That’s fascinating! That practice is rooted in centuries of folklore and real-world medicinal use for a very practical modern purpose.
It makes perfect sense that an all-natural method would use garlic, given its history:
Pest Repellent: The strong sulfur compounds in garlic are highly effective and offensive to small household pests like mice, ants, and some insects. By rubbing the fresh clove directly on the door frame, you apply those volatile compounds right at the entry point without using harsh chemicals.