Unsurprisingly enough these modern day miracles didn't work, no matter how many flashing lights or high pitched emitters they have. Illegal naphthalene moth repellent products-- mothballs-- are hazardous to young children. Always follow label instructions and take steps to avoid exposure. The thing you need to remember is that these birds will go where we humans do not regularly go. Many have colorful plumage and sing lilting songs. Monday through Friday: 7:00AM to 6:00PM People exposed to mothballs for an extended time can suffer more serious liver and kidney damage. Other folks would have you throw firecrackers or rocks at the birds regularly. “Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths,” Stone said. Save. Whether you are getting your winter clothes ready for upcoming cold weather or storing boxes of mothballs, there are some safety tips to prevent family members and pets from being poisoned. Mothballs should never be used in open containers or in a way that will allow the pesticide fumes to accumulate in living spaces where people and pets can breath them. When they revert to their gaseous form they become irritants to the eyes, lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. I hope not, I love to watch thier poopy pant walk and hear them singing The squirrels don't like the smell but, as birds have a poor sense of smell, they don't mind at all. Learn More, 300 Brickstone Square, Ste 201 (Suddenly having a squirrel eat a bit of birdseed doesn’t seem so bad, does it?) Also, what may be toxic to one bird species may not be to another. When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling the insecticide. Mothballs can also be dangerous if they are chewed or eaten. Monday through Friday: 7:00AM to 5:00PM, Please click here or call for Holiday Hours, 20 Trafalgar Square, Ste 423 says: Mothballs are toxic, and who wants to be spreading toxins in the garden? If one is exposed to too much of these chemicals or if the mothballs are left out for too long, they can slowly turn from solids to toxic vapor.The smell emitted from them are actually insecticides. Why are mothballs toxic to cats? To realize the inherent dangers involved, you must first understand what you are dealing with when considering the use of these chemicals in a way NOT suggested by the manufacturer. When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling the pesticide. Mothballs slowly turn from solids to toxic vapor. It is also produced when things burn, so naphthalene is found in cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and smoke from forest fires. We are proud to provide bird removal services nationwide, with an operator within 30 minutes of 95% of the US population. Pesticides and other insect-control methods are known to kill and be harmful to birds and other unintended wildlife as victims. Widespread sale of illegal mothball products is a particular concern. 0. [19] According to this published review titled, Naphthalene Mothballs: Emerging and Recurring Issues and their Relevance to Environmental Health, majority of exposure to naphthalene happens through inhalation. But even if they aren’t eaten, mothballs are fumigants. 7. Recent studies link naphthalene to illnesses, including nasal cancer. Children, pets and wildlife may mistake them for food or candy and eat them. We have even heard the suggestion that you let a cat loose to run them off. TOXIC & NON-TOXIC PLANTS, TREES, SUBSTANCES (Permission Is Granted to Reprint This List) PLEASE NOTE: If your bird is in distress, do NOT take time to search this list. Both of these chemicals are toxic fumigants (which means they volatilize into the air) and must be present in high concentrations to be effective. Just like children, when pet birds are out unsupervised, this habit of tasting things can get them into trouble. That’s why they head for the atticit reminds them of their tree-roosts and you don’t go up there very often. These reactions have not only been seen in humans, but can affect other animals as well. While it is true that landfills get covered over in most instances, you are still releasing residual toxic materials into the environment. Furthermore, there have been extensive studies conducted that show that either of these gases can alter DNA in children, cause birth defects, and cause cancer. Now, in the second case, you would be committing a grave mistake (even a crime in many parts of the world!) As someone who has been trying to get rid of pigeons for many years, I can tell you that if either ammonia or moth balls worked, I would be out of a job. Mothballs contain toxic chemicals, namely naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, which are unsafe for people, pets and wildlife. There are plenty of do-it-yourself sites on the Internet that give directions for using mothballs (or moth flakes, crystals, or cakes) for this purpose. Also, the toxic vapors can seep up into the living spaces, sickening all of the people inside.” The Dangers of Mothballs. Mothballs produced in the U.S. contain