Mothballs repel mice, but only in large quantities as they’re not very effective repellents. It can be used to drive mice away from specific living areas, such as attics and kitchens, or lure them away from …The strong smell of the mothballs scares the mice away. To use mothballs effectively, take small containers with lids and pierce holes. It will allow the smell to escape and deter the mice. You can place a few mothballs in a container where the mice come. The mothballs will help to get rid of the mice. Mothballs can help to …‘A relatively common mistake is placing mothballs in an attic to repel squirrels,’ says pest management expert Tim Stock, who, with Dave Stone, assistant professor in the environmental and molecular toxicology department at Oregon State University, have written about the proper use of mothballs. ‘This will almost always …The straight answer is a NO. It’s a misconception that they keep rats away. Mothballs are ineffective as rodent repellents. While naphthalene in large quantities can be a deterrent, they aren’t powerful enough to get rid of rats and mice in small amounts. Using mothballs to get rid of rats is more likely to make your home smell terrible ...Pauls’ primary goal is to achieve pest control with zero impact to the environment. Mothballs don’t repel rabbits. Not only are mothballs ineffective at keeping rabbits away from your garden, but they are also highly toxic when used outdoors. They contain chemicals that can harm you and the wildlife around your home.Use mothballs: It is believed by experts that mothballs are capable of keeping away mice. The mothballs will have to be put at the most mice affected places of the home. The incredibly strong smell of mothballs will be able to deter the mice away. Mice struggle to deal with the presence of mothballs. Apply copper wire mesh:Therefore, the Bounce dryer sheets might work for a day or two, but then you’re just likely to have chewed up dryer sheets! "But mice are extremely curious. A strange odor isn't going to keep them away when they're looking for food or a place to nest." Mice are attracted to places where they have food, water and shelter which is often our ...Aside from spraying your unit with scents, you can also opt for mothballs. Place them near the entryway of your storage to repel rodents. While using ammonia ...Do mothballs keep mice away? To put it simply…No. Mothballs are regarded as an efficient DIY mouse control method because they contain naphthalene. Naphthalene is a strong-smelling white, solid substance. When it is inhaled or ingested it can cause blood cells to lose their ability to carry oxygen, which is why …Medicine Matters Sharing successes, challenges and daily happenings in the Department of Medicine ARTICLE: Human colon cancer-derived Clostridioides difficile strains drive colonic...Mothballs are solid pesticides that slowly release a vapor to kill and repel moths, their larvae, and other insects in stored clothing and fabric. Mothballs are sometimes used to repel snakes, mice, and other animals. Using mothballs in this way is not recommended and can be harmful to pets, children, and the environment.The straight answer is a NO. It’s a misconception that they keep rats away. Mothballs are ineffective as rodent repellents. While naphthalene in large quantities can be a deterrent, they aren’t powerful enough to get rid of rats and mice in small amounts. Using mothballs to get rid of rats is more likely to make your home smell terrible ...To chase a mouse away with cat litter, sprinkle it along the walls where the rodent usually goes. The more fragrant or scented the litter, the more effective it will be at repelling mice. Mix in a few drops of white vinegar to make the litter smell even stronger. 6. Ultrasonic device.‘A relatively common mistake is placing mothballs in an attic to repel squirrels,’ says pest management expert Tim Stock, who, with Dave Stone, assistant professor in the environmental and molecular toxicology department at Oregon State University, have written about the proper use of mothballs. ‘This will almost always …The traps are set in areas where mouse garden problems have been spotted. Bait the trap with gauze saturated with peanut butter, which will catch in the rodent's teeth and delay it long enough for the trap to work. Place traps every 5 to 10 feet (1.5-3 m.) and replace the bait every few days to keep it fresh.Studies have shown mice and other nuisance animals walking right over top of piles of mothballs. These rodents do not give the chemical a second thought. If you ...Most snakes are harmless and provide a valuable service around your home by keeping pests and rodents away. Still, some people find the presence of snakes alarming and want to keep them away from their property. Like mothballs, commercial snake repellents have not proven to be successful at keeping snakes away.To make your property unattractive to skunks, remove backyard clutter. Clean up brush and wood piles, and fill in holes under sheds and other structures. Repair any damage to structures on your property, and fill in burrows and holes. Lining the area under sheds and porches with mesh or chicken wire makes it harder for skunks to dig.Mothballs also lose their potency when left out in the