The common suggestion to use mothballs for deterring raccoons is not supported by wildlife experts or pest control science. Mothballs are small, solid chemical pellets, typically containing either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, designed to slowly sublimate into a toxic vapor. The strong odor has led many people to mistakenly believe they can function as a general deterrent for animals like raccoons. This belief is misguided, overlooking both raccoon behavior and the dangers posed by the chemicals themselves. Using mothballs in this manner is ineffective and creates serious health and environmental risks, making proven, safer methods the only responsible approach for wildlife management.
Why Mothballs Are Ineffective Against Raccoons
Mothballs are classified as a pesticide intended to control clothes moths and other fabric pests within sealed containers, not to repel wildlife. The active ingredients release fumes toxic to insects when concentrated, but the odor dissipates rapidly when scattered outdoors. Airflow and weather quickly reduce the chemical vapor concentration to a level too low to act as an effective deterrent for a mammal.
Raccoons are highly adaptable and quickly habituate to strong, non-threatening odors. If a raccoon finds a consistent food source, such as unsecured garbage or pet food, the motivation to access that meal overrides the temporary discomfort of a strange smell. Raccoons will often kick the mothballs aside or ignore them completely to get to the desired resource. Their strong drive for food, shelter, and water means a localized unpleasant scent is rarely enough to change their behavior permanently.
The Serious Health and Environmental Hazards of Mothballs
The active ingredients in mothballs, naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, are poisons that pose significant risks to humans, pets, and the environment when used improperly. Mothballs are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and their labels legally restrict their use to sealed containers for insect control. Using them outdoors to repel wildlife is considered “off-label” use, which violates federal law and can result in fines.
When scattered outside, these chemicals contaminate the soil and can leach into groundwater, causing harm to non-target wildlife and plant life. The slow release of toxic vapor, which gives mothballs their distinct smell, also contributes to air pollution. Furthermore, mothballs closely resemble candy or small toys, making them a serious poisoning risk for children and pets who might ingest them.
Ingesting even a single mothball can lead to severe health issues, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and damage to red blood cells, potentially causing hemolytic anemia. Exposure to the fumes, particularly over extended periods, can also cause headaches, eye and nose irritation, and, in some cases, liver and kidney damage. The dangers associated with misusing this pesticide far outweigh any perceived benefit as a raccoon repellent.
Safe and Proven Methods for Raccoon Deterrence
The most effective, long-term approach to deterring raccoons focuses on exclusion and habitat modification, eliminating the reasons they are attracted to a property. Securing all potential food sources is the primary step, which involves using trash cans with tightly fitting, locking lids or securing them with bungee cords. All pet food and water bowls should be brought indoors overnight, and fallen fruit should be promptly cleaned up from yards.
Physical exclusion involves sealing off all potential entry points to structures like attics, chimneys, and crawlspaces using heavy-gauge wire mesh or chimney caps. Raccoons are excellent climbers, so trimming tree branches that offer access to the roof is also a necessary preventative measure. For gardens or small areas, an electric fence with a single or double hot wire can be an effective barrier.
Sensory deterrents offer a humane alternative to chemical repellents, relying on a startling effect to discourage the animals. Motion-activated devices, such as sprinklers or bright floodlights, capitalize on the raccoon’s nocturnal nature. The sudden burst of water or light startles the animal, creating a negative association with the area without causing any harm. Combining these physical and environmental controls offers a safe and sustainable solution to prevent raccoon intrusions.