It’s incredible how many times we received home remedy questions here at Backyard University.
Oftentimes they are truly clever solutions to real problems around the yard; More often than not, they are simply what they call ‘old wives tales.
Mothballs and squirrels
The quick answer is no, mothballs don’t keep squirrels away. Let’s take a moment to discuss why.
First, it’s important to understand what mothballs are and how they work. Mothballs are small white balls or tablets that are made from a chemical called naphthalene. Naphthalene is usually made from products such as crude oil or coal tar. It’s also a by-product of items such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, etc. When placed in a closed space, such as a closet or storage container, the Naphthalene vaporizes and forms a strong-smelling gas known to repel moths and other insects.
Mothballs were never designed or intended to repel squirrels or any other larger animals. In fact, the fumes from mothballs can be harmful to animals and humans if inhaled in large amounts.
Naphthalene
Naphthalene may also cause skin and eye irritation, vomiting, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, neurologic issues, etc., For additional info on Naphthalene, please check out more information at Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Naphthalene_BiomonitoringSummary.html where mothballs are typically used, in a closet, dresser, or other relatively confined spaces. Now think about the size of your backyard. The cubic volume of the air in your yard versus the cubic volume of the air in your closet. Mothballs are most effective in confined spaces. There are also other reasons why mothballs are ineffective in keeping squirrels away.
Reasons mothballs are ineffective
For one, squirrels are intelligent animals who can quickly adapt to new situations. If they are able to find a food source in an area where mothballs are present, they will likely continue to visit that area regardless of the unpleasant odor. Additionally, squirrels are small and agile and can easily climb trees, fences, and other structures to access food and shelter. Even if you were to place mothballs in the trees or around your home, it’s unlikely they would be able to keep squirrels away.
Mothballs are toxic
Also, please be aware mothballs are toxic to squirrels and other outdoor animals if ingested or inhaled in large amounts. Inhaling the fumes from mothballs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and can even lead to serious health problems, such as liver damage and anemia.
If a squirrel or other animal were to come into contact with a large number of mothballs, it could become sick or even die. For this reason, it’s important to avoid using mothballs to deter squirrels or other outdoor animals. Mothballs are not designed to be used in this way and are safer and more humane methods for keeping squirrels and other animals away from your property.
Mothballs are inhumane
Using mothballs to try to kill squirrels or other animals is inhumane and can be harmful to the environment. If a squirrel were to come into contact with mothballs, it could become sick or even die.
Additionally, the strong odor of mothballs can be unpleasant for squirrels and may cause them to avoid the area where the mothballs are present. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid using mothballs to deter squirrels or any other animals.
How to deter squirrels
If you have squirrels in your yard or garden, you may be looking for ways to keep them away. Squirrels can be cute and entertaining to watch and there are many ways to attract them into your yard. Still, they can also cause damage to plants and property, and they may even carry diseases.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to deter squirrels and prevent them from becoming a nuisance. One of the most effective ways to keep squirrels away is to remove potential food sources from your yard. Squirrels are attracted to bird feeders, so it’s important to remove any feeders from your property or to place them in areas that are difficult for squirrels to access. You should also pick up any fallen fruit from fruit trees, as well as any other potential food sources, such as nuts and seeds.
Another effective deterrent is to make your yard less attractive to squirrels. This can include trimming back trees and shrubs to reduce hiding and nesting places, as well as removing any debris or clutter that squirrels may use for shelter.
You can also plant flowers and shrubs that have a strong scent, such as lavender or marigolds, which may help to keep squirrels away. In addition to these preventative measures, you can also physically block squirrels from entering your yard or garden.
This can include installing barriers, such as fences or netting, around trees and plants that are particularly susceptible to squirrel damage. You can also seal off any entry points into your home, such as holes in the roof or gaps in the foundation, to prevent squirrels from getting inside. If you have tried these methods and are still experiencing problems with squirrels, you may want to consider using repellents.
Commercial squirrel repellents
There are several commercial squirrel repellents available, but many of them contain chemicals that can be harmful to other animals and the environment. Instead, you can try using natural repellents, such as peppermint oil or cayenne pepper, which can be effective at deterring squirrels without causing harm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping squirrels away from your yard and garden requires a combination of preventative measures and deterrents. By removing potential food sources and making your property less attractive to squirrels, you can help to prevent them from becoming a nuisance. If you still have problems with squirrels, consider using natural repellents and physical barriers to keep them at bay.
Here’s a quick checklist of some of the best options to help keep squirrels away:
- Removing potential food sources, such as bird feeders and fallen fruit.
- Trimming back trees and shrubs to reduce hiding and nesting places.
- Planting flowers and shrubs with strong scents, such as lavender or marigolds.
- Installing physical barriers, such as fences or netting, around trees and plants.
- Sealing off any entry points into your home to prevent squirrels from getting inside.
- Using natural repellents, such as peppermint oil or cayenne pepper, to deter squirrels.
- Consulting with a pest control professional for additional advice and assistance.
Remember to always use humane and environmentally-friendly methods when trying to deter squirrels, as they are an essential part of the ecosystem.