01.10.2025

Mixing detergent with sugar, a great trick that few people know

By Vitia

In the world of homemade tricks, there are unexpected combinations that surprise with their effectiveness. One of them is the mixture of laundry detergent with sugar, a simple, inexpensive and very useful resource in the fight against household pests, especially cockroaches. Although it may seem strange, this mixture has proven to be an effective homemade alternative to repel or eliminate insects without the need for harsh or expensive chemicals.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to keep your home cockroach-free, read on and find out how to use this mixture to your advantage.

Index

What is the purpose of mixing laundry detergent with sugar?

Sugar acts as a natural attractant for cockroaches. Their sweetness quickly attracts them, causing them to fall into the trap. Detergent, on the other hand, acts as a toxic agent: it affects the insect’s digestive system and damages its exoskeleton, causing dehydration or death.

This mixture not only serves to effectively eliminate cockroaches, but also to reduce their presence in key areas such as the kitchen, bathroom or behind furniture.

Homemade tricks with washing powder and sugar to eliminate cockroaches

1. Basic Trap with Detergent and Sugar

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of washing powder (for clothes)
  • 2 tablespoons regular sugar
  • Bottle caps, small plates or cardboard

Preparation and use:

  1. Mix the detergent and sugar well in equal parts.
  2. Place small portions of the mixture on lids or cartons.
  3. Distribute the traps in areas where you see cockroach activity: under the refrigerator, behind the oven, under the sink or near drains.
  4. Change every 2 to 3 days to keep the mixture fresh and effective.

2. Liquid version with water for difficult corners

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of washing powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Spray bottle (optional)

Preparation and use:

  1. Dissolve the detergent and sugar in the water.
  2. Apply directly to corners, crevices, or under appliances.
  3. You can also spray with spray paint in areas of frequent insect traffic.

This method is useful for vertical or more inaccessible areas where a dry trap does not hold.

3. Thick Paste for Cracks and Corners

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons detergent
  • 1 tablespoon water

Preparation and use:

  1. Mix the ingredients until it forms a thick paste.
  2. Using a teaspoon or spatula, place the paste in the corners or crevices where cockroaches usually hide.
  3. Renew the mixture every week.

Tips to improve your effectiveness

  • Clean the area well before setting the traps, so the cockroaches will be more attracted to the sugar.
  • Do not use near food or cooking utensils. Although it is a home remedy, detergent is still toxic to humans and pets.
  • Wear gloves when handling the mixture and wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Keep the kitchen dry and free of food debris so as not to attract more insects.
  • Combine with physical barriers: seal cracks, plug drains at night and ventilate environments well.

This trick with detergent and sugar shows that sometimes the most effective solutions are in everyday products. With perseverance and care, you can keep your home free of cockroaches without overspending or resorting to dangerous products.