Mothball Repellent

August/September 2005
Mother Earth News reader Marcella White of Edmonton, Kentucky 
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I worked as a rural mail carrier in Florida for many years. I often dreaded what I might find each time I opened the mailbox ? wasps, spiders, scorpions and frogs were the most common occupants. One of my customers kept a small glass jar of mothballs in her mailbox, with holes in the lid so the fumes could escape. There were never any insects or other creatures in her mailbox.

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Now I live in Kentucky and have a small well house where various spiders and a copperhead snake had taken up residence. I remembered the mothballs! So, early each spring, I put new mothballs in the glass jar, and there are no pump-house occupants at all.
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11 Comments

  • sharon Ilg 6/23/2009 8:07:05 PM

    Just to let you know like on of the comments..
    Moth balls have a chemical in them that causes some pretty bad health problems and cancers.. I will not go anywhere near a moth ball now.. very bad for everyone..
    as for the mice I would just use decon..

  • penny 11/14/2008 10:56:06 PM

    how can i get rid of dead mice smell, help

  • penny 11/14/2008 10:27:11 PM

    The owners of the home we just purchase, had mothballs placed thoughout the basement is this safe I have 3 kids. Now i know that they did this because they had mice, wish now is my problem.Thank you

  • penny 11/14/2008 10:12:32 PM

    The owners of the home we just purchase, had mothballs placed thoughout the basement is this safe I have 3 kids. Now i know that they did this because they had mice, wish now is my problem.Thank you

  • DEBORAH Claxton 1/24/2007 12:00:00 AM

    I use to always put mothballs in my basement and a few out
    around my house. They do work and keep out those little nasty
    varmints .... spiders, mice, snakes.Last year I found out that moth
    balls are very harmful and poisonious to pets and people."Simple
    SolutionIt was sobering to see that naphthalene, the main
    ingredient in conventional moth balls was recently listed as a
    registered carcinogen by the U.S. government. How many homes have
    that memorable smell impregnating their sweater chests and closets?
    Natural moth repellents are the only safe choice, and their
    fragrances are effective. If you have mothballs in your house, put
    them in the trash, and air anything that holds their smell in the
    sun as often as possible.Here is how to make an easy and effective
    moth repellent sachet:This recipe will fill about a dozen sachets.
    You can buy herbs in bulk at almost any health food store:2 ounces
    each dried rosemary and mint1 ounce each dried thyme and American
    ginseng8 ounces whole clovesMix herbs and place some in the center
    of a bandanna or handkerchief (or in a muslin tea-bag, available at
    health food stores). Tie with a ribbon."
    http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/2458

  • Maryann 10/23/2006 12:00:00 AM

    When needing a window curtain, use a top bed sheet. A curtain
    rod will go threw the tab of the sheet at the top. If they are to
    long, cut excess off at the bottom and make your
    tiebacks.

  • MAXINE Overbey 9/29/2006 12:00:00 AM

    I use mothballs in the storage buildings. I just throw them
    around on the floor and in the corners. Here in West Texas we have
    a lot of rattle snakes. This also keeps the mice away in the fall
    and winter.

  • 1 spooky j 5/6/2006 12:00:00 AM

    Another spot/or spots that are good to put the mothballs is in
    /or on /or under your snowblower when you put it away for the
    summer, and your riding mower for the winter . Jim.

  • JERRY O&aposConnor 12/23/2005 12:00:00 AM

    This is a great hint. I've placed mothballs throughout my boat
    and engine compartment since I bought it 10 years ago and never
    even saw signs of rodents, etc. Others have had uphostery and
    engine wiring ruined by mice, etc. Thanks for the great idea about
    the glass bottle and vented lid, I'll try that next year.Posted by
    JO'Connor/ December 23, 2005

  • APRIL MOLES 12/4/2005 12:00:00 AM

    Dear Mother Earth Living:I would like to know if the mothballs
    in the glass jar trick will work to keep one of my cats from
    knocking over and chewing on my three fake Christmas trees. I love
    your emails and magazine. Thanks for any help you might send my
    way.

  • JEFF MADISON 10/11/2005 12:00:00 AM

    Mothballs will also keep mice and critters out of stored
    vehicles and also out of your car or truck. Place some mothballs in
    some old pantyhose and put under the hood of the vehicle. You can
    alternately just put them under the hood but if you place them in
    the panty hose it makes it easier to take them out before you start
    driving, unless of course you like the smell of mothballs
    :).

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