This Is Why People Are Putting Vicks VapoRub in Their Garden

ByTamara White Posted OnMay 5, 2026May 5, 2026

Most of us keep a jar of Vicks VapoRub tucked away for the cold season and don’t think much about it beyond that. But over time, I kept hearing about people using it in completely different ways, especially outside in the garden.

At first, I was skeptical. It’s not exactly marketed as a gardening product. But once you understand what’s in it, strong scents like menthol and eucalyptus, it starts to make a little more sense. Those smells don’t just affect us…they also affect animals and insects.

Here are some of the ways people are actually using it in the garden, and a few I’ve tried myself.

vicks vapor rub — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Keep Cats From Digging or Scratching

Cats tend to avoid strong smells, so applying a small amount in areas where they tend to dig or scratch can help redirect them. This works well around garden beds or along pathways.

Keep Ants Away From Feeders and Plants

If you’ve ever dealt with ants climbing up a hummingbird feeder or getting into planters, you know how frustrating it can be. A small amount of Vicks VapoRub rubbed along a pole, hook, or planter edge can help create a barrier they won’t cross.

I’ve seen people pair this with a bird-feeder stand to keep feeders cleaner and easier to maintain.

Deter Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails rely heavily on their sense of smell, so strong scents can throw them off. Applying a thin layer around the rim of pots or raised beds can make those areas less appealing.

Help Prevent Deer Damage

Deer can quickly wipe out a garden, especially when plants are young. Some gardeners apply Vicks to fence posts or nearby surfaces to create a scent barrier.

Keep Squirrels From Digging

Squirrels love to dig up bulbs and snack on whatever they can find. Adding a small amount near problem areas ike the base of trees or garden beds, can discourage them from coming back.

Repel Rodents From Sheds and Storage

Mice and rats can become a problem in sheds or storage areas where you keep tools and supplies. One simple trick is to place cotton balls with a small amount of Vicks in corners or entry points.