Is it illegal to put mothballs in your yard in Florida?

It is unlawful to use mothballs other than for their intended purpose, as stated on the package. Using them outdoors as snake repellent (or for any other reason) can get you a $10,000 fine, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services.

Why are mothballs illegal in Florida?

Mothballs are pesticides regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in Florida by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). All pesticides sold in Florida must be registered by FDACS and must be used according to label instructions.

Are moth balls illegal to use outside?

Mothballs are insecticides that are controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency. This makes it illegal to use them for any purpose or by any method that isn't specified on the label.

Can you put moth balls in your yard?

While the fumes from mothballs may keep some animals from munching on your garden plants, they are not intended for this type of usage. Using them in the garden or anywhere else outdoors is not a good idea, as these products could be harmful to pets, young children or wild animals that find the mothballs.

Is smelling mothballs harmful?

Moth balls contain a toxic chemical, either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both become a gas when exposed to air and cause that pungent moth ball smell. These gases are irritating to the eyes and lungs and may cause headache, dizziness and nausea. They are both suspected of causing cancer.

Simple Garden Hack....Mothballs

How long does the smell of mothballs last outside?

One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating.

What to use instead of mothballs?

Do snakes like mothballs?

Moth balls are common old-time home remedy to keep snakes away, but this old wives' tale doesn't stand the test of science. Mothballs don't repel snakes. Snakes “smell” with their tongues, so methods like mothballs that rely on odors are unlikely to deter them.

Do moth balls keep rodents away?

Mothballs repelling mice and rats is a common misconception. Mothballs contain a small amount of naphthalene and can be a deterrent in large quantities, however, they aren't powerful enough to get rid of mice and rodents.

Are moth balls legal?

Using mothballs in a way not specified by the label is not only illegal, but can harm people, pets or the environment. Some mothballs for sale may be illegal, which means they were imported without oversight of the product contents or labeling. Because they have not been evaluated, the risks they pose are unknown.

Where do you put mothballs?

Mothballs must be used in an airtight space, such as a garment bag or well- sealed container. Never place mothballs in an open closet or plastic garbage bag. Once vapors enter the home, their odor can persist for a long time.

Do mothballs keep squirrels away?

Mothballs. The smell of mothballs, which bring back memories of visits to grandmother's house for so many people, is repulsive for squirrels. If you have a squirrel issue within and around your home, you can place mothballs around your flowers or even in areas around the yard, including the attic.

What animals do mothballs keep away?

"Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths," Stone said. They include squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons and a variety of other animals.

What will keep snakes away?

Natural repellents including sulfur, clove and cinnamon oil, and vinegar may help repel snakes. Pour these substances around the perimeter of your property, any place you have noticed snake activity.

Do moth balls repel mosquitoes?

The label of any pesticide product, including mothballs, tells you exactly where and how a product is supposed to be used. Using the product in any other way could put you and others at risk. Besides, they have little or no effect as repellents. Many years ago, mothballs may have been made out of different chemicals.

How do I keep snakes out of my yard in Florida?

Fencing of aluminum flashing, hardware cloth (1/4"), or silt fencing 2–3 feet high buried 6 inches in the ground should deter most snakes from gaining access to certain areas of your yard (Figure 7).

What smell do snakes hate?

There are many scents snakes don't like including smoke, cinnamon, cloves, onions, garlic, and lime. You can use oils or sprays containing these fragrances or grow plants featuring these scents.

Are dogs attracted to mothballs?

The ingestion of mothballs, which come as flakes, tablets, crystals, bars, and balls, can be appealing to dogs due to the odor that they emit and the curious nature of our pets.

How long do moth balls last?

Mothballs can last up to four to six weeks, and they can last even longer if you store your garments in a tightly sealed container. Regardless of how long the mothballs last before they dissolve, the smell will likely last longer.

What do moth balls do to humans?

Some of the chemicals in mothballs can cause reversible health effects that include headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation and coughing. Exposure to naphthalene can cause more serious effects, including hemolytic anemia. Naphthalene is also a possible carcinogen.

What works better cedar or mothballs?

You can use cedar in combination with neem oil and other natural repellents to keep your home moth-free. However you choose to use cedar, though, it will always be safer and healthier than mothballs.

Can I put mothballs under my house?

According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), the chemicals use in mothballs can be toxic to humans and pets and as people are exposed to these chemicals that are released as toxic fumes in the air space of the home.

Do mothballs repel roaches?

Roaches don't like the scent of mothballs, making them an effective pest repellent. Mothballs can only keep cockroaches away for a year or two since the pests adjust quickly and easily to new environments.

Does Pine Sol keep squirrels away?

Spray their areas and burrows with 1 cup regular Pinesol per gallon of water. Dilute Tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper in water and spray on plants that are being eaten (a few tsp. of each in about 1 litre of water). Human hair or urine is a strong repellent.