Do Mothballs Repels Roaches?

Roaches are one of the disturbing most common houshold pests in the world. They can invade your home and make it uncomfortable for you.

Before we get to your query “do mothballs repel roaches”, let us look at what these roaches are and how you can identify them.

 

What are Roaches?

Cockroaches, minor insects that have been around since ancient times, are ubiquitous.

Adults are around 2 to 5 mm (or 0.25 to 0.25 inches) in length, whereas juveniles are about 2 to 5 mm (or 2 to 5 mm) in length.

They have two antennae and six legs on their flat, oval bodies. Cockroaches can fly, although not all of them do.

Relying on its species, a roach may have a tanner or darker browner appearance. It may also be marked with a band or stripes across its back or crown.

There are over 4000 different species of cockroach, so it just depends. More than 70 varieties exist in the United States alone.

 

The Importance of Eliminating Cockroaches

Cockroaches aren’t just disgusting to look at; they may also spread a wide range of diseases.

It has been established that they harbor the typhoid-causing Salmonella Typhi bacteria. They have also been linked to the spread of the polio-causing poliomyelitis virus.

The books, clothes, and electronics in your home could all suffer damage from these pests.

 

Read also: How Many Legs Do Cockroaches Have?

 

Do mothballs Repels roaches

In light of the foregoing, you must locate a location free of cockroaches.

Perhaps a buddy told you that mothballs will work to eliminate the pests. But hold on! Can you explain what mothballs are?

Tiny pellets filled with a strong odorant, typically naphthalene. For the most part, they are tucked away in closets and chests to keep moths and mold from wreaking havoc on preserved garments.

However, they serve additional purposes outside what their name suggests. Do roaches disappear after using mothballs?

They can, and that’s the end of the question. One of the most efficient and simple home cures for reducing a roach infestation is the use of mothballs.

Mothballs are effective not only against roaches but also against other pests.

 

Read also: Do Cockroaches Make Noise?

 

In what ways do mothballs hinder cockroaches?

Naphthalene, the active ingredient in mothballs, is an organic molecule with a pungent odor that is effective against a wide variety of insects, including cockroaches.

Your job is reduced to placing two or three mothballs in hotspots where roaches are most numerous.

The powerful odor of naphthalene causes respiratory system blockage in approaching roaches, making breathing difficult for them.

In other words, mothballs are a great way to keep roaches at bay and, in certain situations, can even be deadly.

 

How to Use Mothballs to Repel Roaches

Before we discuss how to use mothballs to repel roaches, let’s look at how not to.

Because mothballs repel roaches, many people assume it’s fine to distribute them anywhere they suspect an infestation.

Not recommended. Mothballs should only be used in closed containers and never near heat, food processing, or open places.

Mothballs can be tricky for repelling roaches. You want the unpleasant smells to drive away cockroaches, but you don’t want them to pervade your home.

So read the product label carefully. Mothballs should be utilized in closed containers or places.

You want to keep roaches away from clothing, stuffed animals, pillows, and blankets by using mothballs. This is vital if you’re relocating and don’t want to bring unwelcome pests.

Separately store each item. The container’s lid must fit tightly. Close each container tightly with one or two mothballs.

Tape the edges to provide a tight seal. You don’t want fumes to enter your home. Store the container until you need the items. Using mothballs this way should keep your valuables cockroach-free.

Open the container in a well-ventilated place. Good ventilation is needed since mothball fumes are harmful. Protect yourself with a mask and gloves.

Note: Do not try to keep cockroaches away from your food, food storage, or food preparation facilities by using mothballs. You should rather use a spray that has been authorized for use in as well as around food by the United States Department of Agriculture.

 

Read also: Where Do Roaches Hide?

 

Safety Consideration

We recommend utilizing mothballs derived from camphor or para-dichlorobenzene due to their extreme toxicity.

Even if they are safer than the naphthalene-laced versions of yesteryear, you still should take every precaution possible.

You need not fear that these mothballs are “weaker” than the originals; they will always keep roaches at bay.

 

Conclusion

At this point, you should know the answer to your question do mothballs repel roaches?

Using mothballs to get rid of a cockroach infestation is a bad idea, but they can be useful for keeping those annoying bugs away from a few key rooms.

In that case, you should give it a try if you’re having cockroach issues. However, if the problem at hand is more severe, you will need to escalate the situation.

Do well to drop your view in the comment section.

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