Will mothballs repel rats? Here are some facts concerning the use of mothballs for rat control.
Mothballs have a wide variety of uses, mainly within the house. They can be effective when placed around areas of the house to tackle various conditions, such as damage caused by clothes moths and other fabric pests, as well as potted plants, etc.
Do rats hate mothballs? Let’s find out.
Mothballs As Rat Repellent
There is usually a general belief that rats can be repelled by effectively using mothballs, but is this true?
We will find out shortly.
The presence of Naphthalene in mothballs is a reason why most people generally see it to be effective for getting rid of rats around the house.
Will Mothballs Keep Rats Away?
It is, however, essential to note that the chief ingredient in mothballs (naphthalene) causes blood cells to lose their ability to carry oxygen when ingested. Consequently, the balls are considered effective in keeping rats away when used.
Mothballs are ineffective at keeping rats away because they contain a small amount of naphthalene, which repels other insects, but not rats. A higher concentration of the above ingredient in mothballs is not required to deter rats.
A higher amount is tipped to be harmful to humans as well when used.
So, do mothballs keep rats away? The big answer is NO….
How to Know If Rats Have Taken Over Your House
Most people struggle to detect rat infestations in their homes because there are few visible openings in and around the house.
In a scenario like this, the best step to take is to contact the professionals for some help.
There are several signs to pay attention to know if rats have infested your house. They are as follows;
Observe if you can perceive a strong ammonia smell, and also listen carefully to strange sounds like scrabbling noises within the house. Rats are noisy animals.
Check for Droppings; rats drop pellet-like shapes of their waste within the house. They can mostly be found around their entrances.
Check for Footprints; rats move from place to place, so they are most likely to leave their footprints or marks on dust or less-used areas in the house.
Using a strong flashlight to check the corners of the house will reveal such signs.
Check for Damages; rats are very destructive animals. They can chew through car wires, electrical cables, shred papers, and leave gnaw marks or damage storage containers.
If you notice any of these signs, rats have likely taken over your home.
Alternatives To Using Mothballs As Rat Repellent
If you have yet to experience the problem of rats in your home, the surest way to avoid such an occurrence is by prevention.
However, the information provided below will also be helpful to those experiencing rat issues in their homes.
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Locate Their Entry Point
Placing traps everywhere will hardly yield any desired results, so the first step is to determine their entry and exit points.
Once those areas are identified, it will be easier to determine the most suitable places for setting traps.
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Use Store-Bought Traps
These choices of traps are still proven to be one of the most effective tools for getting rid of rats, as little bait on each spring-loaded trap is enough to get the task done.
Rat glue boards are also good alternatives to spring traps; you can get them for $5-10 in local stores.
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Fix Damaged Areas
A sure way to keep rats away from the house is by fixing damaged areas around the home.
Rats are very clever creatures, so you must put in extra measures to see that both the interior and exterior loopholes are checked and fixed.
Rats can fit into unimaginably small openings and even cause more damage by chewing through holes that seem uncomfortable for them to fit in. But for sure, they can’t chew through wool and cement.
Use steel wool or cement to cover any suspected openings.
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Cleaning
A neat environment has a natural way of keeping rats away. They have a strong sense of smell, which easily attracts them to open items they can consume.
The following measures can help keep rats at bay from your home.
- Try to move objects away from the wall to be sure of what may be hiding behind them.
- Reduce clutter because less clutter means less space to hide.
- Ensure that all wastes are closed in waste bins.
- Clean the drainage regularly.
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Check Closed Areas
The garage is one area where rats can thrive, as it is usually packed with items.
Once they get into such a place, they may find the car hood warm and comfortable for them to habituate, thereby causing dangerous damage over time. The garage should be kept very clean.
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Prune Trees
Some trees are likely to grow large and even taller than buildings, thereby spreading their branches on the roof of the house.
If not carefully checked, such could serve as a highway for such animals to get easy access into the house through small openings on the roof or wall.
Prune branches and keep piles of wood and other items at least 20 to 30 feet away from the house, as rats tend to inhabit these areas.
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Seal Foods
You are less likely to attract rats if you put your cereals and other pastry items in airtight containers.
If you have pets, it’s essential to store their food properly and clean up the mess they make after each meal to prevent rats from tracking the smell. Such containers could be found in local stores around you.
Possible Alternative To Using Mothballs For Rat Control
For a more effective remedy, rats tend to avoid the smell of peppermint. Rubbing peppermint oil on cotton balls and placing them in the corners of your house can help keep rats away from your home.