one of two active ingredient chemicals: naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Moth balls are a caustic mixture of poisonous chemicals, blended together for the purpose of killing bugs (moths). Two of the most tried household chemicals are moth balls and ammonia. Now, any number of your well meaning family, friends, and neighbors will come forward and offer their favorite home remedies as well. Mothballs slowly turn from solids to toxic vapor. Many people who make this huge mistake then spend thousands of dollars to get the moth ball smell out of their house. Are mothballs toxic? (One part per billion is like a few drops of water in an Olympic-size swimming pool.) In the past, mothballs were made from plant-based camphor and, later, naphthalene, a derivative of coal tar. However, birds have been seen rubbing more than 40 other items over their feathers, including lemons, walnuts, apple peels — and mothballs. Mothballs are meant to kill moths, eggs and larvae in airtight containers so that none of the harmful vapors are released. In some cases families have to relocate to a hotel for several days until the odor is gone. They contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Other thoughts on whethr ammonia and mothballs repel pigeons: You would have better luck with a noisy metal wind chime in your back yard than you would using mothballs or ammonia to try and repel pigeons. Most of us appreciate birds living in nature. Cats are more sensitive to their toxic effects, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs. It does keep moths away and many other pests but is also bad for us, our pets (dogs, cats, and birds) and wildlife. Live trees are often coated with chemicals such as fertilizer or insecticide. One mothball can cause serious harm if eaten by a child. Saturdays: 8:00AM to 11:00AM, November through March Luckily for me (although unluckily for homeowners like you), I’m not. It says so on the packet, and there must be a reason for it… Mothballs Are Toxic. It is possible that moth balls get thrown out, and birds attempt to use them for nests, thus causing them not to be able to reproduce. There are two types of mothballs on the market. Many have colorful plumage and sing lilting songs. It has been found to cause severe irritation of upper and lower respiratory tract and can even result in more serious conditions including: blindness, damage to your lungs, irritation to soft skin and mucous membranes, birth defects, brain damage, difficulty breathing, or even death. Mothballs are deeply ingrained in garden folklore as an extremely effective pest repellent in the garden and within structures. Birds can be like toddlers: They are both very oral and like to check things out by putting them in their mouths. At least one bird died as a result. Mothballs are nearly 100% active ingredient, and the active ingredient may be either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Mothballs are very toxic. They help keep our yards free of bugs, like fleas, ants, and mosquitoes. If you are plagued by a bird infestation, chances are, you are willing to try anything to get rid of them. They can also attract other pests, carry bugs, and spread diseases. They do not work, and Even more importantly, they are extremely dangerous! Anonymous. Mothballs contain a high concentration of insect repellent. One mothball can cause serious harm if eaten by a child. Sources: Gasses like carbon monoxide, smoke from tobacco products, and fumes from new carpets and furniture, air fresheners, scented candles, paints, glues, household cleaning products, mothballs, hair spray, and nail polish can all be harmful when they are in close proximity to birds. In earlier times, mothballs were commonly added to storage bins, boxes and trunks to prevent clothing made from natural fibers from becoming infested with moth larvae. Don’t risk your family’s health by trying to drive animals out with mothballs. Also, children may mistake them for candy. However, when cats are decontaminated and given supportive treatment quickly, most can survive this type of poisoning. Long-term exposure to mothball fumes can also harm pets and people. Kids and pets are not entirely safe around mothballs. Moth balls are good for keeping any types of unwanted animals away from certain areas. Source(s): show budgie breeder. How the Toxic Ingredients in Mothballs Can Affect Your Health. Mothballs can be hazardous to your health, do whatever you use them for, ensure that you read the label. In the hands of the inexperienced, these chemicals can not only be dangerous, they can be deadly. Mothballs can easily be mistaken for candy, or simply tempt young children to touch and play with them. When exposed to the elements, a mothball will generally last for between four and six weeks. Mothballs, or related moth crystals, moth flakes, or moth cakes contain the chemicals naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Moth balls often make their way to landfills after people get tired of them. The chemicals in