Most people probably have a jar of Vicks VapoRub tucked away in a medicine cabinet for cold and flu season. I know I do, but I never considered bringing it out to the garden until I started hearing about the unusual ways some gardeners use it.

At first, the idea sounded a little odd. Vicks is something most of us associate with stuffy noses and coughs, not garden beds or bird feeders. Its strong menthol and eucalyptus scent has led some people to try using it around places where they have problems with unwanted animals and insects.

These tricks aren’t proven pest-control methods, and there’s no guarantee they’ll work. Still, gardeners have shared several ways they’ve experimented with small amounts of Vicks around their yards.

vicks vaporub — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Keep Cats Away From Garden Beds

Cats often dig in loose soil, especially in freshly planted garden beds. Some gardeners put a little Vicks near the spots where cats regularly scratch or dig, hoping the strong scent will make those areas less appealing.

It’s better to keep it along the edges of a bed or beside a pathway rather than putting it directly on plants or soil. Keep in mind that this is a home remedy, not a reliable way to keep cats out of the garden.

Keep Ants Away From Feeders and Pots

Ants can quickly become a nuisance around hummingbird feeders and plant containers. Some people rub a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on the outside of a planter or along a feeder pole or hook, hoping the scent will discourage ants from crossing.

I’ve also seen this trick mentioned for use around a bird-feeder stand, where ants can be a recurring problem. Keep the product away from birds, feeder openings, and any surfaces they might touch or peck.

Discourage Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails can chew through garden plants surprisingly quickly, particularly after wet weather. Some gardeners try rubbing a little Vicks around the outside rim of pots or along the edges of raised beds to make those areas less inviting.

Don’t put it directly on leaves, edible crops, or garden soil. There’s little evidence that this trick works, so it’s best not to rely on it to protect plants from damage.

Discourage Deer From Certain Areas

Anyone who has watched deer eat their way through a garden knows how frustrating the damage can be. Some gardeners dab small amounts of Vicks onto fence posts or other nearby surfaces, hoping the strong smell will make deer less likely to visit.

This isn’t a dependable deer deterrent, especially if the animals are hungry or already accustomed to visiting the yard. Fencing and other established deer-control methods are better choices for protecting plants.

Keep Squirrels From Digging

Squirrels can undo freshly planted bulbs and seeds by digging around garden beds in search of food. Some gardeners try putting a small amount of Vicks near the spots where squirrels tend to dig, such as around bed edges or near tree bases.

The strong scent is supposed to make those areas less appealing, but there isn’t reliable evidence that it keeps squirrels away. Keep Vicks out of reach of pets and wildlife so they can’t lick or eat it.

Discourage Rodents Around Sheds and Storage Areas

Mice and rats can get into sheds, especially if they find food, nesting materials, or places to hide. One trick people share involves putting a little Vicks on cotton balls and leaving them near corners or suspected entry points.

The strong smell may seem like an easy way to discourage rodents, but it won’t solve an infestation or stop them from getting inside. Sealing gaps, removing food sources, and using appropriate pest-control methods are much better ways to deal with the problem.

A Small Jar Can Have More Uses Than You Think

Vicks VapoRub has a very different purpose from most garden products, but its strong smell has inspired people to try using it around their yards. The results are uncertain, and a trick that seems to help in one garden may do nothing in another.

If you’re curious about trying it, keep it away from edible plants, pets, children, and wildlife. Don’t apply it directly to plants or soil, and avoid using it where animals could come into contact with it.