Vicks VapoRub Garden Hacks

Hometalk Highlights
by Hometalk Highlights

In the eternal battle between gardeners and pests, Vicks VapoRub emerges as an unexpected yet formidable weapon.


Beyond its traditional uses for cold relief, Vicks possesses unique properties that make it a powerhouse in pest control.


Prepare to be amazed as we uncover the myriad of ways in which Vicks VapoRub can elevate your gardening game and preserve your precious plants and your sanity.

Tools and Materials:

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Vicks Vaporub mosquito repellent

1. Repel Mosquitoes

Apply Vicks VapoRub around the edges of plant pots or along garden borders to repel insects like ants, mosquitoes, and spiders.


The strong scent of menthol and eucalyptus in Vicks acts as a natural deterrent for many pests, keeping them away from your plants.

Vicks hacks for your garden

2. Deter Cats

Cats often use gardens as litter boxes, but they dislike the strong smell of menthol.


Smearing Vicks VapoRub on surfaces where cats tend to dig or spray can discourage them from entering your garden, preserving your plants and keeping the area clean.

How to deter deers

3. Prevent Deer Damage

Deer can wreak havoc on gardens by munching on plants and flowers. Create a barrier by spreading Vicks VapoRub on fences or posts surrounding your garden.


The potent scent is unpleasant for deer, deterring them from venturing further into your garden.

Rub Vicks on the base of trees to deter squirrels

4. Keep Squirrels Away

Squirrels can be notorious garden pests, digging up bulbs and munching on fruits and vegetables.


Apply Vicks VapoRub to the base of trees, bird feeders, or other areas where squirrels are a problem. The strong smell will discourage them from coming near, protecting your garden produce.

Deter slugs and snails

5. Repel Slugs and Snails

Coat the rims of plant pots or the edges of raised beds with Vicks VapoRub to deter slugs and snails.


The strong scent disrupts their sensory receptors, making them less likely to crawl over treated areas and feast on your plants.

Rubbing Vicks on a cotton ball

6. Repel Rodents

Keep rodents like mice and rats out of your garden shed or storage area by placing cotton balls soaked in Vicks VapoRub in strategic locations.


Rodents dislike the strong scent and will avoid areas where it is present, helping to protect your gardening tools and supplies.


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Vicks VapoRub Hacks For Your Garden

From repelling insects and felines to thwarting deer and rodents, Vicks emerges as a natural, cost-effective solution for maintaining a pest-free paradise.


With these innovative Vicks VapoRub hacks in your gardening toolkit, your green space is poised to thrive like never before.

Frequently asked questions
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3 of 29 questions
  • Thu108757603 Thu108757603 on Jun 25, 2024
    Will it keep bees away don't want to deter pollinators
  • Andrew Herman Andrew Herman on Jun 25, 2024
    Really interested but how often would you need to replenish it around a flower pot?
  • Charlene Gresham Charlene Gresham on Jun 27, 2024
    Tried it for squirrels eating out of my hog feeder . Put it all over it ,on the tree branch it's coming down, on the fence, and the feeder. Went to put up chickens last night and there is was sitting in feeder eating all their food. Any other ideas? Wiiling to try so I won't kill it!
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  • Esk107921647 Esk107921647 on Jun 25, 2024
    I’d like to know what works well with roaches? I have dogs so I can’t use pesticides. Thanks
    • See 1 previous
    • Millie Millie 3 days ago
      Dichotomous Earth is a powder that is safe for humans and animals. It is used in restaurants. It can be placed on countertops, floors, wherever you decide. It dehydrates the bug. I have used it for crickets, water bugs and bought for family members that had roaches. BUY FROM AMAZON.
  • Hou109658167 Hou109658167 on Jul 07, 2024
    Great ideas. Vicks Vapor Rub can be pretty expensive. I get the knock off brand at Dollar Tree, It works just as well.
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