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How to Get Rid of Rats Using Vicks VapoRub — A Method That Works!
If you’ve been dealing with rats in your home, you know how stressful—and potentially dangerous—it can be. Rats don’t just chew through wires and wood; they also carry diseases and can contaminate your food. While there are many commercial traps and poisons on the market, some people are turning to natural home remedies as a safer, more affordable solution. One unexpected item gaining attention in the battle against rodents is something you might already have in your medicine cabinet: Vicks VapoRub.
That’s right—this mentholated ointment, typically used for relieving coughs and congestion, may actually help keep rats away. Read on to learn how this method works, why it’s effective, and how to use it properly around your home.
Why Vicks VapoRub Works Against Rats
Rats have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, which they rely on for food, navigation, and avoiding danger. Vicks VapoRub contains strong-smelling ingredients like:
- Menthol
- Camphor
- Eucalyptus oil
These substances are overwhelming and even irritating to a rat’s nose. The strong menthol aroma is not only unpleasant to rodents but also creates a sensory environment that discourages them from approaching or nesting in that area.
So while it doesn’t kill rats, Vicks acts as a powerful repellent, keeping them at bay without the use of toxic chemicals.
How to Use Vicks VapoRub to Repel Rats
Using Vicks VapoRub as a rodent repellent is easy and inexpensive. Here’s how to apply it around your home:
What You’ll Need:
- A jar or tube of Vicks VapoRub
- Cotton balls or cotton pads
- Disposable gloves (optional)
- Small containers (like bottle caps or plastic lids)
Method 1: Cotton Ball Repellent
- Scoop a small amount of Vicks onto a cotton ball.
- Place the cotton ball in areas where rats are likely to travel or hide, such as:
- Behind appliances
- Inside cupboards
- Under the sink
- In attics or basements
- Along walls or near known entry points
- Replace the cotton balls every few days, or when the smell begins to fade.
Method 2: Open-Air Placement
- Use small containers (like plastic bottle caps or jar lids).
- Fill them with a bit of Vicks VapoRub.
- Place them in strategic spots, especially where you’ve seen signs of rats (droppings, chewed materials, etc.).
