Mothballs contain a high concentration of insect repellent. Poisoning most commonly occurs when cats or 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 also harm pets and people.
What happens if a cat eats moth balls?
Ingestion of naphthalene mothballs can cause anemia, lethargy, vomiting, and sometimes damage to the kidneys or liver . Modern PDB mothballs are less toxic but can still cause illness, especially when ingested.
Can pets be around moth balls?
Mothballs are designed to be used in a sealed container to limit the spread of the vapors. When used and stored properly, they are relatively safe to have in a home with pets . Mothball ingestions make up a small percentage of calls to Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center.
Do mothball keep cats away?
Yes, mothballs will repel cats but they can also be harmful so it’s not something we would advise using. Mothballs are often used in gardens to keep cats away. It is the strong smell of mothballs that irritates cats.
What happens if my dog eats mothballs?
After being eaten, naphthalene first affects the gastrointestinal system, causing vomiting and poor appetite , but problems don’t stop there. Naphthalene also damages a pet’s red blood cells and can lead to anemia, brown colored mucous membranes, weakness, lethargy, and sometimes seizures.
Is the smell of mothballs harmful to dogs?
What makes mothballs poisonous for dogs? Perhaps the most toxic commonly found mothball ingredient is camphor. Camphor ingestion results in central nervous system poisoning where a dog can become agitated and develop seizures . The signs will occur quickly after ingestion and can be life-threatening.
Will mothballs repel dogs?
A moth isn’t the only creature that doesn’t like the smell of mothballs . Mothballs are extremely pungent, particularly in a closed in area. Don’t leave them on the floor or within reach where an overly curious dog might try to eat them.
Do mothballs keep dogs away?
Mothballs may act as a deterrent to stop some dogs from digging , but they are toxic to dogs and should not be left in a place where a dog can access them. Instead, find a repellant that isn’t potentially harmful to your pet.
What animals does mothballs keep away?
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.
How can I get rid of my cat permanently?
The most effective way to get rid of cats long-term is to first trap them so you can take them to be neutered or spayed . Buy a humane plastic or metal cat box trap with a door, and bait it with tuna, sardines, or cat food. Place the box trap near where the cats regularly feed and cover it with a blanket.
How long are mothballs toxic?
If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating. Often, the smell of mothballs never truly ever go away.
What smell do cats hate?
In truth, cats are very sensitive to smell and are much more sensitive to smells and odors than humans. You can use this trait to your advantage to repel cats. Some of the scents that cats hate are lemon, grapefruit, orange, citrus, lavender, white vinegar, rosemary, thyme, peppermint, and pine .
What is a good substitute for mothballs?
Lavender
Another natural alternative to mothballs is the herb lavender. Lavender repels insects naturally, and most moths tend to avoid its scent. Another advantage of using lavender is that it has a clean and pleasant smell. Used in aromatherapy, lavender is said to help relieve stress and anxiety.
How do I keep cats and dogs from pooping in my yard?
- Clean up the poop and remove the stinky smell first. ...
- Build a fence in the garden or your yard. ...
- Plant thorny flowers or trees around your yard. ...
- Use syrup bottles or old CDs. ...
- Place cat-repellent plants. ...
- Use cat-repellent sprays. ...
- Use lime or lemon peel. ...
- Mothballs.
How do I stop my neighbor’s dog from pooping in my yard?
- Use dog-repelling scents.
- Put up a barrier around your yard.
- Install motion-activated lawn sprinklers.
- Buy an ultrasonic repelling device.
- Get a poop bag dispenser.
- Talk to your neighbor (calmly)
- Put up signs.
- Install security cameras.
What smell does dog hate?
Perfumes, ammonia-based cleaning products, vinegar, citrus, and chili peppers are among the smells dogs will do their best to avoid. Using them in your home will create a less than comfortable environment for them.
