Not many foods play the role of both a prized cooking ingredient and household cleaner.
The word vinegar derives from the French “vin aigre,” or sour wine.
Legend describes vinegar’s discovery when a forgotten wine was left in storage for several months, causing it to ferment and turn sour.
Vinegar is a combination of acetic acid and water made by a two-step fermentation process.
First, yeast feed on the sugar or starch of any liquid from a plant food such as fruits, whole grains, potatoes, or rice.
This liquid ferments into alcohol.
The alcohol is then exposed to oxygen and the acetic acid bacteria Acetobacter to ferment again over weeks or months, forming vinegar.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires vinegar to contain at least 4% acetic acid, but may range up to 8% in commonly used vinegars.
Although acetic acid is responsible for the tart and pungent flavors and odors we recognize, vinegar also contains trace vitamins, mineral salts, amino acids, and polyphenolic compounds [1].
Some vinegars, such as balsamic, can be left to ferment up to 25 years.
Vinegars and Health
Early records from China, the Middle East, and Greece describe vinegar for medicinal purposes: as a digestive aid, an antibacterial balm to dress wounds, and treatment for cough.
Today, vinegar is often touted as an all-purpose treatment for everything from minor ailments to chronic diseases.
To be clear, existing scientific research does not support the use of vinegar as an effective treatment for any of these conditions.
However, some animal studies and small human studies have suggested a health benefit from vinegar, which has fueled its popularity in mainstream media.
Below we take a look at some of the most popular health claims associated with vinegar, and review the limited research behind them.
Can vinegar lower blood sugar?
A handful of human studies have produced conflicting results, with small sample sizes of a dozen or fewer participants.
[2-5] A meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials (ranging from 5 to 12 participants) that observed individuals who were healthy, insulin-resistant, or with type 2 diabetes found that taking vinegar (ranging in amount from 2-4 teaspoons daily) significantly reduced glucose and insulin levels after meals.
[6] A pilot study of 14 participants with type 2 diabetes found that taking vinegar twice daily with meals reduced fasting glucose at 12 weeks but not glucose levels after meals.
These studies are difficult to compare because of differences in study design: healthy subjects versus those with insulin resistance or diabetes; when and how much vinegar was taken; the carbohydrate content of meals; and a diet that was high versus low glycemic index.
These factors may have independently caused either an increase or decrease in blood sugar or insulin levels.
One theory is that vinegar interferes with the digestion of carbohydrates by blocking enzymes that break down them down.
This delay in digestion might produce less of a blood sugar spike after eating or a greater feeling of fullness.
Other possible actions are slowing the production of glucose by the liver or more efficient use of insulin in people who are insulin-resistant.
[5] However, the American Diabetes Association does not promote the use of vinegar for glycemic control due to lack of consistent evidence.
Larger long-term trials with a more uniform study design are needed before making recommendations.
If vinegar causes a delay in digestion and stomach emptying, this might produce a feeling of fullness when eating, thereby causing one to eat less.
Other theories suggest a direct effect on fat metabolism.
One animal study found that acetic acid protected rats from developing abdominal fat and prevented excess storage of fat in the liver.
[8] A double-blind placebo-controlled trial that followed 155 Japanese people for 12 weeks with a body mass index of 25-30 (classified as obese in Japan) were given a drink containing 0, 15, or 30 mL of apple cider vinegar.
[9] The results showed a small but significant decrease in body weight (2-4 pounds) and body mass index (0.4-0.7 points) at 12 weeks.
However, when comparing the whole body of research on vinegar and body weight, primarily animal studies, there is not consistent evidence to show a benefit.
Vinegar contains polyphenols, plant chemicals that have an antioxidant effect that may protect cells from oxidative stress, a possible stimulator of tumor growth.
Cell and mouse studies suggest that vinegar may prevent the growth of cancer cells or cause tumor cells to die.
However, there is a lack of research in humans showing a benefit of vinegar with this disease.
[1] Regardless, vinegar adds flavor and complements other plant foods that contain polyphenols like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which comprise a healthy disease-preventive diet.
Even though vinegar is produced by fermentation, it is surprisingly not a probiotic food that contains beneficial bacteria.
However, certain vinegars like apple cider vinegar which contains pectin may act as a prebiotic, or food for beneficial bacteria.
Vinegar has been taken as a home remedy to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
If GERD is caused by a stomach condition of too low acid, a theory is that taking vinegar may increase stomach acid and improve digestion.
