Do Mothballs Really Repel Pests?
- Andreyan Solanoy
- Oct 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 29
When you’re dealing with pests, it’s natural to want a quick fix. We’ve all been there—hearing scratching in the attic, spotting a cockroach in the kitchen, or worrying about snakes in the yard. One of the oldest “hacks” people talk about is using mothballs.
Throw a few mothballs around, and the pests will vanish, right? Not exactly.
As pest control professionals serving New Jersey, we want to clear up the confusion. In this article, we’ll explain what mothballs really do, why they’re not the miracle solution they’re made out to be, and—most importantly—what actually works if you’re serious about protecting your home.
What Exactly Are Mothballs?
Most people know mothballs as those strong-smelling white balls tucked inside closets or old storage boxes. But what are they, really?
Mothballs are pesticide products. They usually contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, chemicals that turn into gas over time. This gas is toxic to moths and their larvae, which is why they’ve been used for decades to protect clothing made of wool, silk, or other natural fabrics.
Here’s the important part: mothballs were designed for one very specific purpose—protecting clothes from moths in sealed containers. That’s it.
Using them outside of that context—like in basements, attics, or gardens—doesn’t just reduce their effectiveness. It can also put your health, pets, and even the environment at risk.
How Do Mothballs Work?
Think of mothballs as mini chemical vaporizers. Over time, they release fumes that are powerful enough to kill fabric pests in a closed environment. The key word here is closed.
In a sealed container, the gas builds up to levels strong enough to kill moths. But once you place mothballs in an open closet, attic, or your yard, the fumes spread out too quickly. That means the concentration is too low to have any real effect on pests.
This is where most people go wrong. They assume that if something smells strong to us, it must be unbearable for pests. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case.
Can Mothballs Be Used to Repel Pests Around the House?
Here’s the myth: scatter mothballs and pests will run.
The truth? They might avoid the smell for a little while, but mothballs won’t solve the problem. In fact, the pests you’re trying to get rid of—mice, roaches, snakes—are far more resilient than you think.
Let’s break it down pest by pest.
Mothballs vs. Specific Pests
Clothes Moths: The Only True Target
Mothballs can work here—but only if used correctly. In a tightly sealed container, they can kill moths and protect your clothes. But if you toss them into an open closet, they’re nearly useless.
This is one of the biggest myths we see in New Jersey homes. Homeowners toss mothballs in the attic or basement hoping rodents will leave. But studies and real-world experience show otherwise: mice and rats adapt quickly. The smell isn’t strong enough to drive them out.
And here’s the kicker—while the mothballs sit there, the rodents continue nesting and chewing, while your family breathes in toxic fumes.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are survivors. They can live through radiation, go weeks without food, and squeeze into the tiniest cracks. A smelly mothball won’t stop them. At best, you might see them avoid the area for a short time. But they’ll be back.
In rural and suburban parts of New Jersey, snakes are a common concern. Unfortunately, scattering mothballs outside doesn’t repel them. Snakes rely more on vibrations and heat than smell, so mothballs don’t make much difference. Worse, when used outdoors, mothballs can contaminate soil and groundwater.
We’ve also seen people try mothballs for wildlife. But again, the results are disappointing. These animals often ignore the smell altogether. Meanwhile, the health risks for your household keep piling up.
The Hidden Dangers of Mothballs
The bigger issue isn’t just that mothballs don’t work—it’s that they can be dangerous when misused.
Health Risks: Breathing in mothball fumes can cause headaches, nausea, eye irritation, and even long-term health problems. Children and pets are especially vulnerable.
Ingestion Risks: Pets or kids might mistake mothballs for candy or treats. Ingesting just one can be life-threatening.
Environmental Risks: Using mothballs outside can contaminate soil and water, which harms wildlife and plants.
Legal Risks: Because mothballs are registered pesticides, using them in ways not listed on the label—like tossing them in your garden or basement—is technically illegal.
Bottom line: what seems like a cheap DIY fix can quickly turn into a dangerous mistake.
Safer, Smarter Alternatives to Mothballs
So if mothballs aren’t the answer, what should New Jersey homeowners do? Here are proven strategies that actually work:
1. Seal Up Entry Points
Most pests enter through cracks, holes, and gaps. Sealing them up with caulk, mesh, or weatherstripping is one of the most effective and affordable long-term fixes.
2. Eliminate Food and Water Sources
Pests come inside for the same reasons we do—food and shelter. Keep counters clean, store food in sealed containers, and fix leaky pipes.
3. Use Natural Deterrents
Cedar chips, peppermint oil, or even vinegar can deter some pests. While they won’t stop a major infestation, they’re safer options than mothballs.
4. Try Traps and Barriers
Snap traps, glue boards, and humane catch-and-release traps are far more effective than mothballs. For outdoor pests, mesh fencing or exclusion devices work wonders.
5. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
This approach combines monitoring, prevention, and targeted treatments. It’s the same strategy professionals use, and it’s the safest, most effective way to keep pests under control.
How to Use Mothballs Safely (If You Still Choose To)
We don’t recommend using mothballs for general pest control. But if you do use them for their intended purpose—protecting clothes from moths—here’s how to stay safe:
Only use mothballs in airtight containers.
Never scatter them around rooms, basements, attics, or outdoors.
Always follow label instructions.
Keep them far out of reach of children and pets.
Dispose of used mothballs properly—don’t toss them in the yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mothballs kill bed bugs?
No. Mothballs aren’t effective against bed bugs. Professional treatment is the only reliable solution.
Can I use mothballs in my yard to keep snakes away?
No. It doesn’t work, and it’s harmful to the environment.
How long do mothball fumes last?
Depending on conditions, they can last weeks or months in closed spaces. But in open air, they fade quickly.
Are there eco-friendly mothball alternatives?
Yes—cedar, essential oils, and professional-grade non-toxic repellents are all safer options.
Case Study: A Common NJ Problem
One of our customers in Morris County had been placing mothballs in her attic for years, thinking it would keep mice away. Instead, the mice kept chewing through insulation while her family suffered from headaches. When we inspected, we found nests just feet away from the mothballs.
This is a classic example of why mothballs don’t work. Once we sealed the entry points, cleaned up the droppings, and set up targeted traps, the problem was solved—for good.
The Bottom Line
Mothballs may seem like an easy fix, but they’re outdated, unsafe, and largely ineffective outside of one use: protecting clothes from moths in airtight storage.
If you’re battling mice, roaches, snakes, or wildlife, mothballs won’t give you the relief you’re looking for. Worse, they may put your family and pets in harm’s way.
That’s why it’s always better to choose safer, proven solutions—whether it’s sealing entry points, setting up traps, or calling in professional help.
Why Choose Accurate Pest Management
At Accurate Pest Management, we’ve helped countless New Jersey homeowners discover smarter, safer solutions than mothballs. Our team knows the local pests inside and out, and we use professional methods that actually work—without putting your family at risk.
So if you’re tired of chasing DIY myths and want real peace of mind, give us a call. We’ll make sure your home is pest-free, safe, and comfortable—without the dangers of mothballs.
