Most people think you need expensive exterminators or harsh chemicals to get rid of rats and cockroaches, but a simple natural solution may already be in your kitchen — rice. When combined with common household ingredients, rice becomes an effective, low-cost, and family-safe method to fight pests.

For cockroaches, mix cooked rice with sugar and boric acid to form a paste. Place small portions behind appliances or under sinks; the sugar attracts roaches while the boric acid eliminates them. For rats, blend uncooked rice with plaster of Paris and a bit of sugar or cocoa, then leave it along rat pathways — it hardens inside their stomachs. A gentler option is mixing rice, sugar, and baking soda, which naturally affects rodents without harsh chemicals.

You can boost results with natural deterrents like peppermint oil, bay leaves, garlic paste, or cucumber peels, while keeping the home clean to prevent infestations. These rice-based methods are non-toxic, affordable, and surprisingly effective.

With just a few pantry staples, you can protect your home safely and naturally — no expensive sprays or exterminators required.