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What kind of animals do mothballs keep away?
“Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths,” Stone said. They include squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons and a variety of other animals.
Where would you find mothballs in a grocery store?
Your local hardware store, garden center or supermarket should have a variety of quantities from which you can choose. Large retail chain superstores also carry mothballs. Lowe’s sells mothballs in the hardware section and Home Depot features mothballs in their seasonal wares section.
Where should you not put mothballs in?
Mothballs should not be placed in closets, attics, basements, storage chests or trunks, garment bags or other spaces other than in tightly closed containers as explained above. Gasses from the mothballs escape into the air and can cause respiratory problems.
Why are mothballs banned?
Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors. The active ingredients can contaminate water and soil, harm wildlife, and contribute to air pollution. Individuals exposed to mothball vapors containing naphthalene may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, respiratory irritation, blood effects and eye effects.
Is it illegal to use mothballs outside?
Using mothballs to repel pests in the garden presents a danger to children, pets and wildlife that visit your garden. Mothballs are insecticides that are controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency. This makes it illegal to use them for any purpose or by any method that isn’t specified on the label.
How long does it take for mothballs to stop smelling?
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.
What happens if 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.
Can you sleep in a room with mothballs?
‘ and the answer to this question is yes, potentially. 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.
Can I put mothballs in my closet?
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.
What can I use instead of moth balls?
Here’s how to get rid of moths naturally without using mothballs. Always Wash First. Image via Bigstock. Cedar Chips. Cedar chips are a natural moth deterrent and a useful alternative for protecting your closet’s contents from insects. Lavender. Cloves. Airtight Containers. DIY Moth Repellant Spray. Clean Up After Pets.
Will dogs eat mothballs?
Mothballs contain a high concentration of insect repellent. Poisoning most commonly occurs when dogs ingest mothballs. Cats are more sensitive to their toxic effects, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs due to their curious nature. Long-term exposure to mothball fumes can harm pets and people.
Can mothballs repel cockroaches?
Most roaches will move away from the smell of mothballs, and in rare cases, some roaches affected by the smell die due to inability to breath. In other words, we can say that mothballs mostly repel roaches, and in rare cases can kill them as well.
Do snakes eat mothballs?
Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.
How toxic are moth balls?
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.
Will Febreze get rid of mothball smell?
Use an air freshener This is the last step to removing the mothball smell and it’s an important one! Reset your closet with some cedar chips—which are natural insect deterrents—or using an air freshener like Febreze Small Spaces Peony & Cedar.
How can I get rid of mothball smell in my house?
How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell from the House Use charcoal. Leave out bowls of vinegar or coffee grounds. Set out a box of baking soda. Get some ventilation in the room. Use cedar chips or cedar balls. Spread zeolite – or household cat litter – on wood and furniture. Mop the floors in the room. Use air fresheners.
Will Dry Cleaning Get rid of mothball smell?
The scent of mothballs can be stubborn. If you are worried you won’t be able to remove the odor yourself, or you would prefer professional help, dry cleaning might do the trick.
Do I need mothballs?
The use of mothballs, flakes, or blocks in a tightly closed container will eradicate clothes moths. But if the containers are not airtight, the pesticide fumes accumulate in living spaces where people and pets can breathe them in for long periods of time.