Another theory is that vinegar can help to lower blood pH to a more acidic environment that destroys harmful pathogens in the gut.
Furthermore, there can be side effects of taking too much vinegar at once in concentrated form, including stomach upset and irritation of the esophagus.
Vinegar is low in calories and nutrients.
Depending on the type, one tablespoon of vinegar contains anywhere from 2 to 15 calories.
The lowest calorie versions like distilled vinegar have no nutrient value; others contain trace amounts of nutrients.
Because most vinegars are free of sodium and sugar, they are an ideal ingredient to flavor foods on restricted diets.
Some vinegars are a blend of grape juice and wine vinegar, sometimes with added sugar, so it is important to read the nutrition facts label and ingredients list to know exactly what you are getting.
The acidity or sourness of vinegar brightens the flavor of food and adds balance to a rich dish.
It is found in popular kitchen staples like salad dressings, marinades, sauces, mayonnaise, and ketchup.
Vinegar can change the texture of foods.
Vinegar can also be used to make cottage cheese by adding it to milk.
The acid in vinegar separates the milk’s solid curds from the liquid whey.
Vinegar may be used to pickle food, a preservation method that extends the shelf life of perishable foods by killing bacteria.
Pickling involves soaking a food in a brine solution made from vinegar, water, salt, and sugar, which also changes the food’s flavor.
There are several types of vinegars available.
Specialty vinegars may have added herbs like basil, clove, or cinnamon, or are sweetened with fruit juices.
Note that the role of grains is only indirect in their use to make alcohol, which is then distilled to produce a water solution of nearly pure ethyl alcohol, followed by fermentation into a solution of nearly pure acetic acid (in water).
This process accounts for the lack of savory, aromatic flavors found in wine vinegars.
The resulting acidity is ideal for pickling because it does not alter the color of fruits and vegetables.
It can be used in salad dressings and marinades, or simmered into a thick sauce called a “reduction” to be drizzled onto fruit or ice cream.
Not too acidic with a milder, sweeter flavor.
Used for dishes with Asian flavors like sushi, pickled vegetables, and stir-frys.
Has an acidic and sharp flavor that varies with the type of wine used.
Used in marinades and salad dressings, and for cooking meat and fish.
Lower acidity than other types with a faint apple flavor.
Used for salads, salad dressings, marinades, and sweeter dishes.
Has a strong acidic flavor that is selected for sauces or dips.
With so many varieties, try gifting a new flavor experience to someone on your holiday gift list.
Flavored: A vinegar base (usually wine vinegar) that is infused with fruit purees or herbs like rosemary or sage to create unique flavors for vinaigrette dressings and marinades.
Recipe ideas and serving suggestions featuring vinegar:
Roasted Beets with Balsamic Vinegar
After cooking, the next most popular use for vinegar—particularly white vinegar—is cleaning.
While the 5% acetic acid in vinegar is strong enough to kill some household pathogens, it does not kill them all (e.g., salmonella) and is not recommended as a replacement for commercial disinfectants.
[1] However, distilled white vinegar is an inexpensive, nontoxic “green” product that may be useful for certain household chores.
Johnston, C.S. and Gaas, C.A. Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect.
Examination of the antiglycemic properties of vinegar in healthy adults.
Vinegar lacks antiglycemic action on enteral carbohydrate absorption in human subjects.
Vinegar supplementation lowers glucose and insulin responses and increases satiety after a bread meal in healthy subjects.
Effect and mechanisms of action of vinegar on glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and body weight.
Vinegar consumption can attenuate postprandial glucose and insulin responses; a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract.
Vinegar ingestion at mealtime reduced fasting blood glucose concentrations in healthy adults at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Biological Function of Acetic Acid-Improvement in Obesity and Glucose Tolerance by Acetic Acid in Type 2 Diabetic Rats.
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr.
Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese Japanese subjects.
2009 Aug;73(8):1837-43.
Epub 2009 Aug 7.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Squirrels have an extremely strong sense of smell, which they use to find food sources and nesting spots.
You can use vinegar to repel squirrels, as its pungent aroma irritates their senses and masks potential food sources.
You can apply vinegar to areas around your home to repel squirrels.
Squirrels have an extremely strong sense of smell which is what allows them to thrive during the fall and winter.
Due to it’s pungent aroma, squirrels are sensitive to vinegar and stay away.
