Do Mothballs Repel Roaches or Not

by Nihar Nayak
Updated November 6, 2024

Finding a cockroach in your home is enough to make anyone reach for the nearest solution. These scuttling pests are both creepy and resilient, and notoriously difficult to control.

You may have discovered mothballs as a quick, convenient way to keep them out. Mothballs are known for their powerful smell, they are used as a way to keep moths out. Can they really work on cockroaches too?

In this writing, we will reveal the truth behind using mothballs for cockroach control. We’ll explore what they are, how they work, and if all of their strong fumes will be enough to banish roaches forever.

. We’ll also look at safer, more effective alternatives like using Lysol that may be a superior option for dealing with these troublesome pests.

What Are Mothballs and How Do They Work?

Mothballs are cast of active ingredients, including naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which give off powerful fumes, repelling pests in closed, confined spaces like a closet or a storage box.

This is meant to be used to keep fabric free of infestation in areas where fabrics are stored for a long period of time.

Some people have tried mothballs for cockroaches because of their potent odor, hoping the smell will discourage cockroaches from hanging around. At first, that idea might seem like a good idea because, you know, some bugs find the chemical scent overpowering.

Cockroaches have proved to adapt to different environmental conditions, making it worth it to investigate if this method is effective or a temporary fix.

Are Mothballs Effective Against Roaches?

Pest control experts have divided opinions on whether or not to use mothballs to deter cockroaches. While some pests will avoid the strong chemical odor created by mothballs, but cockroaches are not always keep away.

Research performed by Lancaster University on Roaches found that these pest species are able to adjust to different repellents, which might explain why moth balls do not stay effective for long.

The smell might keep the roaches away for a while but it never lasts. Mothballs are often used by those who have tried to get rid of roaches, and the results are usually mixed.

Mothballs seem to keep roaches out of certain small, confined spaces for a short time, and this is one common experience. But moth balls alone don’t protect very well with larger or open areas, and the smell doesn’t stay long enough to create a real barrier.

For example, a homeowner put mothballs under the sink, seemingly killing the roaches, but a few days into using the treatment, the roaches came back and had seemingly recovered.

Pros and Cons of Using Mothballs for Roaches

Roach problems solved swiftly by mothballs might sound like the perfect quick fix, but there are both positives and negatives in their use.

But to know whether mothballs are the right choice for the situation you’re in, here’s a breakdown of the main pros and cons.

PROS

Causes some pests to become very intolerant with a strong, potent smell coming from mothballs. This smell can, in small, enclosed spaces, act as a temporary deterrent and it makes a bad smell for roaches to gather there.
Placed compact and easily under sinks, cabinets, closets, and so on, where roaches love to hide and also easy to place.

CONS

Contain dangerous chemicals that can be dangerous to humans and pets. The fumes can cause respiratory problems, nausea, poisoning in poor ventilating environments if inhaled or ingested.
The odor may turn some roaches away, but these pests are extremely resilient and weed themselves to that smell. Mothballs, in particular, are aimed more at deterring particular pests than actually killing them, which means they frequently do not act to control an infestation.
They work best in confined spaces and are not practical for unenclosed areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, where roaches are frequently detected. But it can be a bit overpowering and may remain on surfaces, fabrics, and even food if they're too close.
Mothballs have a strong, unpleasant smell, which can make living space unpleasant. The odor can linger in nearby items and be very hard to eradicate, leaving behind a stale, chemical odor in the room.

Challenges and Unexpected Results

Many who try mothballs for cockroach control get mixed results. One common challenge is that the smell is usually not easy to contain in particular locations; the smell often seems to spread and make living spaces uncomfortable.

They’ve also noticed that though mothballs initially reduce cockroach activity, it doesn’t last long. They will initially scare roaches away, but after they adjust to the smell, they will return.

Putting mothballs in high-traffic areas, like a kitchen or bathroom, can be a problem. The smell interferes with everyday activities, and these spaces are no longer enjoyable to use.

That is why these challenges expose that mothballs may not be the most helpful alternative to roach control, particularly if other alternatives are better such as Diatomaceous Earth.

How to Use Naphthalene Balls for Roaches: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you employ naphthalene balls for cockroach elimination, be cautious and smart about them. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to ensure safe and effective use:

Collect What You Need

Gather up all the materials you will need before you begin. Handling naphthalene balls usually involves a pack of naphthalene balls, gloves for handling and airtight containers.

Furthermore, to avoid inhaling any fumes while setting up, it’s also a good idea to wear a mask. You can make the process quicker and safer by having everything ready before you start.

Choose Airtight Containers

Using the naphthalene balls in confined areas will help concentrate the smell, as fumes won’t easily escape. Look for containers that will suit spaces where you’ve seen cockroaches, such as under sinks or inside cabinets. It is advisable to place in those spaces where cockroaches mostly hide.

Airtight containers prevent the fumes from spreading into unwanted areas, which can make it easier to control where the smell lingers.

Place Mothballs Inside Containers

Place a few naphthalene balls into each container and spread them evenly inside. You don’t want to put them directly in a food storage area or into any open places where the fumes can blend into the living area, so they overpower the odor.

The number of balls will depend on the size of the space, but too many make the smell unbearable even for humans.

