What kind of animals do mothballs keep away?
Mothballs sometimes are used illegally to repel pests not listed on labels. Some of these “off-label pests” include: squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, and snakes, among others animals.
What are good uses for mothballs?
Better Ways to Use MothballsRinse woolens for storage. Of course it is a good idea to store woolens with mothballs to ward off moths. ... Kill bugs on potted plants. ... Repel mice from garage or shed. ... Keep dogs and cats away from garden. ... Keep bats at bay.
Are mothballs safe to use in the house?
According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), the chemicals use in mothballs can be toxic to humans and pets and as people are exposed to these chemicals that are released as toxic fumes in the air space of the home.
Is it harmful to breathe in mothballs?
Mothballs slowly turn from solids to toxic vapor. When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling the insecticide. Mothballs can also be dangerous if they are chewed or eaten. Children, pets and wildlife may mistake them for food or candy and eat them.
Where should I place mothballs?
Mothballs must be used in an airtight space, such as a garment bag or well- sealed container. Never place mothballs in an open closet or plastic garbage bag. Once vapors enter the home, their odor can persist for a long time.
How do you use moth balls at home?
Pack your clothing into a resealable container. Mothballs must only be used in enclosed, airtight containers. Choose plastic containers and garment bags you can close up and store in the closet or under the bed. Lay the clothes inside the container. Moths eat animal products such as wool, leather, and felt.
Can the smell of mothballs make you sick?
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.
What happens when mothballs get wet?
Wet mothballs are even more potent than dry ones. And the wetness can be profound, like exposure to water from a flood or leaky pipe, or mild, in the form of high humidity. Either will cause the odor to be more potent and sublimation to be more rapid.
How long does mothball smell last?
about 3-6 monthsMothball odor is a terrible smell to have clinging to your clothing. 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!
What happens if you touch mothballs?
If you touch mothballs, naphthalene can enter your body. Low levels of naphthalene have been found in some samples of fatty tissue and breast milk. The body dissolves naphthalene in your blood, which carries it to the liver and other organs. It then passes through your body and exits in the urine and waste matter.
Do mothballs keep snakes away?
Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.
Do mothballs keep mice away?
Mothballs repelling mice and rats is a common misconception. Mothballs contain a small amount of naphthalene and can be a deterrent in large quantities, however, they aren't powerful enough to get rid of mice and rodents.