Sprinkler Magician
January 13, 2022
Vicks® VapoRub® is some strong stuff — anyone who has gotten a whiff can attest to that. The scent of it is enough to make most people’s eyes water from several feet away.
VapoRub® has a potent scent, but is it strong enough to repel mosquitoes?
Does Vicks® VapoRub® Repel Mosquitoes?
Well, we can’t say one way or another.
There are several claims of Vicks® VapoRub® working as a mosquito repellent. Yet, this article from the CDC states that effective mosquito repellents must contain at least 10% of active ingredients proven to repel mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, the active ingredients in Vicks® that have been proven to repel mosquitoes only comprise 8.5% of the formula. This includes ingredients that are known to repel mosquitoes, such as eucalyptus oil, camphor oil, and menthol (found in peppermint and other mint plants).
However, some of the inactive ingredients in Vicks®, such as thymol oil and turpentine oil, have also shown effectiveness in repelling pesky mosquitoes. While they aren’t the active ingredients for the primary function of VapoRub®, they may add to the efficacy of it as a mosquito deterrent.
Even if this were the case, it’s unclear how much of each inactive ingredient is in Vicks® VapoRub®, so a definitive conclusion cannot be reached.
How to Use Vicks® VapoRub® as a Mosquito Repellent
If you want to give Vicks® VapoRub® a shot as a mosquito repellent, here’s how:
Apply small dots of the solution to various parts of exposed skin. It would be beneficial to apply it to places you find mosquitoes targeting, such as arms and legs. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly; you can always add more if needed.
Avoid applying it to your forehead as it may run into your eyes and cause irritation. Also, avoid putting it on areas that may come into contact with your eyes from wiping away sweat.
Use Vicks® VapoRub® to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching
There are a lot of home remedies to stop mosquito bites from itching, and some of the most effective ones contain menthol (like toothpaste and Listerine!).
What else contains menthol? Vicks® VapoRub®. Rub some on your itchy mosquito bites for some soothing relief.
While this won’t help keep mosquitoes away from you in the first place, it can at least provide some relief after the fact.
What Smells Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Studies have shown that strong scents do a good job of getting rid of mosquitoes. This is because mosquitoes find their victims by scent, so any strong smells obscure their ability to find you.
Some scents proven to keep mosquitoes away include:
- Smoke (especially sage, rosemary, or pine)
- Pyrethrum (found in many plants such as marigolds and chrysanthemums)
- Strong Smells (such as the sulfur in garlic and apple cider vinegar)
Mosquito Magician’s Mosquito Repellent
If you want a mosquito repellent that is proven to work, check out our reliable formula. We want you to enjoy the outdoors again!