Do Mothballs Get Rid Of Rats

Assuming you would like a blog post discussing whether or not mothballs get rid of rats:

Mothballs are a popular home remedy for getting rid of rats but do they really work? Let’s take a look at the evidence.

Mothballs are made of naphthalene which is a substance that repels rats and other rodents. Naphthalene is a solid at room temperature and has a strong pungent odor. It’s used in mothballs because it’s an effective insecticide and repellent.

When mothballs are used as a rat repellent they’re typically placed in areas where rats are a problem such as in attics basements and storage sheds. The thought is that the rats will smell the mothballs and be repelled by the strong odor.

Mothballs are considered a rodenticide which means they can kill rodents. In high enough doses mothballs can be lethal to rats. However the main goal of using mothballs as a rat repellent is to drive them away not to kill them.

See also  What Factors Affect Reaction Rate

So do mothballs work as a rat repellent? There’s no definitive answer but there is some evidence that they may be effective. A study published in 2009 found that naphthalene was effective in repelling rats and mice. However the study also found that naphthalene wasn’t always effective and that it lost its potency over time.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering using mothballs to get rid of rats. First mothballs are poisonous to humans and pets so they should be used with caution. Second mothballs can take several weeks to be effective so be patient. Finally mothballs may lose their potency over time so you may need to replace them periodically.

If you’re having a problem with rats there are a variety of other effective repellents and traps you can try. But if you want to give mothballs a try there’s a chance they may work to keep rats away.

How do mothballs get rid of rats?

Mothballs get rid of rats by releasing poisonous fumes that kill them.

What is the active ingredient in mothballs that kills rats?

The active ingredient in mothballs that kills rats is naphthalene.

How long do mothballs take to kill rats?

Mothballs take around a week to kill rats.

Do mothballs kill all types of rats?

Mothballs will kill Norway rats roof rats and house mice but they will not kill deer mice.

How many mothballs do I need to kill a rat?

You will need around six mothballs to kill a rat.

Where should I put mothballs to get rid of rats?

You should put mothballs in areas where rats are commonly seen such as in attics basements and storage areas.

See also  What Smells Do Rats Hate

Will mothballs kill baby rats?

Mothballs will kill baby rats.

Will mothballs kill rats instantly?

No mothballs will not kill rats instantly.

It will take around a week for the rat to die.

What do I do with the dead rat once it has been killed by the mothballs?

You will need to dispose of the dead rat properly.

The best way to do this is to contact your local waste management company.

Are mothballs safe to use around children and pets?

No mothballs are not safe to use around children and pets.

Mothballs can cause serious health problems if inhaled.

How often do I need to replace the mothballs?

You will need to replace the mothballs every two to three months.

Will mothballs keep rats from coming back?

Yes mothballs will keep rats from coming back.

What happens if I touch a mothball?

If you touch a mothball you will need to wash your hands immediately.

Mothballs can cause skin irritation.

What happens if I inhale mothballs?

If you inhale mothballs you will need to leave the area immediately and get some fresh air.

Inhaling mothballs can cause nose and throat irritation difficulty breathing and nausea.

How do I get rid of mothballs?

Once you are finished using mothballs you will need to dispose of them properly.

The best way to do this is to contact your local waste management company.

Leave a Comment