Do Mothballs Deter Rats?

A Ft. Worth rat infestation can be incredibly frustrating, so it’s understandable if Texas homeowners who are dealing with rats decide to turn to the internet in search of a quick solution. However, they must be careful as there are lots of myths and old wives’ tales online about DIY rodent control that are not entirely accurate. One such myth is about mothballs being an effective rat deterrent. Contrary to popular internet belief, mothballs are not very good at eliminating any kind of rodent. On top of that, mothballs can be harmful to you, your family, and your pets. 

To set the record straight, we are busting some of the common myths and misconceptions regarding whether mothballs deter rats.

Myth No. 1: Rats Can’t Stand the Smell of Mothballs

The reason many people think that rats hate the smell of mothballs is because mothballs contain naphthalene. Many consider this chemical to be a strong deterrent of rats and other rodents that possess a heightened sense of smell. However, the amount of naphthalene in mothballs is not enough to deter a rodent that gets a whiff of the food in your pantry. Mothballs will, however, make your clothes and home smell very strange and musky.

Myth No. 2: Mothballs Are Safe Indoor Repellents

Mothballs are actually incredibly dangerous to place around the home because they can be mistaken by pets or small children for food or other non-toxic items. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that mothballs’ aforementioned chemical ingredient, naphthalene, can cause nasal cancer among other illnesses. By introducing mothballs to your residence, suddenly, rats are the least of your worries.

Myth No. 3: Mothballs Can Repel Rats Outdoors

Rats are cunning varmints that are able to invade your home quickly and easily, so they are likely smart enough to stay away from something that has a strong, potentially harmful odor like mothballs. Additionally, exterior mothballs can contaminate your garden soil and the plants and vegetation that are growing in it. Outdoor mothball chemicals could even seep into and contaminate your water supply if you are not careful with them.

Mothballs are a Temporary Rat Solution

At the end of the day, mothballs are never going to be a permanent solution to your growing rat problem. Even if mothballs or other deterrents are mildly effective, rats and rodents are tenacious critters. You can only deter them for so long until they get through your ineffective temporary defenses and nest and breed within your home. If you want to get rid of rats and keep them out for good, then you’ll need the professional rat removal services of Critter Control® of Ft. Worth.

Rely on Professional Rat Removal

At Critter Control® of Ft. Worth, we not only use humane methods to eliminate your rat problem, but our technicians also use non-toxic, eco-friendly methods that will not cause any sort of harm to you, your family, or your pets. In business for over 20 years, we are licensed, trained, and equipped to handle any sort of rodent infestation. 

If you would like to schedule your free inspection and estimate, then call us today at 817-222-1101.