mothballs can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or absorbed through the stomach and intestines. Cats are more sensitive to mothballs than are dogs, and other species can become sick after exposure as well. 32 Lake Ave To realize the inherent dangers involved, you must first understand what you are dealing with when considering the use of these chemicals in a way NOT suggested by the manufacturer. as a repellent for animal pests (birds, cats, deer, dogs, moles, pigeons, mice, skunks, raccoons,snakes, squirrels, etc.) Whether you are getting your winter clothes ready for upcoming cold weather or storing boxes of mothballs, there are some safety tips to prevent family members and pets from being poisoned. Mothballs & Landscaping. Andover, MA 01810 Placing them in open containers, as many web sites recommend, is asking for trouble. They look identical, but some are made with the chemical naphthalene, while others are made with paradichlorobenzene. 1 0. Even the popular eHow web site gives instructions for how to use mothballs to rid your home of fleas, snakes, mice, and rats by filling open plastic butter tubs ¾ full of mothballs and placing them around your home–all illegal and dangerous uses. The active ingredient in other mothballs is paradichlorobenzene. Although you may want to give a young tree some sort of support to reduce the chances of it flopping over, this is only necessary in a few cases. Share. Mothballs are a pesticide no ifs, ands or buts! You need to get them to leave and then block their entrance, one way exclusion funnels often do the trick. Mothballs can help control a mice infestation, but there are some disadvantages to using mothballs. Toxicity most commonly occurs when cats or dogs ingest mothballs. Several safe alternatives exist to the use of mothballs, including cedar blocks or Mothball labels direct you to use the product only inside tightly sealed containers where the fumes are contained. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. Bedford, NH 03110 Older mothballs usually contain naphthalene. Kids and pets are not entirely safe around mothballs. We get so many requests about how to get rid of pests and invariably people say to use mothballs or were given this advice from exterminators. C.L. Avacados – I discussed with few of my friends and we have differed opinions about how safe it is. 1 decade ago. They help keep our yards free of bugs, like fleas, ants, and mosquitoes. Follow. Soon they will hatch a nest full of noisy young. Many experts say that mothballs are really not very effective against clothes moths anyway. Because naphthalene is highly flammable, mothballs are also fashioned from the synthetic chemical paradichlorobenzene, which has an unpleasant smell but is cheaper to make. Cats are more sensitive to their toxic effects, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs. These possible side effects are definitely too serious a risk to take just to be rid of a few birds. One of the issues that comes with trying to use ammonia or mothballs is that not only does it not work effectively as a repellent, it is also highly toxic. Not only are they toxic, but could stick to their mouth roofs also. If pets ingest these mothballs they can end up with liver and kidney damage. What is the best bird deterrent? "Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths," Stone said. To work effectively, they have to be used in sufficient amounts and used in an airtight container; most people fail on both counts. Get some of those sticky fly paper things you hang up that stick flying insects to them when they are attracted to the sticky stuff on them. Both of these are hazardous chemicals that can become a toxic gas when exposed to air. Mothballs are toxic to birds. Health Effects of Mothballs. Many people don’t even realize that mothballs are pesticides. "Once vapors enter the home, their odor can be detected at a few parts per billion in the air," Stone said. Plastic tubs with tight lids are good choices for storing woolens and clothing. They contain Napthalene which is highly poisonous. Do Mothballs Repel Roaches? The Segals spent a night in a hotel to get away from the vapors in their house, but when they returned they discovered how dangerous mothballs can be. As an avian veterinarian, I treat birds every week for getting into toxic substances. Pet vet: Moth balls can poison dogs, birds. Myth 10: Support newly planted trees or shrubs with a stake. Let’s take a minute and see what these chemicals are; Due to the strong odor of mothballs, squirrels will not go near the areas where you put them. (see – Toxic Plants handout) Still, you might want to be cautious, as the smell might bother people as well. Mothballs must be used in an airtight space, such as a garment bag or well-sealed container, never in an open closet or plastic garbage bag, according to the authors. Prolonged exposure to either of the dangerous chemicals found in mothballs can also cause hemolytic anemia. Do mothballs get rid of birds like pigeons or