This post combines two common social-media tactics:
- A questionable household “hack”
- Engagement bait (“say something,” “inactive members will be removed”)
The engagement part is fake
Phrases like:
“We are removing inactive members.”
“If you want to keep getting our recipes, say something.”
are usually intended to increase comments and visibility. Commenting or staying silent generally has no effect on whether you’ll see future posts.
The Vicks VapoRub claim
Vicks VapoRub contains menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil, which have strong odors.
Because of those odors, it may:
- Temporarily discourage some insects from coming very close to the area where it’s applied.
- Have a mild, short-lived repellent effect in some situations.
However, it is not an effective pest-control solution for:
- Mosquito infestations
- Ant colonies
- Cockroach infestations
- Rodents
- Spider problems
- Gnat breeding populations
It does not eliminate nests, breeding sites, or colonies.
What actually works
- Mosquitoes: Remove standing water, use screens and approved repellents.
- Ants: Use ant baits that target the colony.
- Cockroaches: Use gel baits and sanitation measures.
- Rodents: Seal entry points and use traps.
- Gnats: Eliminate moisture and breeding sources.
Bottom line
The “Vicks VapoRub pest removal hack” is mostly exaggerated. At best, it may provide a temporary odor-based deterrent for some insects in a small area. It is not a reliable way to remove pests, and the “comment to stay active” message is simply engagement bait.
