Roaches lurk in every corner of the house.
They’re tough to kill, and it’s essential you keep them at bay. Mothballs can be used to repel them from any part of your home and garden.
So, do mothballs keep roaches away?
Many people use mothballs to get rid of roaches.
However, mothballs don’t work. Mothballs are actually pesticides, and roaches are immune to them.
Mothballs actually cause more problems than they solve. First of all, mothballs are extremely toxic.
When mothballs come into contact with water, they emit a strong odor. Second, mothballs are flammable.
When exposed to heat, mothballs explode. Finally, mothballs are highly toxic.
They can poison pets, cause allergic reactions, and even cause cancer.
For these reasons, mothballs are a terrible choice to get rid of roaches.
What Exactly Are Mothballs?
Contents
Mothballs are little white balls that are filled with a chemical called paradichlorobenzene.
They seem to work well, but they pose serious risks to your health.
Mothballs used to contain naphthalene, which was highly toxic.
Pyrethroids such as Transfluthrin and Cypermethrin are safer and more effective.
They are intended to be opened in an enclosed area, such as a bathroom or closet.
Improved mothballs outperform the older variety, but are still harmful.
Do Mothballs Keep Roaches Away?
If you’re wondering whether the mothballs can repel roaches, the answer is yes.
These little balls are packed with a toxic chemical that roaches hate.
However, you must understand certain facts about this method.
The convenience of using mothballs to keep roaches away in your home is appealing.
Mothballs are inexpensive, simple, and easy to use.
Cockroaches, as you are surely aware, are extremely difficult to eliminate.
They breed rapidly, and tend to hide in dark, moist places. These characteristics make them difficult to eradicate.
Many homeowners resort to using toxic chemicals like Raid.
However, these products are expensive and can be harmful to you, your family, and your pets.
The good news is that you don’t have to resort to these chemical solutions. You can get rid of roaches naturally, using non-toxic methods.
Using mothballs to repel roaches is a good option.
However, the drawbacks to this method far outweigh the benefits. First, mothballs are toxic.
They can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Inhaling even a small amount of the fumes can lead to lung irritation.
Additionally, mothballs are flammable. If exposed to extreme heat, they can explode.
Finally, these chemicals are poisonous to children and pets.
This strategy may work for a year or two, but sooner or later, the roaches will return.
Do Mothballs Kill Roaches?
While mothballs keep roaches at bay, they don’t actually kill them.
Even if mothballs kill a roach, its body will slowly decay and release the chemicals into the surrounding area.
If you’re looking for a strategy to permanently get rid of roaches, you need to look into professional roach control.
Although using boric acid to kill roaches is toxic, it’s much less toxic than moth balls.
How To Use Mothballs To Repel Cockroaches?
Keep Them Out of Reach of Children
Mothballs may be particularly harmful to children, so try to keep them out of reach.
The components have the toxicity level of a poison, and can be dangerous if ingested.
When a 3-year-old youngster consumed some moth balls, he had to be rushed to the emergency room.
Needless to mention, mothballs should absolutely be kept away from children.
Use Where Roaches Enter Your Home
If that’s the case, I’m guessing you’ll place mothballs in your cupboard, drawers, under sinks, and anywhere else roaches hide.
Examine your house for possible roach entry points, and seal them up with caulk or steel wool.
Use caution while adding the mothballs; they should smell fresh, not stale.
Use in Restricted Areas
You must use mothballs in small, restricted areas where roaches hide.
The mothballs’ aroma must be stronger than the odor of cockroaches.
Furthermore, the greater the area, the more mothballs you need.
And, some people buy large containers of mothballs and store them near infested areas.
Don’t Expect Total Control With Them
While mothballs are effective in repelling roaches, they shouldn’t be your only line of defense.
You may notice some activity initially, but the roaches will eventually come back.
Using this method, you may successfully repel some roaches, but you’ll inevitably face infestations in the future.
It is preferable if you remove anything that can attract roaches such as leaky pipes, leaky faucets, and any cracks in the walls.
Alternatives for Roach Removal
When you have a cockroach infestation in your home or business, you should act quickly to exterminate them.
They have been specially trained to infest homes and businesses, and they are resilient and hard to kill.
The best way to get rid of roaches is to contact a pest control company. These professionals use the latest, most effective methods to eradicate them.
The second option is to use roach baits, which are designed to attract roaches.
They come in a variety of forms, including gels, liquids, sprays, baits, traps, and granules.
You may learn about the complete methods of DIY pest control solutions here. This knowledge will help you select the most suitable method to eliminate roaches from your home.
Also Read: What Smells Keep Roaches Away?
Conclusion
Mothballs are used to manage pests found in a wide range of spaces, such as homes, hotels, apartments, and offices.
Mothballs may be used to repel moths, while silica gel is used to deter cockroaches.
Always read the instructions on the pack before using these substances.
They are toxic, so proper handling is essential.
Chemicals in the environment may react with these substances, so you should always keep these products out of the reach of children and pets.
Avoid mothballs containing naphthalene if you are pregnant, as it may cause breathing problems.
As a reminder, while using chemicals, take precautions to protect your health, and the health of others.
Don’t store or use them in a place that is easily accessible to children.
The majority of chemical products are flammable, so keep these away from sources of ignition.
They may cause an allergic skin reaction, so wear gloves, protective clothing, and safety glasses when handling them.
