Bye-Bye, Bugs: The Simple Wax Paper Trick That Keeps Ants and Roaches Away

Now I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing that gets me reaching for my cleaning gloves faster than spotting a trail of ants in the kitchen—or worse, a sneaky little roach scurrying under the fridge. Ugh. No thank you.

But here’s a little secret passed down from my great-aunt (who swore by vinegar for everything): borax + wax paper + a smart hiding spot = a pest-free home—without spraying every corner of your house or calling in the big (expensive) guns.

So grab your borax and a piece of wax paper—we’re going old-school today.

 What’s So Great About Borax Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. Borax (that’s sodium borate, if we’re being scientific) is one of those multi-use, hard-working powders that used to be in everyone’s laundry room.

It’s cheap, it’s natural, and it just works. And when it comes to pests like ants and roaches, borax isn’t just a repellent—it’s a silent assassin.

Here’s how it takes care of business:

• It messes with their insides. When ants or roaches eat it, borax disrupts their digestion.

• It dehydrates their tiny bodies. Not a pretty picture, but effective.

• It spreads. Ants carry it back to their buddies, which helps take out the whole colony.

It’s like a buffet they shouldn’t be eating—but they don’t know any better.

Why Wax Paper?

Okay, so you might be wondering, “Why can’t I just sprinkle the borax under the fridge and be done with it?” Good question.

The wax paper serves a few smart purposes:

• It keeps things tidy. No loose powder getting kicked around or tracked across your kitchen floor.

• It makes cleanup easier. When it’s time to swap it out, you just lift and toss.

• It adds a layer of safety. Especially if you’ve got curious kiddos or pets. The borax stays put on the paper.

Plus, it slides like a charm right under that dusty fridge of yours—no fuss.

Why Under the Fridge?

Ah yes… the forgotten world under the fridge.

Let’s be honest: we rarely clean under there (I won’t judge if you don’t either). It’s warm, it’s dark, and if you’ve got crumbs or tiny spills, that area becomes a five-star bug resort. Roaches especially love it under there. Ew.

That’s why this little trap works so well—you’re targeting a prime pest hangout. Think of it like placing a cheese platter at a party… except this one’s a trap for creepy crawlies.

Let’s Do This: Your Step-by-Step Borax Trap

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Borax powder (look in the laundry aisle)

• Wax paper (not parchment)

• Scissors

• A spoon or a piece of cardboard (for spreading)

Now the how-to:

1. Cut your wax paper. About 12 inches square is usually enough.

2. Sprinkle the borax. A light layer—maybe 1 or 2 tablespoons. No need to cake it on.

3. Spread it out. Use your spoon or cardboard to get a nice even coating.

4. Slide it under the fridge. Go slow. Tuck it in toward the back where the bugs are more likely to pass through.

5. Check back in a few weeks. If it’s looking soggy or dusty, replace it.

That’s it. Seriously.

Why I Swear By This Method

I’ve been using this trick for years. I started back when my twins were toddlers and we were on a tight grocery budget (read: no fancy pest control). Not only did it cut down on the ants marching into the kitchen, but it gave me peace of mind knowing I wasn’t spraying chemicals all over the place.

Plus:

• It’s cheap. One box of borax will last you forever.

• It’s low-risk. Just keep it where pets and little hands can’t reach.

• It works quietly. You don’t see dead bugs lying around. You just stop seeing the bugs. Magic.

 Safety First (Because I’m a Mama Bear at Heart)

Now listen, just because borax is natural doesn’t mean you should treat it like baking soda. It’s still a chemical and needs to be handled with a little care.

Here’s the deal:

• Keep it out of reach. Under the fridge is great for that.

• Wear gloves if you’re sensitive. I use a spoon or piece of cardboard to avoid touching it directly.

• Don’t use near food. Obviously.

• Store it properly. Reseal the box and keep it dry.

 Clean Home, Fewer Pests

So if you’ve got ants showing up like they own the place—or roaches trying to make themselves comfortable—try this wax paper borax trick before spending a small fortune on sprays and traps.

It’s old-fashioned, it’s frugal, and it works while you sleep.

Just slide it under the fridge, pour yourself a glass of iced tea, and rest easy knowing those little bugs are about to pack their bags.

P.S. If you want to get fancy, you can add a spoonful of sugar or powdered peanut butter to the borax mix to lure them in faster. Just don’t go too wild—it’s still borax, not dessert.