Mothballs are a common household item that many people use to keep their clothes and home free of moths and other insects. But mothballs are also sometimes used as a way to keep rats away. So do mothballs really work to repel rats?
Mothballs are made of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene which are both toxic chemicals. When these chemicals are inhaled they can cause serious health problems in humans including headaches nausea and difficulty breathing. In high enough concentrations mothballs can even be fatal. Because of their toxicity mothballs should only be used as a last resort when trying to repel rats.
There is no scientific evidence that mothballs are effective at repelling rats. In fact because mothballs are so toxic they may actually attract rats and other pests to your home in search of a food source. If you do decide to use mothballs to try and repel rats be sure to use them only in well-ventilated areas and never in enclosed spaces.
How do mothballs work to repel rats?
Answer: Mothballs release a gas that is poisonous to rats repelling them from the area.
Are mothballs effective at repelling rats?
Answer: Yes mothballs are an effective way to repel rats.
Do mothballs pose a danger to humans?
Answer: Yes mothballs pose a danger to humans if they are inhaled.
Inhaling mothballs can cause headaches nausea and vomiting.
How long do mothballs take to work?
Answer: Mothballs usually take a few days to work.
Can mothballs be used indoors?
Answer: Yes mothballs can be used indoors.
However you should take care to ensure that the area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling the gas.
How many mothballs should be used to repel rats?
Answer: The number of mothballs needed to repel rats will depend on the size of the area you are trying to protect.
Generally using 3-6 mothballs per rat is effective.
Where should mothballs be placed to repel rats?
Answer: Mothballs should be placed in areas where rats are active or where they are likely to enter your home.
Will mothballs kill rats?
Answer: No mothballs will not kill rats.
However the gas they release is poisonous and will cause them to respiratory distress which will eventually lead to their death.
Do mothballs have to be in a closed container to work?
Answer: No mothballs don’t have to be in a closed container to work.
However placing them in a container will help to concentrate the gas and make the mothballs more effective.
What will happen if a rat eats a mothball?
Answer: If a rat eats a mothball they will become ill and may die.
Are there any other uses for mothballs?
Answer: Mothballs can also be used to repel other pests such as snakes cockroaches and moths.
How long do mothballs last?
Answer: Mothballs can last for several months but their effectiveness will decrease over time.
Can mothballs be reused?
Answer: Yes mothballs can be reused.
However their effectiveness will be diminished.
What are the dangers of using mothballs?
Answer: The danger of using mothballs is that they release a gas that can be harmful to humans if inhaled.
Inhaling mothballs can cause headaches nausea and vomiting.
How should mothballs be stored?
Answer: Mothballs should be stored in a cool dry place.
