue with a paper towel, then spray area once again and wipe clean. This DIY solution will kill the ants and clean up the mess they leave behind.

Any dish soap product will be safe to use around children and pets since it is weakened with water. An organic dish soap product can be used to help make this one of the best ant killers you can make at home. Keep this spray bottle of homemade ant killer near your kitchen sink for easy access when ants are seen and for use as a quick cleaning spray for counter tops and dishes. You may also like to check out similar article Homemade fly traps.

3- Essential Oil Ant Killer and Repellent

The best way to get rid of ants is to kill the ones you see now and stop the ones you don’t see from entering your home. Certain essential oils can do just that – prevent an any invasion both now and later.

Peppermint, clove and tea tree essential oils are powerful ant killers and long lasting repellent to help prevent ants from returning.

Place 40 drops of either peppermint, clove or tea tree oil in one cup of water. Pour into a spray bottle and spray on ants for instant death. Spray around the inside and outside of doorways, windows or any other location ants might use to enter your home.

This will repel ants and add a welcoming fragrance to the air inside your home. Re-apply spray as often as needed to keep ants out of your home. You may also like to check out similar article homemade wasp traps.

4- Powered Sugar and Baking Soda

These are two readily available ingredients that every home baker has on hand. You can create a cheap, effective and safe homemade ant killer with these two products. Powered sugar attracts ants and baking soda brings about almost instant death for them after they ingest it.

Create a mixture that is 70 percent powder sugar and 30 percent baking soda and place the mixture in a shallow container. Place container wherever ants have been seen. This DIY ant killer can be used indoors or outdoors, but will need to be replaced every three of four days when placed outside.

This ant killing mixture is not lethal for pets or children, but could give them a belly ache if they ingest a lot of it. Place small amounts in baby food jar lids or on pieces of foil so if children or pets do consume it, it won’t be enough to harm them. Sprinkle this mixture directly onto outside ant hills so ants will have to walk through it as they enter and exit their colony.

5- Borax and Sugar Cotton Balls

If you have wondered how to kill ants naturally without using a spray product, this is the solution you need.

Bring one cup of water to a boil, then remove from heat. While water is still very hot, mix in one cup of sugar and two tablespoons of borax (boric acid). Allow mixture to cool slightly, then drop in several cotton balls so they can soak up the mixture.

Remove cotton balls from borax and place on small pieces of foil or wax paper (cotton balls will be sticky), then place anywhere you have seen ants. Replace borax and sugar cotton balls weekly to keep them fresh and sticky for trapping ants.

Borax can cause skin and eye irritation, so use caution when working the product and wear gloves and safety goggles. You may also like to check out similar article homemade mouse poisons.

6- Homemade Ant Trap

Make a few of these effective DIY ant traps to rid your home of pests. Create a 50/50 mixture of borax and clear corn syrup. You will need a paste-like consistency, so add a little more borax if needed to reach a paste-like consistency. Spread borax mixture on small pieces of cardboard cut from a cereal or pasta box and place where you have seen ants.

Don’t use this homemade ant killer in homes with pets, the sweet tasting corn syrup will entice pets to eat the mixture. Replace DIY ant traps weekly to keep them fresh and sticky so they can effectively trap ants. You may also like to check out similar article homemade tick repellents.

7- Boric Acid and Sugar Trap

Mix one tablespoon of boric acid and one cup of sugar with one-half cup of water. Place mixture in a shallow container and place wherever ants have been seen.

The sugar will attract ants and as they consume the mixture, the boric acid will dry them up from the inside out. The ants will also take some of the homemade ant killer back to their colony for other ants to consume, killing them as well.

If there are pets or children in the home, place a lid on the container which has several holes poked into it. This will allow ants to get in and out of the container while keeping pets and children safe.

8- Boric Acid and Cornmeal

This is another effective homemade recipe that will wipe out an entire ant colony. Create a 70/30 mixture of cornmeal and boric acid. Boric acid is commonly found in a laundry product called ’20 Mule Team Borax’, and can be located in the laundry product aisle of your local supermarket. Put mixture in a shallow container and place wherever ants have been seen. The boric acid laced cornmeal will attract the ants and after they eat it, they will carry some back to their colony for other ants to eat.

This mixture does not bring about instant death for the ants, but it will eradicate an entire colony if you’ll have patience for a couple of days. Any type of cornmeal will work in this DIY recipe.

9- Peanut Butter Straws

This is a neat and safe way to kill ants while protecting children and pets. Create a mixture of one tablespoon of smooth peanut butter and one tablespoon boric acid. Push the mixture into a plastic straw until the straw is full. Cut straw in several two inch lengths and place wherever ants have been seen.

The straw will contain the peanut butter, so there will be no sticky mess left behind. The straw will also prevent children and pets from eating the peanut butter and boric acid mixture.

These are good for use inside or outside of the home. The plastic straw will help keep the peanut butter mixture fresh for several day when placed outdoors.

10- Cinnamon Any Killer

Cinnamon is a favorite spice for humans, but deadly for ants. Ground cinnamon or cinnamon essential oil is an effective for use as a homemade ant killer.

Simply sprinkle ground cinnamon around windows and doors, or anywhere else ants are entering your home. The smell of cinnamon will act as a repellent and prevent the ants from entering your home.

If you already have ants inside your home, add 40 drops of cinnamon essential oil to one cup of water and place mixture into a spray bottle. Apply the homemade spray directly to ants for instant death. The fragrant cinnamon oil will also make your home smell warm and inviting. Ground cinnamon and cinnamon essential oil is safe to use around children and pets. You may also like to check out similar article homemade pesticides.