open. Modification as a Mouse Repellent. The most effective mouse deterrent method combines sanitation with habitat modification. The following are practical tips to make homes less attractive to mice: Keep grass trimmed and remove thick brush near the house. Clear the yard and garage of ...In a new study, whole-body vibration helped obese mice lose weight. Learn more at HowStuffWorks. Advertisement Well-meaning friends bugging you about exercising? It's OK, just shak...Mothballs are a popular pest control product many households keep on hand for protecting stored clothing and fabrics. Their strong chemical odor helps repel moths, but some also claim benefits deterring mice and other unwelcome pests. However, limited evidence confirms mothballs' effectiveness keeping mice away long-term.Nov 29, 2023 · Do Mothballs Keep Mice Away? Mothballs are, as the name suggests, meant to kill moths, including their eggs and larvae. Mothballs contain toxic chemicals that are slowly dispersed into the air. This gas is what kills the pests. Unfortunately, mothballs are one of the worst mice repellents. Here’s why. Mice do indeed have a good sense of smell ... Use ammonia-soaked rags or mothballs (napthalene) in skunk hangouts. The harsh smell of ammonia and/or mothballs has been known to scare away skunks. Though they don't offer a permanent solution and will have to be reapplied as the smell of the chemicals fades, they do help in the short-term. Like other types of repellents, they could pose a ...Yes, mothballs will keep squirrels away from bird feeders. Even though they contain chemicals, mothballs are an effective squirrel repellent. They use a powerful smell that the squirrels detest to keep them from visiting bird feeders without harming them. The bird species dislike a mothball as well. The odor of mothballs will also keep birds ...Mothballs rarely keep rats away unless significant quantities are put out and regularly re-applied. These higher quantities often result in a much stronger odor ...While mothballs may provide a temporary way to repel roaches, mothballs are not a safe or effective long-term cockroach infestation control option. Do mothballs keep mice away? Mothballs are useful when kept in a closed container with the items you are trying to protect. However, leaving mothballs out in the open to repel rodents …Moth balls are a great product to keep mice out of your garage or house. Note that mothballs will keep rats away but they’re highly toxic and a cheap way to get rid of pest infestations. Using rubber gloves, place the mothballs in strategic spots throughout your residence, including the carport, basement, and attic.STEP 3: Eliminate food sources. Mice won’t stick around a home that doesn’t offer a steady supply of food and water, so homeowners will want to get rid of the obvious sources of sustenance first.How to Install a Dryer Vent That Keeps Out Pests. Keep energy in and mice out. Don't let a quick mouse scare you away. Take control and use these DIY traps and advice for getting rid of the common house mouse.Jan 11, 2024 · Boric Acid and Peanut Butter. Boric acid contains sodium borate salts that have been proven to be a natural mice repellent. When mixed with peanut butter it can become an excellent natural mice repellent that is extremely inexpensive. You can use ¼ cup Boric Acid and ½ cup of peanut butter to create marble-sized balls. Making sure basements and crawl spaces are well ventilated and dry will also help keep mice out of houses. 2. ELIMINATE THE ATTRACTION. Mice are not picky eaters and will readily nibble away on practically any food source available. One way to help keep mice out of houses is to be sure to keep all food items stored in sealable plastic or glass ...Lights keep mice away from an RV. Typically, the less noticeable a mouse is, the longer its lifespan. So, darkness is often the best friend of mice. ... Dryer sheets, mothballs, and essential oils. Dryer sheets smell pleasant and offer enough of a deterrent that many mice will stay away. However, dryer sheets wear out and then can be used …Using mothballs to repel mice. Mothballs, containing naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, can be used to repel mice due to their strong odor. While some homeowners find them effective, their efficiency as a mouse deterrent is variable. It’s important to use mothballs safely, as they can be harmful if inhaled …Mothballs: Will They Keep Mice and Other Rodents Away? November 15, 2022. | In Pest Control. | By The Pest Rangers Staff. As a homeowner, one of the last …Mothballs do repel rats. Cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil or a mixture of cayenne pepper, garlic, salad oil and horseradish also repel rats. The mixture should be left sitting...