Will mothballs keep snakes away?

Do mothballs repel snakes? 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.


Will snakes go around mothballs?

Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.

What is the best snake repellent?

If you're looking to avoid snake encounters this season, read our suggestions to find the best snake repellent for your lawns or garden.
  • BEST OVERALL: Ortho Snake B Gon Snake Repellent.
  • BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Safer Brand 5951 Snake Shield Repellent.
  • BEST ALL NATURAL: Enviro Pro 16003 Snake Scram.


Does anything really keep snakes away?

You can also consider planting snake repellent plants that provide a natural deterrent. Some common examples include marigolds, lemongrass, and wormwood. Foxes and raccoons are common predators of snakes. Guinea hens, turkeys, pigs, and cats will also help keep snakes away.

What keeps snakes away from your home?

How to Keep Snakes Away from Your House
  • Replace grass or mulch with gravel. Snakes can't move or hide easily on gravel and other hard surfaces.
  • Remove bird feeders, birdbaths, and other sources of food and water. ...
  • Keep pet food inside. ...
  • Trim bushes and trees. ...
  • Reconsider water features. ...
  • Install snake-proof fencing.


Moth Balls Detour/Repel Snakes! Fact or Fiction?



What are snakes afraid of?

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.

Does Irish Spring soap repel snakes?

They will often avoid the strong odor of Irish Spring soap, so you can try to use the soap to repel snakes.

What chases snakes away?

According to Evans, Jeyes Fluid is the most popular repellent and many home owners pour it around the house, either once a week or once a month to keep snakes away. "This certainly won't make your house snake-proof. But, if poured right next to a snake, it probably will chase it away.


Do snakes return to the same place?

Relocating snakes short distances is ineffective because they will likely find their way back to their home range. If you have one snake in your yard, that means there are others around! Removing one or more snakes often creates a false sense of security.

Where do you put mothballs outside?

Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors. The active ingredients can contaminate water and soil, harm wildlife, and contribute to air pollution.

Is using mothballs outside illegal?

Not many people know that mothballs are pesticides and are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just like any other pesticide. Using mothballs in a way not specified by the product's label is not only illegal, but can harm others and the environment.


What animals do mothballs keep away?

Mothballs are classified as a pesticide and used to control moths, silverfish and other fiber pests in wool and other natural fiber clothing and materials. Mothballs should only be used as specified on the label, and their use is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What chemical kills snakes instantly?

What chemical kills snakes instantly? Calcium cyanide is a good chemical for killing snakes taking refuge in burrows, while there are several gases that sometimes work in fumigating dens.

What time of day are snakes most active?

Snakes are most active at night and during early morning and late evening hours, the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension says. One of the most common species of snakes isn't venomous at all.


Does bleach repel snakes?

Best Rattlesnake Deterrents

Vinegar and bleach can both be used to keep rattlesnakes away from your home. Bleach is less commonly used because it is a much stronger chemical that could be damaging to plants or other animals. Vinegar is most often used to keep snakes away from bodies of water.

Is vinegar good for snakes?

Vinegar: Vinegar is effective at repelling snakes near bodies of water including swimming pools. Pour white vinegar around the perimeter of any body of water for a natural snake repellent.

Does Epsom salt repel snakes?

While this was a commonly used method of keeping snakes away, salt does not repel or deter snakes, and it has no effect on them. This myth has long ago been debunked, and snakes do not fear salt the way people once thought.


What does wasp spray do to snakes?

“All you have to do is hit them in the face so that their tongue, their eyes, their nostrils, and all of their olfaction will catch it. They'll get it in to their system, and it will kill them,” Huff said.

Are snakes afraid of dogs?

It's likely that most snakes won't choose to go near dogs. They're bigger, noisier, and more of a hassle than a good snack. Simply by having your dog around, you will likely help to keep snakes away.

Does ammonia keep snakes away?

Repel Them

Ammonia can function as a snake removal agent as snakes hate its smell and won't come near it. Soak rags in ammonia and place them where you usually see snakes to drive them away. If you have a pool, you can use white vinegar to keep snakes away from it.


What do you spray for snakes?

Victor Snake-A-Way repellent is proven to repel venomous and non-venomous snakes, including garter and corn snakes, from your property.

Why would you put mothballs in your yard?

While mothballs are meant to keep moths away from clothing, wool blankets and similar stored goods, some people have used them to keep animals away from gardens or even out of the attic. Although many animals find the stench unappealing, placing moth balls in mulch or otherwise using them outdoors is not a good idea.

What happens when mothballs get wet?

Wet mothballs are even more potent than dry ones. And the wetness can be profound, like exposure to water from a flood or leaky pipe, or mild, in the form of high humidity. Either will cause the odor to be more potent and sublimation to be more rapid.


How long does 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.