Mothballs emit a strong, unpleasant odor, but are they effective in deterring mice? According to the National Pesticide Information Center, mothballs, flakes, crystals, and bars are insecticides. When used in an airtight space, the balls slowly give off a strong gas that permeates the air and kills moths, silverfish, and other fiber-eating pests that destroy wool clothing. They don’t, however, repel wildlife like mice or other rodents. The myth that mothballs will keep mice away persists because some groups classify mothballs as a rodenticide, or chemicals that kill rats and mice. If a rodent consumes enough mothballs, it can die, but as long as there are other food sources around, rodents aren't going to eat mothballs. The only thing mothballs repel is people. The odor is strong and permeates clothing and the air. They’re also dangerous to pets. Now that you know that mothballs don’t deter rodents, here are some ways you can actually keep them away from inside and outside your home.
INDOORS
- • Seal any openings larger than ¼ inch to keep mice from entering. Steel wool makes a good temporary plug until you can tightly seal cracks in walls or floors and gaps around water pipes, vents, and utilities.
- • Be sure doors, windows, and screens fit tightly. Remember that mice can gnaw plastic sheeting, foam rubber, and even wood.
- • Keep a clean house. Store foods in air-tight containers made from glass and metal to keep mice away. Clean kitchen counters, sweep floors, and empty trash cans daily.
- • Eliminate clutter. Mice love to have a place to nest and hide and cardboard boxes are a favorite.
- • Move stored items 2-3 feet away from exterior walls to decrease hiding places. Mice don't like to be exposed out in the open.
- • Monitor pet feeding areas, as mice love dog and cat food. Empty uneaten food and water dishes at night, and store dry pet foods in mouse-proof containers.
OUTDOORS
- • Keep compost bins covered to prevent them from becoming a feeding ground for mice.
- • Store bird seed in a mouse-proof container.
- • Seal foundation gaps, as they are a direct conduit to the interior of your home.
- • Keep trash cans covered to keep mice away.
- • Get rid of clutter. Piles of junk provide a perfect warm, nesting place for mice and other rodents.
- • Keep stacks of wood and plant materials at least 3 feet away from exterior walls to lessen access into the home. Remove vines that are climbing up the house, since mice are excellent climbers.
