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.
And we have some shocking news for you: a single mothball takes about 3-6 months to dissipate completely. If you put the mothball under fabric or someplace where there is no air circulation, it takes about 12 months to dissipate!
Mothballs are a registered pesticide. You can get fined for using a pesticide improperly. Mothballs according to the label are not to be used outdoors. And it can leech into the soil and waterways.
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. The active ingredients can contaminate water and soil, harm wildlife, and contribute to air pollution.
“Unfortunately, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths, including squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons and a variety of other animals,” Stock said. “Any such use is illegal and can be harmful to human health.
Mothballs are not designed to repel wildlife! Using them outside of airtight containers risks exposure to toxic vapors, and ingesting one can be very dangerous for pets or children. Just don't do it!
Be careful though if you are using mothballs with cats in the house. Many mothballs and flakes contain naphthalene which is dangerous to cats. A little sniff or lick might cause mild self-limiting signs such as nausea, vomiting and respiratory irritation. However, ingestion may lead to severe poisoning.
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.
Coleus canina, otherwise known as scaredy cat plant, is reported to deter cats, as do rue and lavender. Placing mothballs around plants, an old method of keeping cats and rabbits at bay, might be effective, but they are toxic to humans and animals and should never be used in the garden.
Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.
Natural alternatives such as cedarwood, lavender sachets, or essential oils offer a pleasant fragrance while effectively repelling moths. These alternatives are safe, non-toxic, and provide safeguarding without compromising indoor air quality.
Exposure to mothballs may cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, eye and nose irritation, and coughing.
Despite popular belief, mothballs are not an effective solution for deterring mice. While these pesticide products contain strong smelling substances like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, their efficacy against rodents is minimal at best.
Using mothballs as animal repellants is not appropriate and can be illegal. Mothballs should never be used in schools, daycare centers and other public buildings. Integrated pest management (IPM) is the safe way to control pests.
Mothballs are ineffective deterrents of wildlife, and most importantly pose health risks to the inhabitants of a home.
Cedar is the better alternative to mothballs
Killigan's Cedar Planks are a natural insect repellent that emit a pleasant, delightfully woody scent. The cedar planks are (unlike mothballs) non-toxic, non-poisonous and non-harmful to humans and pets, making them an effective, safe and environmentally-friendly choice.
Scatter orange and lemon peels (cats dislike citrus smells), cayenne pepper, chili pepper flakes, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or mustard oil. 2. Scatter pinecones in the areas. Ponderosa or other prickly cones work best 3.
Can mothballs be used to repel pests indoors/outdoors? Mothballs are somewhat effective at repelling rats, mice, squirrels, bats, snakes, or other wildlife in outdoor areas. However, mothballs may contaminate soil and water and their use as animal repellants is not appropriate and can be illegal.
Simply store the mothballs in a plastic box until a hazardous waste service provider can collect them through drop-off centers or collection events.
Another common mistake is using mothballs in gardens or other outdoor locations to control insects, snakes or other wildlife. Using mothballs outside can harm children, pets and other animals. Mothballs used outdoors can also contaminate soil, plants and water.
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.
Some of the wildlife that people commonly use mothballs to repel include snakes, rats, mice, squirrels, skunks, and raccoons.
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.
In fact, instead of drawing this list out, let's be clear about what other critters and insects that mothballs frankly do NOT do much for deterrence: Snakes. Mosquitoes. Skunks.
Find some dried cloves, thyme, and rosemary (or you can just use one of the three) and mix them into a sachet bag. The combination can be powerful enough to put moths off for about 6 months. Of course, after the smell starts to dissipate, you can refill the bag with a fresh collection of herbs.