Can I Put Moth Balls In My Garden?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors . The active ingredients can contaminate water and soil, harm wildlife, and contribute to air pollution.

Can I put mothballs in my potted plants?

To exterminate bugs on a potted plant, put the plant in a clear plastic bag , such as a cleaning bag, add a few mothballs, and seal for a week. When you take the plant out of the bag, your plant will be bug-free. It will also keep moths away for a while.

Are mothballs safe around plants?

A: The chemicals in mothballs are not translocated into edible plants . Some gardeners use mothballs to keep out rabbits and squirrels but the results are questionable. Mothballs can kill the vegetables by touching them.

How do I put mothballs in my garden?

Mothballs should not be used inside attics , crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles. Nor used to control skunks, mice or other pests. Mothballs should not be used inside attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles.

Is it safe to put mothballs around tomato plants?

The Gardening Channel notes that chemicals in the mothballs irritate moles, forcing them to abandon the tunnels and go elsewhere. Do not place any mothballs into the hole where your tomato plants will go . The ingredients in the mothballs will kill the plant if placed that close together in a confined underground space.

Will mothballs keep squirrels out of flower pots?

Another option that you have is to put some mothballs near the pots that squirrels have been visiting . These have a scent that squirrels hate. Put a few near your flowers and you can be sure that no squirrels will disturb them.

Why are moth balls banned?

Exposure to naphthalene mothballs can cause acute hemolysis (anemia) in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. IARC classifies naphthalene as possibly carcinogenic to humans and other animals (see also Group 2B). ... Mothballs containing naphthalene have been banned within the EU since 2008.

Is it illegal to put mothballs outside?

Using mothballs to repel pests in the garden presents a danger to children, pets and wildlife that visit your garden. ... Mothballs are insecticides that are controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency. This makes it illegal to use them for any purpose or by any method that isn’t specified on the label .

Are moth balls toxic to dogs?

Mothballs contain a high concentration of insect repellent. Poisoning most commonly occurs when dogs ingest mothballs . Cats are more sensitive to their toxic effects, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs due to their curious nature. Long-term exposure to mothball fumes can harm pets and people.

Do moth balls dissolve in rain?

Answer: Either or will melt, cannot be in the rain or water , etc...

Do moth balls repel snakes?

Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes , but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes. ... See the link below for more information on snake repellents.

What kind of animals do mothballs keep away?

4. Mothballs sometimes are used illegally to repel pests not listed on labels. Some of these “off-label pests” include: squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, and snakes , among others animals. Use mothballs pesticide products to control the pests listed on the label only!

What to use instead of mothballs?

  • Lavender Satchels. While the soothing scent of lavender is wonderful for us, most moths stay away from it. ...
  • Cedar Chips and Blocks. The aromatic aroma of cedar repels many kinds of insects and pests. ...
  • Mint. ...
  • Cloves, Rosemary and Thyme. ...
  • Airtight Containers. ...
  • White Camphor Oil.

How do I keep squirrels out of my flower pots?

Mix something into the potting soil that squirrels find distasteful. Natural repellents may include cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, vinegar, peppermint oil, or garlic (or try a combination of two or more). Similarly, create a homemade squirrel repellent consisting of 2 tablespoons (29.5 mL.)

What smells do squirrels hate?

Scents like white pepper, black pepper, and garlic are naturally unpleasant to a squirrel. The same goes for sweet smells such as peppermint. Try spraying your plants and flowers with water and then sprinkling on pepper or peppermint oil to deter squirrels.

Do coffee grounds keep squirrels away?

While you might find the scent of coffee delicious, squirrels don’t . A light layer of coffee grounds around hibiscus plants can keep them from being the pests’ next meal. Just sprinkle some fresh grounds on the soil surrounding the plants to keep squirrels away.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.