Follow Safety Precautions

Safety measures should always be taken when handling toxic fumes when using naphthalene balls. Store containers away from children, pets, and frequently used areas so you don’t breathe in naphthalene fumes over time.

If you feel things getting a little lightheaded or irritated, remove the mothballs and air out the space well while ventilating the room.

Alternative Roach Repellents

If you haven’t been getting the results you want with mothballs, there are a number of other ways to kill cockroaches that are proven to work better. Here’s a look at some popular alternatives:

Roach Insecticides

General repellents like mothballs are rarely more reliable than commercial insecticides which are meant for roaches. These sprays and baits contain chemicals that directly target cockroaches, killing them on contact or luring them to ingest poison.

Insecticides can be risky to use, but many times are necessary to render cockroaches helpless. A combination of bait stations and gel treatments is especially effective at targeting hidden roach populations. You can also try bleach to kill roaches.

Natural Roach Repellents

Natural repellents can be very effective as a chemical-free approach. Known for deterring or killing cockroaches without harmful fumes, substances such as boric acid, diatomaceous earth, and peppermint oil are.

Diatomaceous earth and boric acid dry the roaches out, and the peppermint oil is a repellent, sending them scurrying away.

These are perfect for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals, but they do need to be re-applied regularly to maintain effectiveness. You can also try other methods such as baking soda and sugar to repel these creatures.

For severe infestations, a professional pest control service can be most appropriate. Trained experts can also determine the depth of the infestation and apply treatment proven to work.

While this option will probably cost more, professional pest control is often able to deal with a major roach problem better than DIY can. Experts can also provide some valuable advice on preventing future infestations by identifying entry points and environmental factors that attract roaches.

These are all different methods and all have their pros and also the cons and you will choose one depending on what is needed and what you like.

Naphthalene Balls Side Effects

While naphthalene balls (commonly known as mothballs) can be useful in repelling certain pests, they come with a range of side effects that may pose health risks to both humans and pets. Here are some of the most important side effects to consider:

Release of Toxic Fumes

Naphthalene balls are slowly released fumes by nerve agents when exposed to air. The fumes are designed to chase away pests in confined areas, but when released in the open, they can escape into the air, and people and pets can breathe it.

Symptoms of these fumes include dizziness, respiratory irritation, headaches, and organ damage in severe cases from prolonged exposure.

. For that reason, it’s suggested that mothballs only be used in secured and sealed containers with little human traffic in those areas. According to the CDC: Effects of Mothball Exposure, prolonged exposure to these fumes can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems.

Potential for Poisoning

Poisoning can take place by direct exposure to naphthalene fumes or ingestion of mothballs. Nausea, vomiting, confusion, and seizures are all possible symptoms in extreme cases.

The harmful effects of naphthalene are worse in people who already have pre-existing health conditions that affect the liver, kidneys, or heart.

These fumes are also quite sensitive on pets, especially dogs and cats; they may also become poisoned if they accidentally ingest or inhale too much of the substance.

Health Risks for Pets

Naphthalene balls are often curious pets and may chew or play with them if they’re left nearby. The amount required for toxicity, even a small one, can provoke symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.

If exposure is severe, it can cause tremors, seizures, or even death. However, these risks are generally not advised for households with pets when it comes to alternative methods for pest control.

For more in-depth information on the potential dangers of using mothballs, this guide on Mothballs and Health Risks offers more information on safe usage, particularly if yours children or pets are around.

Conclusion

While mothballs may sound like the easy fix for cockroach control, there are limitations and health risks associated with using mothballs as your solution.

Mothballs can repel some pests with their strong smell, but cockroaches are incredibly resilient creatures and will usually tolerate even these smells and become accustomed to them, making mothballs a less long-term solution.

They also release toxic fumes, which can be very dangerous to humans and pets living in areas where the fumes are spread.

For those dealing with a persistent cockroach problem, safer and more targeted solutions may be more effective.

Natural repellents like peppermint oil or boric acid, or even professional pest control services, can offer better results without the risks associated with mothballs.

For more tips on how to rid cockroaches from your home, check out our article, The Best Scents That Repel Cockroaches, for safe and simple ways to get your home roach-free.

FAQ SECTION

Is it safe to use mothballs in the house?

It is not advisable to use mothballs inside. The fumes they release are harmful if you inhale them and especially children and pets. They are only meant to be used on a limited basis in closed storage spaces that people do not visit frequently.

Do roaches hate the smell of mothballs?

It is strong so cockroaches may avoid the smell of mothballs at first. They don’t hate it enough to never come back, and will likely ignore it.

Does using mothballs kill cockroaches?

Mothballs don’t kill cockroaches. Only their strong smell repels them. Other methods, like using insecticides or natural treatments, actually work better for actually getting rid of roaches.

What is the most effective way to repel cockroaches?

Boric acid, diatomaceous earth, and other natural oils (including peppermint oil) can keep cockroaches away if you don’t want to use mothballs. The use of professional pest control is sometimes the best choice for a large roach problem.

Are there natural remedies that cockroaches avoid?

Indeed, cockroaches tend to steer clear of some natural things, such as peppermint oil, bay leaves, or citrus smells. These are some good, safe ones you can try in places you’ve seen roaches around.