Mothballs are infamous for use in closets to keep pesky pests at bay. But do mothball keep snakes away? Let’s delve some facts about the question in this article.
What Are Mothballs?
Mothballs have a component namely, naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, both of which are toxic to humans. These chemicals are solid at room temperature and are made into round balls, flakes, or cakes that slowly change to a gas and become fumes in the air.
Do Mothball Keep Snakes Away?
Mothballs are not snake repellents. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services, naphthalene was moderately toxic to several species of fish, water fleas, and Pacific oysters. It was slightly toxic to green algae. Naphthalene was practically non-toxic to bobwhite quail.
Using mothballs in a way not specified by the label is not only illegal but can harm people, pets, or the environment. The Florida Department Of Agriculture And Consumer Services receives consumer complaints and investigates the misuse of mothballs regularly. The majority of abuse involves the outdoor use of mothballs to repel snakes and other nuisance wildlife. There are snake and wildlife repellents available at retail stores that contain naphthalene; however, mothball products are not approved for such use and can result in harm to children, pets, and other animals.
How To Prevent Snakes?
While mothballs are ineffective in repelling snakes, you can incorporate the following tips and methods to prevent a snake from entering your space.
- Snakes enter areas inhabited by people in search of food and shelter. The easiest thing you can do is make your home and yard less appealing to them.
- Prevent snake problems by removing their food sources like rodents. Don’t leave pet food out and store animal feed in tight containers.
- Snakes like cool, damp places to hide. Seal entry points into your crawl space or basement, which are higher than ¼ inch in diameter.
- Make sure door sweeps and window screens fit tightly. Cover vents and drains that lead into your home with galvanized screening.
- Snakes also find shelter under scrap metal, woodpiles, trash, and other debris. Keep your yard area free of possible hiding places, including tall grass and weeds, which can attract prey for snakes.
- You can also consider building a snake-proof fence around your home or garden if other methods fail to control the snakes.
- If you have a snake in the house, there are mechanical traps and glue traps that can you can use to capture it. For assistance identifying or removing a snake, try calling your local cooperative extension office, animal control officer (look in the local telephone book), or state wildlife agency.
How To Use Mothballs?
- As regulated pesticides, mothballs must be used only as directed on the label.
- The labeled use of mothballs is to kill moths and other fiber insects to protect clothing.
- To do so correctly, place mothballs inside tightly closed containers along with the clothing or materials.
- The vapors will remain inside the container and kill the moths. The closed containers prevent the chemicals from getting into the air and spreading through the house.
- Make sure to wash all the materials treated with mothballs before resuming their use.
- Do not use mothballs on diapers.