Using Vicks VapoRub as a DIY pest repellent hack is a surprisingly popular home remedy

Using Vicks VapoRub as a DIY pest repellent hack is a surprisingly popular home remedy — while it's not scientifically proven as a professional pest control solution, some people swear by its effects for keeping common pests at bay. Here's a breakdown of how people use it against different pests:

1. Mosquitoes

  • Why it works: The strong menthol and eucalyptus smell is unpleasant to mosquitoes.

  • How to use: Apply small dabs of Vicks on ankles, wrists, neck, and behind the ears when sitting outside. Some people also leave an open jar near their bed.


2. Ants

  • Why it works: Ants dislike strong-smelling substances like menthol.

  • How to use: Rub a line of Vicks on windowsills, doorways, or cracks where ants enter. It can act as a barrier.


3. Flies

  • Why it works: The smell is overwhelming to houseflies.

  • How to use: Leave an open jar in areas where flies tend to gather, like near garbage bins or sinks.


4. Spiders

  • Why it works: Strong scents can interfere with their sensory receptors.

  • How to use: Apply Vicks to corners, closets, and windowsills to deter them from nesting.


5. Rodents (Mice & Rats)

  • Why it works: The scent is too intense for rodents' sensitive noses.

  • How to use: Place a bit of Vicks on cotton balls and leave them in areas rodents frequent — behind appliances, in cabinets, or near baseboards.


6. Cockroaches

  • Why it works: Menthol and camphor are repellent to roaches.

  • How to use: Dab some in dark corners, under sinks, or along baseboards where they may hide.


7. Gnats & Fruit Flies

  • Why it works: The strong aroma masks the scent of fruit and organic matter that attracts them.

  • How to use: Keep a jar open on the counter near fruits or garbage areas.


⚠️ A Few Tips & Precautions:

  • Not a permanent solution: This is more of a deterrent than a killer. It won’t eliminate infestations.

  • Keep away from pets and kids: While Vicks is generally safe, ingestion or overexposure isn’t ideal.

  • Reapply often: The scent fades over time.

Related Contents

More