You can spray a diluted solution of white vinegar near areas where squirrels frequent to repel them.
Below, we’ll discuss how to use vinegar to deter squirrels as well as list other ways to deter squirrels and hopefully keep them away for good!
Why Do Squirrels Like My Yard?
A study on the food storing strategies of squirrels showed that they relied on their memory somewhat for finding food, but that the squirrel’s sense of smell was the main tool to recover buried food.
Their sense of smell is what makes them so successful in digging up your yard!
You may have seen squirrels eating the birdseed out of your bird feeder (who can blame them!
They are like the free Costco samples of the natural world!).
Unlike deer, squirrels are active at all times of the day, so it can be easier to see if squirrels are the culprit for eating your garden.
Squirrels don’t tend to do as much damage to plants and gardens as deer and insects.
Although, they can sure tear up your yard that you have worked so hard to maintain.
Is Vinegar An Effective Squirrel Repellent?
Squirrels do not like the pungent smell of vinegar.
Using their strong sense of smell to your advantage is a great way to discourage them.
Although there aren’t specific scientific studies determining the effectiveness of vinegar deterring squirrels, we can, however, give you tips that have worked for others.
Vinegar is also a comparatively cheap way to repel squirrels, so this method won’t break the bank!
What Type of Vinegar Is Best For Repelling Squirrels?
Although white vinegar can work well, many people have had success with apple cider vinegar.
The stronger, pungent smell of apple cider vinegar can be more effective at deterring pests than white vinegar.
Using apple cider vinegar can both deter squirrels and be used as a repellent for your lawn and garden.
Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar is a relatively inexpensive option for deterring squirrels.
Their apple cider vinegar is made from certified organic apples and purified water, and that’s it!
There are no harsh or scary chemicals, making it safe for use around family and pets.
Hopefully, your dog is not like mine, thinking that this is a new favorite smell to lick up!
How Do I Use Vinegar To Repel Squirrels?
If squirrels are having a party tearing up your yard, under your deck, or in your shed, we’ve got a few possible methods for using vinegar to repel them.
One method involves soaking rags in undiluted apple cider vinegar and putting them around the outside of your home, on your porch, near your garden, or in your shed.
If you are going to spray the vinegar solution directly on plants, you will want to use a diluted apple cider vinegar solution, mixing 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar with 1 gallon of water.
If you need more of this solution, make a 1:1 vinegar to water ratio.
If you are going to do 5 gallons of spray, mix 5 ounces of apple cider vinegar with 5 gallons of water.
If you choose to do the apple cider vinegar solution, spray a test patch on a plant out of sight.
Spraying apple cider vinegar on pots or hard surfaces such as decks should not damage them.
Damage to the plants can happen since some plants are more sensitive than other plants, which is why you want to be careful spraying it on plants that you know to be more susceptible to harm.
Does Vinegar Repel Other Animals?
Vinegar isn’t just effective in repelling squirrels, it works on other animals too!
Here is a list of other animals that are repelled by vinegar:
If your beloved garden is under siege from any of these pests, vinegar is a great option for you to keep them away!
Squirrel Resistant Plants
What better way to deter animals than to plant plants they don’t like.
You can plant specific foliage that will keep the squirrels from digging relentlessly all over your yard searching for the food they buried!
One study done at Michigan State University used only plant extracts to repel animals from crops.
Of what they tested, daffodils, hot peppers, catnip, and peppermint were the most successful at deterring animals from crops.
Squirrels love crocus and tulip bulbs, so one way to avoid this is to plant daffodil bulbs like these Dutch Master Daffodil Bulbs.
Daffodils are easy to plant and can liven up any space with a pop of color from early spring to early summer!
Another bulb that can be planted to deter squirrels is Hyacinths.
These beautiful blue, purple and pink flowers have a wonderful scent and last early spring to very early summer.
Alliums are a flower that belongs to the onion family, along with chives, garlic, and scallions.
Maybe you’ve planted chives in your garden that get those wonderful purple flowers, well these are exactly like that!
Because alliums are part of the onion family, they are not safe for dogs, so if your dog eats things he shouldn’t, these might not be the best option.
Not only do geraniums deter insect pests, but most animals also don’t touch them, including rabbits and squirrels.
Geraniums give your yard a burst of color and last from early summer to late fall.
Capsaicin (found in chili peppers) is the main compound found in hot pepper plants, so you can utilize this as a natural and effective way to keep squirrels away from your bird feeders or gardens.
