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Imagine a scene straight out of a horror movie: suspicious noises at night, discreet tracks under the furniture… Yes, you guessed it, it’s the unwanted house pests – rats, mice, or cockroaches – inviting themselves into your home unannounced. But what if the solution to getting rid of them for good was already in your kitchen, right at your fingertips? A simple, natural, economical, and remarkably effective ingredient. Intrigued? We’ll tell you all about it.
Rice and plaster: the surprising combination that repels pests

Tired of expensive traps and chemicals that force you to air out your entire house? Good news: there’s a much gentler and more ingenious method. It combines two ingredients you’re already familiar with: raw white rice and a component often used in crafts , powdered plaster . Together, they form a highly effective deterrent against unwanted pests.
A very simple home remedy to prepare

You don’t need to be a DIY expert or a chemistry whiz to implement this trick. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Uncooked white rice
- Powdered plaster ( also called plaster of Paris or white cement )
- Water
- Small containers ( bowls, bottle caps or small ramekins )
- A blender or a mortar
Grind the raw rice into a fine powder. Mix it in equal parts with plaster. Place this mixture in shallow containers near areas where pests are present. Place a small dish of water next to each container: this is what activates the trap .
Where should you place your traps for maximum effect?
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To maximize the effectiveness of your bait, target the intruders’ favorite spots:
- Under sinks or washbasins
- Behind the household appliances
- In the cupboards or the pantry
- Near the garbage cans
- Around baseboards or cracks
Repeat the installation every 3 to 4 days and continue for a month to ensure that the entire colony is reached.
Small bonus tips for a pest-free home
The extra tip ? Combine this method with a simple but effective hygiene routine:
- Clean floors, work surfaces and corners regularly.
- Store your food in airtight containers .
- Seal cracks and openings with steel wool or sealant.
In short: make your home less welcoming to pests, and your bait will become their only available « meal » .
A method that ticks all the boxes
What makes this solution so appealing is its combination of simplicity, effectiveness, and safety. It costs next to nothing, doesn’t emit a strong odor , and can even be used if you have children or pets (with the usual precautions). It’s also an environmentally friendly choice: no toxic products or polluting waste.
Make your home a place where pests are no longer welcome.
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