Have you heard that mothballs can repel these annoying insects?

If you answered yes, then you need to read this blog about do mothballs keep roaches away.

Do mothballs keep roaches away?

Mothballs are commonly used to repel insects like moths and sometimes other pests due to the strong odor of chemicals they release, typically composed of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene.

While mothballs might have some repellent properties against certain insects, they are not particularly effective at keeping roaches away. 

Cockroaches are resilient pests that are less affected by the chemicals in mothballs compared to other insects like moths. Additionally, the odor of mothballs may not be strong enough or the right type to deter roaches effectively.

>> Read more: Can Kerosene Kill Cockroaches and Is It Worth the Risk?

How does Mothballs keep Roaches away?

Mothballs are used to repel roaches due to their strong and pungent odor. The active ingredients in mothballs are typically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. These chemicals sublimate, which means they turn from a solid into a gas, releasing a strong odor that is toxic to insects.

Here’s how mothballs work to keep roaches away:

• Repellent Odor: Roaches are sensitive to odors, and the strong smell of mothballs is unpleasant and overwhelming to them. They will try to avoid areas where mothballs are placed.
• Toxic Effects: Mothballs contain chemicals that can be harmful to roaches when ingested or when they come into contact with them. Roaches may ingest small particles of mothballs, leading to toxicity and death.
• Pervasive Odor: The odor of mothballs can permeate the air and surrounding areas, creating an environment that is less hospitable for roaches. This can deter them from entering or staying in a specific area.

It’s important to note that while mothballs can help repel roaches, they are not the most effective or safest method for roach control.

The chemicals in mothballs can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested or inhaled, so they should be used with caution and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Additionally, mothballs may not provide a long-term solution for roach infestations, and other pest control methods may be necessary for more effective and safe roach management.

>> Read more: Does salt kill roaches? The Truth Behind This Common Myth.

Where do you put Mothballs to kill roaches?

Put mothballs close to the stove, garbage cans, sewer pipes, wardrobe, sink, and refrigerator. The goal is to position the chemical pesticide in areas that may serve as hideouts and have a better chance of killing roaches.

Roaches like to attack the area behind your stove because it offers them food residue. The dirty and greasy environment also attracts these types of bugs. 

Use only a few moth flakes since they are toxic to human health. Since the crystals evaporate slowly, it makes sense to place only a few behind the stove at a time. As a mothball produces its gas, its size gets smaller and smaller until there is nothing left to see. 

Sometimes you may be forced to put mothballs in or around home entry points, especially when the cockroaches are coming from the outside. Roaches can use your doors, windows, sinkholes, and drains, to get inside your space. 

Do not place mothballs close to food or a food preparation area so that there is no contamination risk. In case it is a must to have moth flakes near your food, store the food in the refrigerator or closed containers.

How do you use mothballs for roaches?

Before using mothballs for roaches, follow the directions of use on the label to minimize the risk of harm to humans and pets.

1. The first rule demands that you place mothballs in closed spaces and tightly sealed containers to reduce human or pet exposure. Placing the chemicals in a narrow or closed area will also deliver a higher gas concentration and efficient working.
2. Have some hand gloves and a mask on so that you do not touch mothballs with your bare hands or breathe in the dangerous gas.
3. Assemble the items you would like to keep roaches away from, including your clothing and beddings. That may come in handy if you are moving to a new home and need not carry bugs.
4. Place every item you need to be protected against cockroaches in different containers or boxes. 
5. Insert a few pesticide crystals in every container and close them with tightly-fitting covers or lids. Taping around the lid edges can deliver tightly closed containers. Loosely fitting lids will promote the escape and spread of mothballs’ fumes across your rooms.
6. Carry and put the containers in a safe location until you require the items. Your belongings will not be attacked by roaches, and other bugs due to the toxic gas moth flakes readily release in plenty.

Positioning

Put mothballs in any spaces, dark and moist with food particles, infested or frequently visited by cockroaches. The locations may include next to garbage cans, the pantry and cabinets, and behind a refrigerator. 

If you need your stored clothes and other items, open the containers carrying your items and mothballs in an area with proper air circulation. Handle your belongings if you are wearing a one-time use mask and gloves.

Leave the moth flakes for a week or two for the odor to spread in a larger area. Although the smell may not be likable, put up with it to achieve the ultimate goal of repelling roaches. Repeat the application process as many times as possible during the year to repel cockroaches and discourage an infestation.

Is it safe to use mothballs to kill roaches at home? 

It is safe to use mothballs for roaches at home as long as you adhere to use instructions provided because the chemical is dangerous. Just like the effects of the pesticide can harm roaches, the same may apply to you, other members of the family, and pets.

Even if you try to use mothballs carefully, dangers are always one mistake away. A possible result of exposure to the fumes of mothballs is that a child may have a higher risk of getting cancer. That can happen as the DNA of a kid suffers from damage.

Caution

Kids may consume mothballs as they are more likely to confuse them with candies. According to the public health department in Connecticut, over 3,500 kids get exposed to moth flakes every year. About 500 of the kids end up requiring treatment.

Babies are more prone to the effects of the pesticide since their bodies are not capable of faster eliminating toxic substances that have found their way into the blood. 

Exposing yourself, children, or pets to the powerful odor of moth flakes may trigger the destruction of red blood cells. Fewer red blood cells reduce the ability of your body to transport oxygen to body tissues.

Risks

Other health effects due to mothballs are skin allergies, eye and nose irritation, headaches, and damage to the liver and kidney.

Another danger is that the chemical content of mothballs may be flammable. Exposure of the pesticide to a flame or source of heat can trigger an even bigger fire inside your house. 

As well, many people who use the roach repellant, most of the time, misuse it. People keep mothballs in open areas like the attics, kitchen, and bedroom. The chemical will not only have a minimized effect on roaches but be exposed to you, your family, and your pets.

Guide

The solution to keeping roaches away from your space is to take a few extra measures routinely. Maintain a clean environment, do not leave food residue or dirt lying around, and wash your dirty dishes and utensils as soon as you finish eating.

Do not forget to store your food and leftovers in tightly sealed cans or containers, and treating your pets with roach repellants can deliver a roach-free house.

A licensed pest exterminator can help you deal with your problem in an efficient and permanent manner. The only little disadvantage is that you have to spend some money.

>> Read more: Can you get rid of roaches without an exterminator? How to get rid of roaches without an Exterminator.

Conclusion

You have just learned the truth about do mothballs keep roaches away. Mothballs are not effective in keeping roaches away, and they can pose serious health and environmental risks. 

We hope this blog has been helpful and informative for you. If you want to learn more about roaches and how to deal with them, you can check out our other blogs from Pestweek.

Calina Mabel

Calina Mabel has over 15 years of experience in the field of journalism and communications. Currently, Calina Mabel is the Content Writer for categories such as Cockroach, Ants, Bed Bugs, Mosquito, Rodent, Termite, and Flies on Pestweek.com. She aims to build content for these categories with a focus on providing valuable and accessible information to readers, in order to create the world’s largest knowledge community about Pests.

All content written by Calina Mabel has been reviewed by Emily Carter.