If you’ve ever spotted a mouse scurrying across your floor, you’ve likely turned to Google in a panic. One common suggestion you’ll come across is using mothballs. But do moth balls keep mice away, or is it just another myth floating around the internet?
Let’s get to the truth about mothballs and mice—and explore if they’re really the rodent deterrents they’re made out to be.
What Are Mothballs Made Of?
Mothballs are small, white balls that release a strong chemical smell. They’re traditionally used to repel moths and other insects in storage spaces like closets and basements. The two main ingredients are naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, both of which are toxic and evaporate over time, releasing fumes.
Because of this strong odor, many people assume mothballs could double as rodent control strategies. After all, mice have a keen sense of smell—so shouldn’t that stench drive them away?
Do Mothballs Repel Mice?
While it’s true that mice hate strong smells, experts say mothballs for mice control simply don’t work as well as people hope. According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), mothballs are not an EPA-approved method for rodent control. They may temporarily deter mice from a small space, but they won’t eliminate or prevent a mice infestation.
Using mothballs as a mouse repellent may cause mice to avoid the area where they’re placed, but it won’t stop them from nesting in other parts of your home. That’s why relying solely on mothballs is not a smart or long-term solution.
Why People Still Use Mothballs for Rodent Deterrence
It’s easy to understand the appeal. Mothballs are cheap, readily available, and easy to toss behind a dresser or in the attic. There are also tons of blogs and social media videos claiming success with them.
But while using mothballs to deter mice might sound like a quick fix, they don’t address the root cause of the problem: access points and available food sources.
Do Mothballs Keep Rats Away Too?
If you’re wondering whether mothballs keep rats away in addition to mice—the answer is the same. Rats are larger, more resilient rodents, and a few mothballs in a drawer won’t stop them from exploring your kitchen.
Even though the scent may initially irritate them, mothballs and rodent prevention don’t go hand-in-hand. Over time, rats and mice adapt and simply move around the odor zones.
Dangers of Using Mothballs Indoors
Here’s where things get serious. Mothballs release chemical pest deterrents into the air that are harmful not just to rodents, but also to people and pets. When used incorrectly—which often happens when people scatter them around their home for mice—mothballs can lead to headaches, nausea, respiratory issues, and even liver damage in extreme cases.
Especially in homes with children or pets, leaving mothballs for rodent control out in the open can be downright dangerous.
Safer Alternatives to Mothballs
Instead of relying on outdated solutions like mothballs, consider these more effective and safe mouse repellents:
1. Peppermint Oil
A natural option that mice truly dislike. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near entry points, behind appliances, or under sinks.
2. Ultrasonic Repellers
These plug-in devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant for rodents but inaudible to humans.
3. Steel Wool + Caulking
Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Use steel wool to fill gaps and seal with caulking.
4. Traps and Baits
Still among the most reliable DIY rodent control tools, especially when combined with sealing off food access.
Natural Mouse Repellents That Work
There are many natural mouse repellents that you can use instead of chemical pest control:
- Cayenne pepper
- Clove oil
- White vinegar
- Used cat litter (yes, the smell of a predator can actually help!)
All of these are safer than scattering mothballs and align better with non-toxic pest control approaches.
Where Mothballs Might Work (Sort Of)
While mothballs for pest control are not ideal inside the home, they may be minimally effective in small, enclosed outdoor areas—like a shed where you store seasonal decor. Even then, the effect is temporary, and you’ll still need other solutions to prevent rodent invasions.
If you were planning to toss some mothballs in your garage or attic, think again. Ventilation in those areas often dilutes the fumes, rendering them ineffective.
Case in Point: My Neighbor’s Garage
A few years back, a neighbor placed dozens of mothballs in her garage to stop mice from chewing wires. The result? A strong chemical smell—and chewed wires anyway. She ended up switching to ultrasonic repellents and sealing the foundation cracks, which actually did the trick.
Sometimes it takes a little trial and error, but proven rodent control strategies will always work better than myths passed around the internet.
Do Mothballs Prevent Mice Infestations?
In short: no. Mothballs might repel mice temporarily in very small, enclosed areas. But they won’t prevent mice from entering your home or eliminate them if they’ve already moved in.
If you want a real solution, you’ll need to combine effective pest repellents with mouse prevention tips like:
- Sealing food in airtight containers
- Cleaning up crumbs and clutter
- Blocking holes and crevices
- Using a mix of repellents and traps
Final Thoughts: Do Moth Balls Keep Mice Away?
So, do moth balls keep mice away? The truth is—they’re more fiction than fact when it comes to long-term rodent control. While they may offer a temporary deterrent, they pose serious health risks and often don’t work as hoped.
Instead, turn to safer, more effective solutions. Combining natural repellents, DIY rodent control, and proper home maintenance will give you far better results than a few mothballs ever could.
When it comes to household pest solutions, it’s always best to separate myth from reality—and now, you’re equipped with the facts.
If you’d like help setting up an effective rodent prevention plan for your home or want product recommendations that actually work, feel free to drop your questions in the comments!
