There’s no doubt that it’s annoying to have pests invade your home, no matter what that critter is and how it might affect the place you live. Fortunately, you can use something plenty of people already have in their bathroom cabinets to keep unwanted insects out of your home. That happens to be none other than Vicks VapoRub. A staple in many homes, it’s an ointment that can be used to deal with coughing and congestion. At the same time, it can repel various creepy, crawly creatures — from spiders to bedbugs. Indeed, if you’ve ever used Vicks VapoRub, then you’ll know that it is quite fragrant — putting it mildly. At the same time, pests are often repelled by strong scents, for instance, those given off by citronella, lavender, thyme, sage, and peppermint.
If you’re curious what Vicks VapoRub might contain that can boost your chances of warding off the kind of pests that make their way into your home, it has a few active ingredients, including 1.2% eucalyptus oil along with 2.6% menthol and 4.8% camphor, according to Vicks. Be sure to note that camphor can be toxic to pets. As for inactive ingredients, you will also find cedar leaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol, and turpentine oil. When all of these come together, they create a substance that produces a pungent aroma that will also keep pests out of your abode.
Bedbugs
While you would surely rather not have to deal with any kind of insect infestation, bedbugs don’t like Vicks VapoRub, which can give you the upper hand. Although you might enjoy the minty smell produced by the ointment thanks to the menthol, camphor, and thymol it contains – bedbugs don’t feel the same way. To keep them away from your bed or prevent them from climbing onto your fabric-covered chairs and couch, rub some Vicks on the legs of your furniture.
Fleas
As mentioned, Vicks VapoRub contains both camphor and eucalyptus. The former comes from the wood and bark of the tree with the same name. It is turned into a powder, which helps those who are suffering from a cough. The latter is an essential oil. Both are ingredients that fleas find repulsive and keep them from assuming your home is a welcoming place for them. Place a little Vicks on your furniture or carpets where fleas tend to be found.
Mice and rats
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If you have problems with mice and rats coming into your home, then you might not be having any luck with methods meant to dissuade them from coming into your space. In that case, you might have to resort to something more drastic to protect your home from the damage rodents can cause, as well as your family, who could be bitten by one. Add 1 teaspoon of Vicks VapoRub to crushed pieces of two cookies. After combining them, leave the repelling mixture out for the rodents to discover.
Beetles
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Along with the fact that beetles can cause damage to your plants when they target your garden, they can also wreak havoc on your clothes, furniture, and the materials used to construct your home itself when they get inside. You may already be well aware of this if they’ve made their way into your residence. To make beetles in your home a thing of the past, then put Vicks VapoRub to good use. These annoying critters aren’t interested in the camphor or menthol found in the product and will stay away.
Ants
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Ants in your home can be problematic and persistent — not to mention they can come in seriously alarming numbers and can be hard to get rid of once they’ve made their way inside. To use Vicks VapoRub to prevent them from entering your home in the first place, do your best to figure out all of the spots where they might be getting in. Next, place the ointment around these areas — it will create a fragrant menthol and camphor barrier that the ants can’t cross.
Spiders
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You don’t have to be arachnophobic to not want these eight-legged pests crawling around your home. Luckily, the strong scent of menthol and eucalyptus in Vick’s VapoRub is enough to steer these creepy crawlies away. To be most effective, try rubbing a little of the salve on the sills of your doors or windows to keep spiders out of your home. Otherwise, a little Vicks around the bedroom can ward them away while you sleep.
Slugs
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Slugs are a particularly menacing pest and can tear through your garden and ruin your vegetables and flowers. However, using a little smear of Vicks Vaporub with its slug-repelling menthol ingredients can stop these slugs in their slimy path. Slugs depend on using a slick translucent residue to slide around, so if you place a layer of strong-scented Vicks around the lip of a potted plant, then it will hinder the slug’s progress toward the base of the plant.
Snails
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Like slugs, snails would love nothing more than to be left unattended in your tasty garden. Especially in the early growing stages of your flowers or vegetables, slugs can munch holes in leaves and ruin the stem of your plants. To get rid of them, you can use Vicks VapoRub in the same way you would when warding off slugs. However, for a little extra protection, try mixing table salt with the menthol ointment to further give snails a not-so-subtle hint to stay away.
Fruit flies
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Fruit flies are a scourge on any household. These annoying tiny flies seem to pop up when you least expect it and can be a serious pain to keep away. The sensitive sense of smell that a fruit fly boasts is what helps it find fragrant fruits and sugary treats. However, it also means that some smells will repel them. Vicks VapoRub has a powerful, minty olfactory punch that is enough to keep fruit flies at bay. Smear some on the door and window frames or around the rim of your kitchen sink so they keep their distance.
Mosquitoes
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When it comes to the ultimate pint-sized pest, mosquitos could be at the top of anyone’s list. Whether it’s ruining an evening outdoors or buzzing around your ears inside your home, these bloodsuckers can keep you annoyed and itching for days. To keep them away from your home, all it could take is Vicks VapoRub. The strong menthol scent can be enough to repel them away from your skin and even your surroundings. As opposed to using harsh DEET repellents, little touches of Vicks on your neck, legs, or arms can be just the thing to steer mosquitos clear.
