Moth balls are designed to repel moths, not cats. However, some people believe that moth balls can also repel cats because of the strong scent. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of moth balls as a cat repellent, and in fact, moth balls can be toxic to cats.
Moth balls are a common household item that are used to keep moths away from clothing and other stored items. However, moth balls can also be used to keep cats away. The strong smell of moth balls is offensive to cats and will deter them from entering an area where moth balls are present.
Many mothballs and flakes contain naphthalene which is dangerous to cats. A little sniff or lick might cause mild self-limiting signs such as nausea, vomiting and respiratory irritation. However, ingestion may lead to severe poisoning.
Mothballs contain a high concentration of insect repellent. Poisoning most commonly occurs when cats or dogs ingest mothballs. Cats are more sensitive to their toxic effects, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs due to their curious nature. Long-term exposure to mothball fumes can also harm pets and people.
Use a Deterrent
As an alternative, you can sprinkle a small amount (~1/4 teaspoon) of crushed mothballs on the carpet where the cat urinated. The strong odor will deter him. This is not a good solution if you have dogs or small children in the house, as mothballs are toxic if ingested.
Citrus or lemon scents (orange peels, lemon peels), garlic, ammonia, vinegar, coffee grinds, pipe tobacco, mustard, citronella, or eucalyptus all deter cats as well. The scents diminish over time, so re-applying is necessary. Motion-activated sprinklers: These have motion sensors that trigger a short blast of water.
Does Cats Like The Smell Of Mothballs? Because of their strong odor, cats dislike mothsballs. Furthermore, these foods contain potentially harmful ingredients that can harm both cats and humans. Naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene are the most commonly used materials in moths, which can be ingested, inhaled, or handled.
herb rue, either planted or sprinkled in its dry form. Orange and lemon peels (cats dislike citrus smells), cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, & mustard oil.
The fumes from mothballs kill clothes moths, their eggs and larvae that eat natural fibers in indoor storage areas, such as closets, attics and basements. Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors. The active ingredients can contaminate water and soil, harm wildlife, and contribute to air pollution.
Mothballs, Chipmunks and Squirrels
While chipmunks and squirrels dislike the smell of mothballs, mothballs are a less effective option relative to trapping and removal services. Mothballs are considered an inhumane alternative as chipmunks and squirrels may die after consuming.
Scatter orange and lemon peels (cats dislike citrus smells), cayenne pepper, chili pepper flakes, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or mustard oil.
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.
Cats are pooping/peeing or digging in my garden. Scatter fresh orange and lemon peels around garden or areas you don't want cats to go. You can make environmentally- friendly cat repellent sprays using vinegar, lemon juice, rosemary, and other common household ingredients.
Use scent deterrents
Try orange and lemon peels, cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and mustard oil. You can either sprinkle drops directly onto your flower beds or soak a cotton wool around it and place at entry points.
The strong smell of coffee can be enough to keep cats off of your garden. Simply take your fresh, wet coffee grounds and distribute them around your borders and plants where you want to discourage feline attention. What's more, the coffee grounds are entirely biodegradable so they will decompose and enrich your soil.
How Long Does it Take for Mothballs to Dissipate? One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely.
Mothballs should not be used inside attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles. "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.
Some air fresheners contain naphthalene so breathing that indoor air could lead to exposure. Naphthalene can also enter your body if you smoke, eat mothballs, or drink water containing it. If you touch mothballs, naphthalene can enter your body.
Pet Pee Deterrent
If you have trouble with your dog or cat peeing in the house, Pine Sol is a good way to stop the behavior in its tracks. Just clean the area that they sprayed with diluted Pine Sol and water. Unlike many household cleaners, it doesn't contain ammonia.
Spraying vinegar outdoors is a popular method to deter cats away from your yard and I know plenty of gardeners who swear by it. Not only can it be an effective deterrent, but it's also cost effective and won't harm the cats or the environment.
Loud noises
In the home, cats are often scared of noisy household appliances, especially if they didn't become accustomed to them as young kittens. Vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, printers, washing machines and hairdryers are common culprits.
If someone breathes in enough of the vapor or eats a mothball containing naphthalene, they might develop hemolytic anemia. This is when red blood cells break apart, and no longer carry oxygen the way they should.
Mixing Up Essential Oil Cat Repellent
Squeeze 2 drops of lemon essential oil, 2 drops of wild orange essential oil, and 2 drops of lavender essential oil to the bottle. Cats are more sensitive to scents than humans, so essential oils with strong odors, such as citrus and lavender, can help repel them.
Cayenne pepper has been used for centuries as an effective means to ward off and deter cats from entering certain areas of a home or garden. This natural, non-toxic repellent is a great way to keep cats away without having to resort to chemicals or traps.