Dealing with mice or rats in the home can be frustrating. Traps, poisons, and chemicals may workโbut theyโre not always safe if you have children or pets around. Fortunately, thereโs a surprisingly simple and natural trick that many people swear by: Vicks VapoRub.
Yes, the same mentholated ointment used for colds and congestion can help you keep rodents awayโsafely and naturally.
๐ญ Why Vicks VapoRub Works
Mice and rats have an incredibly sharp sense of smell. Strong odors that seem refreshing to usโlike menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor (all found in Vicks)โare overwhelming to them. The smell disrupts their navigation and makes treated areas unbearable, so they avoid it altogether.
๐ฟ How to Use Vicks VapoRub to Repel Rodents
1. Direct Application
- Take a small amount of Vicks and apply it along entry points (under doors, around windows, or cracks in the wall).
2. Cotton Ball Trick
- Dab a generous amount of Vicks onto a cotton ball.
- Place these cotton balls in areas where youโve noticed rodent activity (behind cupboards, under the sink, in corners).
3. Refresh Weekly
- Replace or reapply once the smell fades, usually every 5โ7 days.
๐ก Extra Natural Boost
For an even stronger deterrent, mix Vicks with a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil. Rodents dislike these scents even more, making your home less inviting.
โ ๏ธ Important Notes
- Vicks wonโt kill mice or ratsโit works as a repellent to keep them away.
- For best results, combine this trick with good housekeeping: seal food containers, clean crumbs, and block small openings where rodents may enter.
๐ธ A Safe, Natural Solution
No poisons, no harsh chemicalsโjust a simple jar of Vicks VapoRub. With consistent use, you can naturally drive mice and rats away permanently and enjoy a cleaner, pest-free home.