‘A relatively common mistake is placing mothballs in an attic to repel squirrels,’ says pest management expert Tim Stock, who, with Dave Stone, assistant professor in the environmental and molecular toxicology department at Oregon State University, have written about the proper use of mothballs. ‘This will almost always …Therefore, the Bounce dryer sheets might work for a day or two, but then you’re just likely to have chewed up dryer sheets! "But mice are extremely curious. A strange odor isn't going to keep them away when they're looking for food or a place to nest." Mice are attracted to places where they have food, water and shelter which is often our ...Do Mothballs Keep Mice Away? Mothballs are, as the name suggests, meant to kill moths, including their eggs and larvae. Mothballs contain toxic chemicals that are slowly dispersed into the air. This gas is what kills the pests. Unfortunately, mothballs are one of the worst mice repellents. Here’s why. Mice …iStock. The Internet is rife with testimonials about the power of smell to keep mice out. The truth? Scent isn’t the best long-term solution for your rodent issue. Best for Urgent Service. 4.7/5. 877-868-1416 VISIT SITE. Same day service if you call before noon! Best Overall.Do mothballs keep mice away, though? Let’s take a closer look at the subject and see if mothballs are worth using or if another method could keep mice away …A mouse infestation can damage both your home and your health. Evict mice from your property with our guide to the best rodent control services. Expert Advice On Improving Your Hom...Jan 22, 2024 · Mothballs were specifically designed to combat moth infestations. The strong odor emitted by mothballs deters adult moths from laying eggs and prevents larvae from feeding on fabrics, such as clothes, carpets, and upholstery. Cockroaches: These resilient pests are repelled by the scent of mothballs. Making sure basements and crawl spaces are well ventilated and dry will also help keep mice out of houses. 2. ELIMINATE THE ATTRACTION. Mice are not picky eaters and will readily nibble away on practically any food source available. One way to help keep mice out of houses is to be sure to keep all food items stored in sealable plastic or glass ...By incorporating these natural mouse repellents, you can keep your home mice-free without the need for harsh chemicals or traps. Happy repelling! Don’t Use Mothballs. Hold your horses! While mothballs are effective in repelling mice, they contain toxic chemicals that could be harmful to humans and pets. This might …Many people will tell you that if you remove a food source, rodents will disappear. However, this is not always the case. Mice and other rodents often seek shelter in garages and c...Mothballs also lose their potency when left out in the open. Modification as a Mouse Repellent. The most effective mouse deterrent method combines sanitation with habitat modification. The following are practical tips to make homes less attractive to mice: Keep grass trimmed and remove thick brush near the house. Clear the yard and garage of ...Dec 2, 2009 · 4. Mothballs. “The ultimate prevention to mice invasion, or any other rodent invasion, is the good, old-fashioned mothball. By the first of summer the mothballs are gone. By opening up the car and taking a few rides, the smell is gone as well.”. “This is the second winter I’ve tried Bounce, in the car and under the hood. Thankfully, there are several natural methods to keep mice away, so you don’t have to resort to harmful chemicals. A house mouse. ... It sounds like you're not using the actual mothballs, which can be consumed by pets, …Cats will catch birds and mice, but rats? Not so much. HowStuffWorks finds out why. Advertisement Humans have tolerated the haughty demeanor of cats for at least 10,000 years, in l...So, will moth balls keep mice away? The idea is that the strong scent will deter mice from entering a space. While mothballs may work to some extent in keeping mice out of small, enclosed areas, they come with significant health risks. Moth balls contain toxic chemicals such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which can be harmful to humans ...Companies make natural mothballs with various substances that repel insects, including lavender, cedar chips, mint, camphor oil, and herbs such as thyme and rosemary. These safer mothballs are a good choice for preventing insects and could be the natural alternative you have been looking for. ... If errant rodents, snakes, or any other …The simple answer is no, this is not an effective form of rodent control. What is worse is that instead of being a useful tool, mothballs might even create even bigger problems for you and your family. It is likely that the idea of using mothballs to keep mice away started many years ago. It is possible that … The strong smell of the mothballs scares the mice away. To use mothballs effectively, take small containers with lids and pierce holes. It will allow the smell to escape and deter the mice. You can place a few mothballs in a container where the mice come. The mothballs will help to get rid of the mice. Mothballs can help to get rid of mice by ... Apr 29, 2020 · The simple answer is no; mothballs do not repel mice. The gas is not toxic to mice, nor do they care about the strong smell. I have tested using mothballs to repel mice, and each time it has failed. I have had more success by using peppermint oil to repel mice. There are several reasons mothballs do not work to repel mice; I’ll cover them here. Pauls’ primary goal is to achieve pest control with zero impact to the environment. Mothballs don’t repel rabbits. Not only are mothballs ineffective at keeping rabbits away from your garden, but they are also highly toxic when