Will Mothballs Keep Rats Away?
WouterWhile mothballs are an effective deterrent against insects, they are not effective at keeping rats away. Though the strong, pungent smell of these chemicals may make them an appealing choice for clothes, it is important to understand that mothballs are not effective against rodents. In addition, they can harm humans. This means that you should never keep mothballs outside the house.
Rats can squeeze through holes as small as one-fourth of an inch. Therefore, you should consider using a heavy-duty steel screen or metal flashing. If these methods don’t work, you might consider moving to another part of your house. If this is not possible, mothballs can be a viable alternative.
Mothballs are toxic to rats, and they can kill them if they eat them. In addition to this, mothballs can be dangerous to pets and children. You can use mothballs outdoors, but they should be kept out of the reach of children. They should also be renewed frequently because they contain naphthalene.
Although mothballs are considered the ultimate rodenticide, they can pose a serious health risk to humans. Mothballs contain naphthalene, which is also found in car exhaust and cigarette smoke. If ingested in high enough concentrations, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage. In addition, ingestion of mothballs can result in choking hazards for children. Consequently, it is advisable to store mothballs in airtight containers.
