Tired of chemical sprays and expensive pest exterminators? You might be overlooking one of the most effective natural remedies already sitting in your medicine cabinet. That little jar of mentholated ointment used for chest colds and sore muscles? It doubles as a safe, affordable solution to repel pests at home.
Loaded with powerful ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus oil, camphor, and cedar leaf oil, this ointment overwhelms the senses of common household intruders. It’s an easy way to maintain a pest-free home environment without using harmful chemicals.
Here are 13 clever ways to put it to work.
1. Keep Mosquitoes Away
Apply a small amount of ointment to your ankles, wrists, neck, and behind the ears to create a scent barrier that mosquitoes avoid.
Try placing open jars of ointment near windows, beds, or doorways to create a protective zone throughout your home.
2. Get Rid of Flies
Here’s how to deal with flies naturally:
- Smear some ointment onto cotton strips or paper and leave near trash bins or sinks.
- Set out open jars in areas where flies are active.
- Add a dab to warm water in a bowl—the vapors will help drive flies away.
3. Stop Ants at Entry Points
Menthol and camphor interfere with ants’ scent trails.
Apply the ointment around windows, door frames, cracks, trash cans, kitchen counters, and pantry areas to discourage ant activity.
4. Prevent Spiders from Nesting
Apply a small amount of ointment along baseboards, windowsills, doorways, and other spider-prone areas. If you see webs, place a dab nearby to prevent spiders from returning.
5. Keep Cockroaches Out
Cockroaches rely on scent trails to navigate. Disrupt those paths by applying the ointment around pantry edges, trash bins, and any areas where roaches have been seen.
6. Repel Mice and Rats
Mice and rats hate strong scents like menthol and eucalyptus. Soak cotton balls in the ointment and place them behind appliances, in cabinets, or along baseboards. Refresh them every few days to maintain their effectiveness.
7. Deter Gnats Naturally
Thanks to its cedar leaf oil content, this ointment works well against gnats. Dab it on your wrists, ankles, and neck before heading outdoors. It also soothes itching if you’ve already been bitten.
8. Ward Off Bed Bugs
Apply the ointment around mattress seams, bed legs, and frame cracks. This creates a barrier that bed bugs don’t want to cross. Reapply weekly for continued protection.
9. Fight Silverfish in the Bathroom
Mix a teaspoon of the ointment with hot water, pour it into a spray bottle, and lightly mist under sinks, behind toilets, and inside cabinets to keep silverfish away.
10. Protect Your Clothes from Moths
Rub the ointment on cotton balls and tuck them into drawers, closets, and storage containers. Refresh every couple of weeks to keep moths at bay.
11. Block Beetles from Entering
Beetles often sneak in through crevices around windows and doors. Apply the ointment weekly to these entry points to deter them.
12. Shield Your Garden from Pests
Rub the ointment on wooden garden stakes or plant stems. This discourages bugs like earwigs and beetles from chewing on your plants without using harmful chemicals.
13. Wasp-Proof Outdoor Spaces
Wasps are repelled by strong scents. Rub the ointment on porch railings, outdoor furniture, and window frames. Reapply after cleaning or rain to keep wasps away.
Bonus Tip: Use Safely Around Pets
Do not apply directly to pets’ skin. Instead, you can:
- Dab onto their collar
- Apply small amounts to corners of their bedding or rugs
- Keep their areas clean and vacuumed to maximize effectiveness
Important Safety Notes
- Do not ingest the ointment or apply it to broken skin
- Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes
- Not recommended for children under 2 years old
- Always wash your hands after use
Final Thoughts
That small jar of mentholated ointment isn’t just for colds—it’s a powerful and affordable way to control pests naturally. With a few dabs in the right places, you can repel insects and rodents without relying on chemical treatments.
If you’re aiming for a cleaner, greener lifestyle, this trick is a great place to start. Share it with family and friends—you’ll be amazed at how well it works.
