Vaseline & Sugar Trap: How to Keep Pests at Bay the Natural Way

Danielle
by Danielle

Today, I've got a handy DIY project that will help you bid farewell to those pesky ants and cockroaches without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive exterminators.


We're going to whip up a homemade sugar trap incorporating a simple yet effective ingredient: Vaseline.

Sugar ant trap DIY

BugMD Ant Killer & Bug Spray

Tools and Materials:

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How to get rid of cockroaches

1. Prepare Your Trap

First things first, grab a small bowl or container.


Now, scoop out some petroleum jelly and fill the container about halfway.

Homemade sugar ant trap

2. Add Some Sweet Temptation

To lure those unwanted guests into our trap, we're going to sweeten the deal (quite literally). Sprinkle a bit of sugar into the Vaseline and give it a good mix.

Cockroach and ant traps homemade

3. Strategically Place Your Traps

Now comes the fun part—strategically placing your traps where the insects are most likely to roam. Think along baseboards, near entry points, or anywhere you've spotted those critters scuttling about.

Roach and ant traps DIY

4. Check and Refresh

Keep an eye on your traps and empty them periodically as needed. Simply scoop out the old petroleum jelly mixture and replace it with a fresh batch. This ensures that your traps remain effective in keeping those pests at bay.


More Natural Pest Control Solutions

If you're interested in more natural ways to keep pests out of your home, check out this guide How to Make Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Ants Spray.

Vaseline in doorway

Roach and Ant Traps DIY Tutorial

With these DIY cockroach and ant traps, you can say goodbye to chemical-laden sprays and hello to a pest-free home the natural way.


Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!


Remember, a little creativity goes a long way in tackling household pests.

Frequently asked questions
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  • JanM JanM on May 21, 2025

    I’ve heard of this. I think my grandma used it on her farm. But she also laced it with a bit of borax powder.

    Just wondering… think it will work on stink bugs and mice?

  • John Sherwood John Sherwood on May 21, 2025

    Does this also attract gnats and other small flying insects?

  • Terri Sidell Terri Sidell on Jun 05, 2025

    What about Bed Bugs, and Lady Bugs? I can't find any products that are available to kill Lady Bugs.

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  • Cal137058625 Cal137058625 on Jul 05, 2025

    I use chili powder because I have a small dog who I don’t want to expose to insecticide. I has ants coming in thru the crevice between my stove and my lower kitchen cabinet. I all I had to do was funnel the chili powder to the floor in between and that was it. I have not seen another ant for over a year.

  • Terri Sidell Terri Sidell on Aug 07, 2025

    I asked you about what could I use to kill bed bugs and lady bugs. You replied "don't kill lady bugs". It is quite apparent that you don't have them swarm your entrance ways and bite you!

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