You might only think of mentholated ointment as a remedy for coughs or sore muscles—but did you know it can also double as an all-natural pest repellent?

Thanks to ingredients like menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, and cedar leaf oil, this little jar packs a powerful punch against all sorts of unwanted visitors—from ants and flies to mice and mosquitoes.

Let’s explore 14 practical and safe ways to use mentholated ointment to protect your home—no harsh chemicals required.

1. 🦟 Keep Mosquitoes Away

How it works: The strong aroma of menthol and eucalyptus oil confuses and repels mosquitoes.

How to use it:

• Dab small amounts on your ankles, wrists, neck, and behind your ears.
• Leave open jars near windows, doors, or under your bed to keep mosquitoes out of your room.

2. 🪰 Repel House Flies

Flies hate the smell.

How to use it:

• Smear a little ointment on paper strips or cloth and hang them near sinks or trash cans.
• Leave an open container of the ointment in fly-prone areas.
• Mix a bit of the ointment with warm water in a bowl and leave it in a corner. The vapor repels flies.

3. 🐜 Block Ant Trails

Disrupt their scent lines and stop them from returning.

How to use it:

• Apply a thin layer to windowsills, doorframes, or cracks where ants enter.
• Rub around trash bins, food storage, or along active ant trails to break their scent path.

4. 🕸️ Deter Spiders

They can’t stand menthol and eucalyptus.

How to use it:

• Rub ointment around windows, baseboards, vents, and doorways.
• Apply near any known web sites to prevent spiders from returning.

5. 🪳 Keep Cockroaches at Bay

How to use it:

• Apply ointment around pantry bases, behind trash cans, and near water sources.
• Rub along edges of cabinets or behind appliances.
• Avoid putting it near food or food prep areas.

6. 🐭 Repel Mice and Rats

Rodents hate strong smells like menthol and camphor.

How to use it:

• Dab some on cotton balls and place behind stoves, inside cabinets, near walls, or anywhere you’ve seen activity.
• Replace every few days to keep the scent strong.

7. 🦟 Gnat Protection (and Bite Relief)

Cedar oil helps repel gnats—and the ointment soothes bites.

How to use it:

• Apply a small amount to your ankles, arms, or neck to deter gnats.
• If bitten, dab a little directly on the bump to reduce itching.

8. 🛏️ Prevent Bed Bugs

How to use it:

• Apply around the edges of your mattress, bed legs, and headboard joints.
• Focus on cracks and seams where bugs hide.

9. 🐟 Eliminate Silverfish

How to use it:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of ointment with 1 liter of hot water.
• Pour into a spray bottle and spritz around baseboards, behind toilets, under sinks, or near drains.

10. 🧣 Stop Moths in Closets and Drawers

How to use it:

• Dab onto cotton balls and tuck them into closets, drawers, or storage containers.
• Refresh every 2–3 weeks for continued protection.

11. 🪲 Protect Against Beetles

How to use it:

• Rub the ointment around windowsills, door frames, and small cracks where beetles sneak in.
• Reapply weekly or after cleaning.

12. 🪱 Keep Earwigs Out of the Garden

How to use it:

• Apply a small amount to wooden plant stakes, raised beds, or fence posts.
• Don’t apply directly to edible plant leaves or roots.

13. 🐝 Repel Wasps

How to use it:

• Rub ointment on porch railings, patio furniture, and around windows or entryways.
• Reapply after it rains or after wiping surfaces.

14. 🐶 Deter Fleas Indoors (Not On Pets)

How to use it:

• Dab a tiny amount onto your pet’s collar (not directly on the skin).
• Rub into corners of pet beds, or place a small dot on rugs in flea-prone areas.
• Always monitor pets and never let them lick or eat the ointment.

⚠️ Safety Tips Before You Start

• Don’t ingest. It’s for external use only.
• Avoid contact with eyes, nose, or open wounds.
• Not for children under 2 without doctor’s advice.
• Wash hands thoroughly after use.
• Keep away from pets unless applied safely to collars or nearby areas (never on fur or skin).

Final Thoughts

That little jar of mentholated ointment you already have? It’s more than just a cough remedy—it’s a secret weapon for natural pest control. Whether it’s ants in the kitchen or wasps on the porch, you can protect your space without using toxic sprays or expensive exterminators.

A little goes a long way—and now you know how to use it like a pro.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Always test in small areas before use, especially around pets, kids, or sensitive individuals. If in doubt, consult with a licensed pest control or medical professional.

Inspired by this? Share the article with your friends and help them ditch the chemicals too! 🧴🌿🐞