Can Mothballs Prevent Rats From Nesting in Your House?

You may be wondering if you can use mothballs to keep rats out of your house. However, you must keep in mind that mothballs are only effective at driving them away. You need to use more intense methods to completely eradicate them. Before you buy mothballs, make sure that they are not poisonous for humans.

Rats have a very low tolerance for naphthalene, which is the chemical in mothballs. This chemical has a very strong smell, and that makes it unappealing to rats. Rats will not attempt to eat mothballs because they know they are dangerous to them. But if they do accidentally eat mothballs, they will choke and die.

Mothballs are highly toxic to rats and also to humans. They must be placed near the areas where rats are likely to congregate. Peppermint oil is also a great repellent, as rats have a very strong sense of smell. Place some peppermint oil near the areas where you’ve seen rats.

You should also use eucalyptus oil to discourage rats from nesting in your house. This oil is milder than peppermint oil and is preferred by some homeowners. In fact, a 2014 study found that even a 5% solution of eucalyptus oil can deter rats from stealing food. Generally, eucalyptus oil should be diluted to 5%, 10%, or 20% before being sprayed in the pathways where rats can enter.