A study done by the University of Nebraska, looked at the effects of capsaicin on squirrels, specifically at bird feeders.
Capsaicin-coated birdseed replaced birdseed in bird feeders over a few weeks.
Squirrels spent significantly less time foraging and took considerably less feed at bird feeders with capsaicin-coated birdseed, while birds remained unaffected.
This suggests that chili pepper is a good choice for deterring squirrels!
Another trick is adding garlic powder or a spicy pepper to the vinegar solution, like chili pepper or cayenne powder.
The spiciness of the peppers is a good deterrent for not only squirrels but also for dogs, rabbits, and deer.
These are common ingredients you can find in deer and rabbit repellants.
Read our post – Hot Pepper: Why It Repels Squirrels And How to Use It. Peppermint
Peppermint may be hard to find at your local garden store because of its hybrid nature, but mint can be found in almost every garden store.
Mint tends to take over once it’s planted, but you can plant it in containers so that it doesn’t spread or around the edges of your yard, maybe where there’s brush or an area not landscaped.
Planting it around the border of your yard could help discourage squirrels and other animals.
Like the hot pepper plants, you don’t usually see insects or animals devouring mint plants, as you might with kale, hostas, or echinacea.
Alternative Solutions For Discouraging Squirrels
Use Peppermint Essential Oil
In the same way that the actual mint plant can be used, peppermint oil is another approach to try.
You can create a peppermint oil spray, and mix it with water, and even vinegar to add to its fragrance.
Another highly sought-after method to try is Mighty Mint Rodent-Repellent, which uses only peppermint oil to keep rodents out of your yard.
Other folks have had success with soaking cotton balls in peppermint oil and placing them around their deck, home, or garden.
Not only can this help keep away squirrels, but it can be also used as an effective insect control inside your house.
You can also learn more about repelling squirrels with peppermint here!
Other Practical Ways To Repel Squirrels
Although the mentioned methods in this article can help deter squirrels, here are some other methods you can try to keep them away.
Do Not Feed Squirrels
Have you ever been to a park, the city, or a National Park, and the squirrels are incredibly tame?
Feeding most wild animals tend to do more harm than good and feeding them just encourages them to stick around.
If you get rid of the easy food source, squirrels are less likely to stay in your yard.
If you enjoy feeding birds, you can try putting hot pepper in the bird feeder.
Use it at your discretion!
Birds are not bothered by capsaicin- the main compound found in spicy pepper plants- but squirrels are.
Use Metal Garbage Cans
If you have birdseed, flower seeds, vegetable seeds, or any other type of feed outside, metal garbage cans are the way to go.
As long as the lid is secured tight, squirrels, raccoons, and cats won’t be able to get in.
After all of your hard work in your garden, the last thing you want to see are bite marks out of your tomatoes or tops of plants bitten off.
The BOEN Garden Fence, Plastic Mesh Fencing could be a great option for you to fence it off!
By fencing off certain areas, such as your garden, you can help prevent squirrels and other animals from making themselves at home.
You can also use chicken wire, like the BSTOOL Chicken Wire Net, to cover the bulbs when you go to plant.
Chicken wire will deter squirrels from digging!
While we can’t guarantee that vinegar or any of these methods will work for your specific situation, it is an easy and safe method to try!
It is also good to try a variety of different methods to see which one works best for you.
For best results in preventing critters from taking over your yard, you can combine several of the above-mentioned methods!
If squirrels continue to be an issue, or you find them scurrying around in your attic or home, we recommend contacting a professional for further information and guidance.
“The Effects of Tannin and Protein on Food Preference in Eastern Grey Squirrels.” Department of Systematics and Ecology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.
“Capsaicin-Treated Seed as a Squirrel Deterrent at Bird Feeders.” Wildlife Damage Management Conferences-Proceedings, 2000.
“Concealment and Recovery of Food By Birds, With Some Relevant Observations on Squirrels.” British Birds, 1958.
“Repelling Animals from Crops Using Plant Extract.” Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University.
Zack has encountered many pest situations over the years and has spent his time maintaining and planting over 35 species of trees since his youth with his family on their property.
Take a look at my guide on Pest Proofing Your Home In Under a Day!
I get into the nitty-gritty on the most common types of pests you’ll see on your property including BOTH insects and wildlife, along with the specific signs to look for regarding any pest you have questions about.