Mothballs for Squirrels? Save Your Soil and Your Sanity

You've got squirrels raiding your potted plants. Someone suggests mothballs. Should you try it?

Short Answer: No

Mothballs contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene — volatile chemicals that sublimate into gas. When water from rain or irrigation contacts them, those chemicals can leach into the potting soil, contaminating the root zone. That's bad for plants and potentially harmful if you're growing edibles.

They Don't Work Anyway

Despite persistent folklore, there's no scientific evidence that mothball odor repels squirrels or other mammals in outdoor settings. The concentration needed to deter animals would be overwhelming for humans, too. The only way mothballs stop a squirrel is if you load them into a slingshot — not recommended.

Better Squirrel Strategies

• Physical barriers: Chicken wire cages, hardware cloth, or bulb baskets protect roots and bulbs.
• Repellents with evidence: Capsaicin-based sprays (hot pepper) or commercial products containing putrescent egg solids can reduce browsing.
• Distraction: Offer a dedicated feeding station with corn or nuts away from your pots.

Mothballs are a pesticide labeled for indoor fabric pests only. Using them outdoors violates the label, risks soil contamination, and wastes time. Stick to proven, legal methods.