Mothballs can also be dangerous if they are chewed or eaten. Mothballs can be hazardous to your health, do whatever you use them for, ensure that you read the label. This condition results in extreme damage or complete destruction of your red blood cells. "Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths," Stone said. So many are absolutely convinced that mothballs are the answer to almost every pest control situation and are even less concerned about any hazards. Mothballs & Landscaping. It is always better to go with a knowledgeable professional than to risk endangering yourself or your family just to save a few dollars. Exposure to large quantities of either of these chemicals can lead to headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or eye and nose irritation and coughing. 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. 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. Using mothballs outside to repel snakes or to keep animals out of gardens can harm children, pets, or other wildlife. The labels do not allow their use as animal repellents. List of safe plants and branches to use around birds and also a list of toxic plants and household poisons. Always read labels on cleaning products to see if there are any safety warnings regarding birds. It's possible. Mothballs are meant to kill moths, eggs and larvae, but are also used to keep rats, mice and squirrels away. When you smell mothballs… Widespread sale of illegal mothball products is a particular concern. As an avian veterinarian, I treat birds every week for getting into toxic substances. Cats are more sensitive to their toxic effects, but dogs are more likely to ingest mothballs. Mothballs are also dangerous because they can be mistaken for candy or food and eaten by children or pets. So yes, mothballs are toxic when breathed in. For example, veterinarians have reported several instances of birds developing symptoms like lethargy, weakness, and difficulty breathing after inhaling fumes from mothballs. 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. 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. Placing them in open containers, as many web sites recommend, is asking for trouble. Two of the most tried household chemicals are moth balls and ammonia. This is less toxic, but the mothballs and fumes can still be irritating or even poisonous. Illegal naphthalene moth repellent products-- mothballs-- are hazardous to young children. Mothballs are a pesticide product that contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene as active ingredients. Not only are they toxic, but could stick to their mouth roofs also. Operating 24/7/365. Framingham, MA 01701 Live trees are often coated with chemicals such as fertilizer or insecticide. 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. 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. People exposed to mothballs for an extended time can suffer more serious liver and kidney damage. Mothballs Are Toxic. Save. Moth balls are a caustic mixture of poisonous chemicals, blended together for the purpose of killing bugs (moths). Either one of these chemicals can also cause symptoms such as extreme headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and nausea. So yes, mothballs are toxic when breathed in. They contain Napthalene which is highly poisonous. Do mothballs get rid of birds like pigeons or sparrows? 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. Both of these chemicals are toxic fumigants (which means they volatilize into the air) and must be present in high concentrations to be effective. If you smell mothballs, you are being exposed to these chemicals. Mothballs are toxic to birds. It does keep moths away and many other pests but is also bad for us, our pets (dogs, cats, and birds) and wildlife. Source(s): show budgie breeder. Avacados – I discussed with few of my friends and we have differed opinions about how safe it is. 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. People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. as a repellent for animal pests (birds, cats, deer, dogs, moles, pigeons, mice, skunks, raccoons,snakes, squirrels, etc.) Naphthalene was first registered as a pesticide in the United States in 1948. Many people who make this huge mistake then spend thousands of dollars to get the moth ball smell out of their house. The animals do not like the smell of moth balls. Children, pets and wildlife may mistake them for food or candy and eat them. In the past, mothballs were made from plant-based camphor and, later, naphthalene, a derivative of coal tar. Prolonged exposure to either of the dangerous chemicals found in mothballs can also cause hemolytic anemia. Mothball labels direct you to use the product only inside tightly sealed containers where the fumes are contained. Mothballs, or related moth crystals, moth flakes, or moth cakes contain the chemicals naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Other folks would have you throw firecrackers or rocks at the birds regularly. (Suddenly having a squirrel eat a bit of birdseed doesn’t seem so bad, does it?) Ammonia, despite its pungent odor, has been a trusted household cleaning agent for many decades. 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. The wind chime can help by the way, but exclusion doors are the only way you’ll really get rid of these flappy nuisances. Be sure that loose mothballs and boxes of mothballs are kept where children cannot find them. Over time, they dissolve into a toxic gas. Mothballs and other products containing naphthalene are solids that turn into toxic gas. Mothballs & Landscaping. They will also give you tips to avoid a re-infestation. You do not want your parrot anywhere near the moth balls, but I can certainly understand why you want them. As little as one mothball can be toxic when swallowed. Those containing paradichlorobenzene are safer than mothballs containing naphthalene. "Once vapors enter the home, their odor can be detected at a few parts per billion in the air," Stone said. Mothballs use one of two active ingredients: naphthalene and paradichlorobenzine. Dust cayenne pepper around your home and the property line. Mothballs used outdoors can also harm the environment by contaminating soil, plants, and water. Mothballs are very toxic. (508) 485-6006, 344 Main Street Mothballs are nearly 100% active ingredient, and the active ingredient may be either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Don’t risk your family’s health by trying to drive animals out with mothballs. The birds they were trying to get rid of were dead. Mothballs (composed of either 100% naphthalene or 99% paradichlorobenzene, with naphthalene twice as toxic) Pennies (contain high amount of zinc also found in screws, bolts, nuts, etc) Potpourri (essential oils and cationic detergents) - Fumes or smells which are dangerous to birds Still, you might want to be cautious, as the smell might bother people as well. Unsurprisingly enough these modern day miracles didn't work, no matter how many flashing lights or high pitched emitters they have. Moth balls are good for keeping any types of unwanted animals away from certain areas. Birds in your attic have nests noisy squawking young, and, can leave an unsightly mess and smell. It is very toxic – especially to children and infants. 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. Why are mothballs toxic to cats? The active ingredient in other mothballs is paradichlorobenzene. The birds have moved in and are setting up housekeeping. If someone has swallowed a mothball, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222 … Always follow label instructions and take steps to avoid exposure. 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. They include squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons and a variety of other animals. If you use mothballs to repel clothes moths from woolens, use them carefully. Now, any number of your well meaning family, friends, and neighbors will come forward and offer their favorite home remedies as well. Mothballs are classified as pesticides and are an effective insecticide. Both chemicals become a gas when exposed to air and cause the strong mothball smell. Mothballs are a pesticide no ifs, ands or buts! While it is true that landfills get covered over in most instances, you are still releasing residual toxic materials into the environment. Worcester, MA 01604 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. Just like children, when pet birds are out unsupervised, this habit of tasting things can get them into trouble. 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. Watch out: because mothballs are a registered pesticide and because of the toxicity of their chemicals, it is illegal to use mothballs or moth crystals, cakes, etc. Composition. The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. Birds will chew on and possibly consume plants in the course of play and curiosity. You can even buy bird food with pepper already added. Birds can be like toddlers: They are both very oral and like to check things out by putting them in their mouths. They contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Mothballs are also dangerous because they can be mistaken for candy or food and eaten by children or pets. Naphthalene mothballs, or old-fashioned mothballs, are considered the most toxic type of mothball. (978) 342-4240, April through October (617) 340-1001, 945 Concord Street 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. (603) 880-7900, 3 Executive Park Drive, Ste 9 Mothballs are a pesticide product that contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene as active ingredients. Monday through Friday: 7:00AM to 6:00PM [19] Just about monthly we get reports of new items that are toxic to our pets. When exposed to the elements, a mothball will generally last for between four and six weeks. They must be kept away from children and pets. C.L. 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