Mothballs are primarily known for repelling moths, and their effectiveness in deterring spiders is limited. While the strong odor may temporarily discourage spiders, it is not a foolproof spider repellent. There are safer and more effective alternatives to consider.
Use peppermint oil and water
Spiders hate the strong smell of peppermint, so it's the perfect weapon to naturally ward them off. Since spiders use the tiny hairs on their leg to sense vibration and smell, they find pungent peppermint incredibly unpleasant.
Lavender, mint, eucalyptus, and citronella are all plants with strong smells that spiders don't like. If you can grow these outside of your home near to entrances and windows, do so.
Another misunderstanding is the use of mothballs in outdoor areas to repel rodents, squirrels, bats, snakes or other wildlife. Mothballs are ineffective for this use and can contaminate soil and water. Using mothballs as animal repellants is not appropriate and can be illegal.
To work most safely and effectively, mothballs are placed into an airtight container where the fumes kill the pests without exposure to people, animals, or pets. Mothballs are classified as a pesticide and used to control moths, silverfish and other fiber pests in wool and other natural fiber clothing and materials.
The fumes from mothballs kill clothes moths, their eggs and larvae that eat natural fibers in indoor storage areas, such as closets, attics and basements. Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors.
Mothballs are primarily known for repelling moths, and their effectiveness in deterring spiders is limited. While the strong odor may temporarily discourage spiders, it is not a foolproof spider repellent. There are safer and more effective alternatives to consider.
Mothballs are occasionally thrown in gardens and lawns to keep away pets and other animals. However, mothballs are ineffective in repelling wildlife in outdoor areas such as rats, mice, squirrels, bats, snakes, or other wildlife.
Do not allow children or animals to come into contact with mothballs or allow them to consume them (this should go without saying). If ingested, seek medical attention immediately! If you have found mothballs, do not touch them with your bare hands: use gloves.
One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating.
Spiders hate the smell of peppermint. Fill a spray bottle with water and 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil and spray in places spiders tend to hide—under furniture, in closets, and in other corners and crevices of your house.
Some people believe that placing dryer sheets in corners or near windows can repel spiders. Again, while the scent might discourage spiders from settling in those areas, it won't solve the problem entirely. Spiders are attracted to homes with abundant food sources, such as other insects.
Use Essential Oils: Spiders don't like the smell of certain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. You can use these oils in a diffuser or spray them around your bedroom to keep spiders at bay.
Strangely, it does! The eucalyptus and menthol in Vicks VapoRub are also scents spiders hate. You can rub Vicks straight onto your chest, in the corners of your room, under your bed, and around your windows and doors to reap the benefits of unblocked airways and a spider-free zone.
Spiders might be drawn to your bed for several reasons: Warmth: Your body heat might attract spiders seeking warmth during colder months. Food Sources: If there are insects around your bed, spiders might come hunting. Clutter: Cluttered areas provide more hiding spots for spiders.
They mostly use sight and vibrations to hunt and navigate. However, they are attracted to environments where their prey may be present. These insects are often attracted to sweet or pungent odors, so areas with strong food or garbage scents could indirectly attract spiders.
Moth balls contain a toxic chemical, either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both become a gas when exposed to air and cause that pungent moth ball smell. These gases are irritating to the eyes and lungs and may cause headache, dizziness and nausea. They are both suspected of causing cancer.
Moth balls are made of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are both volatile compounds that slowly vaporize over time to repel moths and other insects. When moth balls get wet from the rain, their effectiveness can be greatly reduced because the water can dissolve the compounds and dilute their concentration.
One common mistake is using mothballs in containers that are not airtight, allowing the toxic vapors to escape into the surrounding air. This can lead to long-term exposure, which may cause health problems. Additionally, mothballs should not be used around food or food preparation areas.
Improved Home Pest Control
While climate control and fabric blends mean moths are less likely to make their way inside your home and far less likely to find a suitable meal while there, improved pest control services have also played a part in the decline of demand for mothballs.
Mothballs are an effective way to repel certain flying insects that are known to eat clothing. The clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Figure 1), is the most common culprit for damaging clothes in homes, particularly those that are stored for long periods of time.
Mothballs are a commonly used method for repelling wildlife such as mice, rats keep mice, snakes, squirrels, skunks, and raccoons. However, mothballs are not a foolproof solution and come with several risks and limitations.
Spiders really don't like strong scents such as citrus, peppermint, tea-tree, lavender, rose or cinnamon. Add 15 to 20 drops of your chosen essential oil or a couple of capfuls of Zoflora fragrance to a spray bottle filled with water, and spritz around the house.
Roaches don't like the scent of mothballs, making them an effective pest repellent. Mothballs can only keep cockroaches away for a year or two since the pests adjust quickly and easily to new environments. For this reason, mothballs are only partially effective at protecting your home from wandering roaches.