Sure! Using Vicks VapoRub as a natural pest repellent is a popular home hack, especially for pests like mosquitoes, spiders, ants, and even mice. It’s not a guaranteed extermination method but more of a deterrent or repellant due to the strong menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor scents in Vicks.
Here’s a recipe and method to use Vicks VapoRub for pest removal or repelling:
Vicks VapoRub Pest Removal Hack Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons of Vicks VapoRub
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1 cup of water
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1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap (optional, helps the solution stick to surfaces)
Tools:
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Spray bottle (clean and empty)
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Spoon or stirrer
Instructions:
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Prepare the mixture:
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In a small bowl or directly in the spray bottle, mix 2 tablespoons of Vicks VapoRub with 1 cup of warm water.
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Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap (optional) to help the mixture stick to surfaces and spread better.
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Stir or shake well until the Vicks is mostly dissolved or evenly dispersed.
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Transfer to spray bottle:
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If you mixed in a bowl, carefully pour the solution into a spray bottle.
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Shake the bottle gently to keep the mixture combined.
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Apply the solution:
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Spray the mixture around windowsills, doorways, baseboards, corners, and other areas where pests enter or hide.
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Avoid spraying directly on plants or delicate fabrics as the solution might damage them.
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For ants, spray near their trails or nests.
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For spiders and mosquitoes, spray in dark corners or places they frequent.
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Reapply regularly:
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Reapply every 2-3 days or after cleaning or rain exposure if applied outdoors.
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For persistent pests, increase the concentration of Vicks slightly but be cautious not to make the mixture too sticky or hard to spray.
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Additional Tips:
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You can place small dabs or balls of Vicks VapoRub in corners, behind appliances, or inside cupboards as a passive repellent.
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The strong smell confuses and irritates pests, making the area less attractive.
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This method is more preventative and repellent rather than a pesticide — it won’t kill pests but discourages them from entering or settling.