Squirrels can be super cute but they can also be serious pests in the garden.
Of course, you don’t want to harm them in trying to get rid of them but you want something that is effective.
There’s many stories that mothballs will keep squirrels away from your home and garden, but is that true?
Mothballs do have a strong smell to keep the squirrels away from your home and garden but that doesn’t mean you would want to use them because they are full of chemicals that can harm wildlife.
Understanding how and why mothballs are harmful for squirrels is one thing but you’re still left with the problem of these critters coming into your garden.
So, what can you do?
This Guide: We will go into the why you should avoid mothballs but we will also offer you tips on how to effectively remove squirrels from your yard.
What Are Mothballs And What Are They Used For?
If you have been searching for how to keep squirrels from your garden then you may have been told that mothballs are a great method but before you start creating a barrier in your yard it is wise to know exactly what a mothball is.
In very basic terms mothballs are balls that contain chemicals that function as both a pesticide, deodorant and fragrance.
They have these fragrances because they are kept in seldom-seen storage spaces for fabric items that moths might want to congregate-in.
So originally mothballs used naphthalene, which is very flammable.
This, along with others’ concerns for us health-wise, led manufacturers to stop making mothballs with this substance. At least until the point where it ended-up replaced by 1,4 dichlorobenzene.
And, by the way, this is rated for flammibility as well.
Both of these chemicals have a very sweet smell, but they are also hugely pungent but they sublimate, which means they vapourize upon heat, meaning they change from solid to gas.
Mothballs use some kind of airtight bag made of a plastic that is inert to the mothball material, like Polypropylene or Polyethylene.
If you want the best outcome, it is also good to keep your clothing in the same type ilk of plastic bag.
Otherwise, the vapour molecules will diffuse and limit the mothball’s effectiveness.
But not only do mothballs protect your clothing from moths, they are often used as repellents for other animals.
These are bats, snakes, and squirrells for starters.
Just a note: This usage is illegal in many states, so check your local laws before using.
How Are Mothballs Effective Against Squirrels?
Mothballs can be extremely effective at deterring squirrels and other wildlife because of the strong smell it gives off.
If placed around the garden, the chances of a squirrel coming near them are highly unlikely.
Unfortunately, the smell they provide is so strong, you and other home dwellers may find it odorous too.
When using mothballs as a squirrel repellent, the aim is to place the balls near plants, particularly ones that the squirrels are attracted to.
When the smell starts to diminish, you will have to replace the mothball.
There is no question that this is a very effective technique to keep squirrels away but there is also evidence to show that the toxins can harm the squirrel’s health, so if you are looking for an animal friendly repellent, this is not the route to go.
The toxins also contained in mothballs can be hazardous for humans, particularly in vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly.
Pets are also included in this risk so we would never suggest mothballs to anyone with animals residing in the same household.
A number of issues occurred with the product, including developmental issues, or making existing conditions worse.
WARNING: If your pets ingest mothballs, this will poison them!
Are There Other Ways To Repel Squirrels From Your Garden?
If you’re looking for ways to repel squirrels in the most humane way possible, there are many different natural repellents that work well including:
- Squirrels Hate Scent: There are definitely some smells that squirrels hate, so using these scents around your yard is an effective repellent method. These smells include, cayenne pepper, garlic, hot pepper and onions. You can sprinkle bits of these items around each plant and/or entrances to your yard to help keep them away from being close.
- Humane Traps: This is a way to also get rid of squirrels, you can catch them. We know you are thinking, “Yeah, right, they are fast little guys and I can never catch them.” Well, that’s why there are humane traps. Then you can catch the squirrel and take it a long distance to release it back into the wild. Just don’t forget to go far enough from your house to not have them come back.
- Build Shields: Enclosing your garden and plants with a kind of wire fence will keep squirrels from disrupting anything.
- Deceive Them: Placing ‘predators’ around your yard will make squirrels not want to come into your garden. You can buy realistic fox, owl or dog ornaments, especially luminous eyes should work to keep squirrels at bay.
- Using plants: Some plants repel squirrels, so if you plant these in your garden, they might help to keep squirrels away. The worst plants include – lily of the valley, geranium, and peppermint.
Conclusion
So, if you are having issues in your garden with unwanted squirrel visitors, we certainly understand your frustration.
While many people are very passionate about moth balls as an effective repellent in fighting off those little critters, they are also toxic, and can present danger to the squirrel, your family and/or pets.
There are some effective and safe ways to detract squirrels that are humane, and we would always encourage that behavior at any time and sure as heck over moth balls.