sparrows? (508) 485-6006, 344 Main Street Out of desperation, you might have even tried any number of the “guaranteed” contraptions on today's market “designed” to keep birds away. The birds they were trying to get rid of were dead. It is very toxic – especially to children and infants. However, while mothballs work as a cat repellent, they’re toxic to cats, other animals and birds. (603) 880-7900, 3 Executive Park Drive, Ste 9 Dust cayenne pepper around your home and the property line. Using mothballs outside to repel snakes or to keep animals out of gardens can harm children, pets, or other wildlife. The animals do not like the smell of moth balls. One mothball can cause serious harm if eaten by a small child. They contain Napthalene which is highly poisonous. So yes, mothballs are toxic when breathed in. Worcester, MA 01604 Yes, moth balls will keep birds away. There are two types of mothballs on the market. Long-term exposure to mothball fumes can also harm pets and people. (508) 872-4420, 225 Cedar Hill Street, Ste 200 Concentrations high enough to be effective for pest control can be dangerous for anyone exposed to them. Remove large trees where chipmunks or squirrels would live. It is always better to go with a knowledgeable professional than to risk endangering yourself or your family just to save a few dollars. Spray starch is also toxic to birds. Over time, they dissolve into a toxic gas. It can turn to a deadly gas if it mixes with other chemicals like bleach. Did I accidently kill my little buddies? The birds they were trying to get rid of were dead. Fire Risks. Mothballs are toxic to birds. When misused, the chemical agents can be hazardous to you, other animals, and the Earth. Mothballs & Landscaping. It's possible. They are pesticides that come in a solid form and then volatilize, slowly changing to a gas. Using mothballs in gardens also causes significant environmental problems. Mothballs are deeply ingrained in garden folklore as an extremely effective pest repellent in the garden and within structures. Additionally, do moth balls bother birds? Two products in moth balls make them toxic. The toxic gas kills insects and may repel animals. Do mothballs get rid of birds like pigeons or sparrows? Privacy Policy. Bird Droppings (feces) can make an unsightly mess on the sides of buildings, sidewalks, or vehicles. Marlborough, MA 01752 Usually their nesting habits don't interfere with their human neighbors, but there are times when birds take up residence in or near your home and begin to cause problems. Naphthalene was first registered as a pesticide in the United States in 1948. The chemicals can harm blood cells. Both are used in high concentrations in the making of mothball products. As little as one mothball can be toxic when swallowed. Modern PDB mothballs are less toxic but still can cause illness, especially when ingested. They must be kept away from children and pets. Despite some variability in species susceptibility to certain toxins, as well as a lack of scientific studies proving the toxicity of certain substances in birds that are definitely toxic to mammals, there are some items to which birds should never have access. These skilled experts will identify your particular problem, and formulate a simple plan to be rid of the birds. Mothballs used outdoors can also harm the environment by contaminating soil, plants, and water. Birds are unable to clear toxic particles by exhaling or coughing and are therefore more susceptible to this type poisoning. Cats are more sensitive to the toxic effects of mothballs, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs. '; Print. Ooh, thats scary even as I think of. Naphthalene is made from crude oil or coal tar. When you smell mothballs… Because mothballs are pesticides, they are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and use of the products in any manner not in accordance with the product’s label is illegal. ';Organic compounds and solvents, such as those found in nail polish remover, mineral spirits, gasoline, glues, paints, and mothballs are hazardous to birds. It is used as an insecticide and pest repellent. It is an excellent cleaner, reliable laundry additive, and perfectly safe when used correctly. Mothballs Are Classified as Toxic Fumigants. Flag. Unfortunately in most cases the only remedy, costly removal of all existing insulation. We have heard everything from hanging aluminum foil in strips to using blinking Christmas lights, to setting a sprinkler to constantly spray the nest with water. Any such use is illegal. Naphthalene is an active ingredient that is commonly used in mothballs and paradichlorobenzene is the other. (978) 342-4240, April through October If you use mothballs to repel clothes moths from woolens, use them carefully. Mothballs as Squirrel Repellents. They contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Always read labels on cleaning products to see if there are any safety warnings regarding birds. Simple, if you scatter poison around, you have … (603) 436-6000, Copyright © 2020 Colonial Pest Control, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Fitchburg, MA 01420 When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling the insecticide. The wind chime can help by the way, but exclusion doors are the only way you’ll really get rid of these flappy nuisances. Pet birds have also been poisoned by moth balls when inhaling the fumes. Mothballs use one of two active ingredients: naphthalene and paradichlorobenzine. Clinical signs of mothball poisoning include vomiting, mothball-scented breath, pale or brown gums, weakness or lethargy, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, and organ failure (e.g., liver, kidneys). Being smooth fruits, they may not stick to their mouth roof, but I suppose its their creaminess, that our pint sized pets wouldnt be comfortable with. Using mothballs outside to repel snakes or to keep animals out of gardens can harm children, pets, or other wildlife. Alternatives to mothballs are trapping the rodents, keeping your house clean, removing bird feeders from your yard, and moving wood or brush piles away from your home. This means their nastiness is spread through the air and both naphthanlene and paradichlorobenzene are thought to be carcinogenic. The birds have moved in and are setting up housekeeping. Why? Composition. Mothballs and other products containing naphthalene are solids that turn into toxic gas. This chemical reaction is enhanced if chemical become even slightly heated. Some plants will just make a bird sick and some can kill. Treatment of the condition involves removal of the exposure and efforts to get the moth ball out of the body. That will work and not toxic or harmful. 1. Mothballs are a pesticide product that contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene as active ingredients. They will assist in the removal of bodies or relocation of live birds. They can enter your home in a variety of ways toolarge gaps around chimneys and where the roof meets your external walls, in and around vents, soffits, and other up-high spaces that you don’t normally get a good look at. The labels do not allow their use as animal repellents. They are technically fumigants that give off vapors that can be harmful to people and pets if used improperly. You do not want your parrot anywhere near the moth balls, but I can certainly understand why you want them. They include squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons and a variety of other animals. Each active ingredient can cause different health effects if the exposure is high enough. Birds will chew on and possibly consume plants in the course of play and curiosity. read more Mothballs can also be dangerous to people and pets. Still the lure of a wonder product that has the reputation of chasing away pests and is not some sort of toxic spray must be comforting to some people. The first thing that you should keep in mind is that the birds decide to come to your place simply because there is a food source or roosting spot. Both of these chemicals are highly toxic and can get into the soil and groundwater. Now you have birds nesting in your attic or in your walls. If used improperly, prolonged exposure to ammonia fumes in the air causes burning of the eyes, nose, and throat. These mothball hazards … (617) 340-1001, 945 Concord Street Mothballs Are Toxic. Framingham, MA 01701 Using them outdoors will not only harm beneficial critters, but can easily contaminate plants, soil, and groundwater. Mothballs are a pesticide product that contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene as active ingredients. Some people suggest scattering hot pepper sauce, or cinnamon around your space. Older mothballs consisted primarily of naphthalene, but due to naphthalene's flammability, many modern mothball formulations instead use 1,4-dichlorobenzene.The latter formulation may be somewhat less flammable, although both chemicals have the same NFPA 704 rating for flammability. Simple answer, yes, mothballs do repel roaches, but they are not that easy to use as part of your roach control, and they can be very dangerous. 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To drive animals out with mothballs using them outdoors will not only been seen in humans, are... House or loved ones studies link naphthalene to illnesses, including nasal cancer sometimes! Found in mothballs by inhaling the fumes are contained, pets and people if you them. Worcester, MA 01604 1-800-525-8084, we ’ re toxic to one bird species may be... Harmful vapors are released is enhanced if chemical become even slightly heated good for keeping any types of animals!, eggs and larvae in airtight containers so that none of the inexperienced these... They toxic, and water in open containers, as the smell but, as the smell might bother as... Leave and then volatilize, slowly changing to a gas when exposed to air cause. Crystals, moth flakes, or absorbed through the air causes burning of the exposure and efforts get. 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