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Mothballs as a Repellent for Wildlife Damage Management

This page contains information on the usefulness of mothballs as a repellent for managing wildlife damage problems.

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When searching for ways to control wildlife damage, one can be overwhelmed by the available options. This portion of the site is dedicated to helping you sort through the options to find the best solution for your particular situation. Please understand that we will have to speak in general terms as the applicability of any of these options depends on setting, local laws and regulations as well as personal preferences. We hope, however, that you will find this information helpful in making more informed and responsible wildlife damage management decisions.

Mothballs

Problem with mothballs:

1. Mothballs are pesticides. FIFRA defines a pesticide as FIFRA Definition of "Pesticide" Pesticides are broadly defined in FIFRA Section 2(u) as chemicals and other products used to kill, repel, or control pests.
2. Which mothball formulation? Mothballs can refer to two different chemical formulations, 1.4-dichlorobenzene and naphthalene. Neither chemical is what we could call, biologically friendly. Although the stringency of FIFRA regulations at times lack common sense, I would suggest that following the guidelines explained (in English not Governmenteze) in the NWCO best practicises manual to be the best course of action for resolving a wildlife problem. See http://nwco.net/03-LegalIssues/3-1-5-AvoidTheOops.asp
3. Efficacy? Mothballs do annoy mammals. However, you have to have high concentrations of the odor in order to achieve the desired effect. The problem is, in many situations, to achieve those odor levels you will be driving yourself and your family out of the house too. To learn about other problems with repellents, even ones that work click Why Repellents Fail It is extremely common for professional animal damage controllers to be hired to control an animal after the owner discovered that mothballs had NO effect in driving away the problem animal.
4. Medically Safe? There are questions concerning the long-term health effects of mothballs, particularly the benzene formulation. For significant details about the hazards of mothballs visit The National Pesticide Information Center.
5. Other safety concerns? Moth balls are flammable. They burn very well.