used outdoors. They contain chemicals that can harm you and the wildlife around your home.By Stephanie Koncewicz Updated 03/08/2024. The average cost of mice extermination ranges from $200–$600 for most homeowners. This typically includes a full-service professional visit, an inspection, treatment, and exclusion—that is, preventing mice from returning— However, an especially large or troublesome …As a result, finding effective methods to keep mice away is a priority for many individuals. One method that is often suggested is the use of moth balls. This article aims to explore the effectiveness of moth balls as a mouse deterrent, while also discussing potential risks and safety concerns associated with using them.Clove oil has a strong smell that deters pests and is one of four favorite essential oils to keep mice away. Prepare a clove essential oil spray to eliminate mice in your house and to deter mice from coming inside ... pet hair, moth balls, essential oils, plants, and herbs in areas where mice are a problem. One of …Natural Repellents: Ingredients like peppermint oil, clove oil and even chili powder can serve as a natural mouse repellent. These are often less potent but safer for use in homes with pets or children. Ultrasonic Repellents: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are intolerable to mice but inaudible to humans.Wood Smith USA Store 100% Natural Cedar Shavings are a great choice to keep mice away. Placing cedar chips or blocks near entry points, walls, ... Some might assess other natural mouse repellants like peppermint oil or mothballs. However, cedar has a slight advantage: its aromatic oils can last longer than …Wood Smith USA Store 100% Natural Cedar Shavings are a great choice to keep mice away. Placing cedar chips or blocks near entry points, walls, ... Some might assess other natural mouse repellants like peppermint oil or mothballs. However, cedar has a slight advantage: its aromatic oils can last longer than …Mothballs keep away mothballs and other fabric pests. They do not keep mice away: regardless, it would be illegal to attempt to do so. However, some other types of naphthalene products, particularly in higher concentrations, do …Rats carry harmful diseases and can create a mess when invading your home. Our guide breaks down how to get rid of these pesky pests and keep them out for good. Expert Advice On Im...Mothballs are not an effective solution for repelling mice in your home. They are toxic to both mice and humans, and can also pollute the air and expose wildlife. …Although mothballs can keep cats out of your yard, they just have too many harmful consequences. Mothballs contain pesticides that are harmful to humans and pets. So, although they might deter cats, they can also put your children’s and pets’ health at risk. There are much safer options that you can use to keep cats away.Simple mothball holders are an option for this, but they do have limits on how many pieces you can use. 9. Urine From Predators. One of the best methods for keeping raccoons away is to make them think that predators are nearby. Many animals leave behind a scent trail to mark their territory and let their presence be known.Mice can tolerate mothballs the same way humans can, which means you would need a massive amount of mothballs to even slightly affect the rodents. However, increasing the amount of mothballs in your home can expose you and your family to toxic levels of naphthalene and other dangerous chemicals. While DIY mice control methods like mothballs may ...Do Mothballs Keep Mice Away? No. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, mothballs are ineffective for this task. …1. Make Ammonia Spray. One pretty simple way to use ammonia to keep mice away is to make a spray with it. All you need is a spray bottle, some ammonia, dish soap and some water. Mix a cup of water, two cups of ammonia and a tablespoon of dishwashing soap. Add this to your spray bottle, and you’re ready to go. Set traps close to walls and if possible in concealed areas such as in the back corners of cabinets and pantries, under appliances and other areas you see signs of mice. Set many mouse traps close together, about 2 to 3 feet apart. In especially high-traffic areas, you can set mouse traps as close as a few inches apart. Dec 27, 2023 · Rosemary, lavender, mint, marigolds, catnip, citronella grass, garlic, lemongrass, and chrysanthemums are great choices for plants that repel mice. Grow them near entryways to keep mice out. The plant’s dried herbs and flowers are also natural mouse repellents and helpful for repelling mice. Advertisement A more recent innovation in mouse scrolling is a tilting scroll wheel that allows you to scroll onscreen both horizontally (left/right) and vertically (up/down). The ...Do Mothballs Keep Mice Away? According to pest control professionals, mothballs are not an effective deterrent to mice. They note that while the amount of …MedicineNet claims cloves, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper are among the many spices that deter mice humanely due to their potent scents. Similarly, the TikToker recommends adding a tablespoon of red pepper flakes, one tablespoon of whole cloves, and one cinnamon stick in a small organza wedding favor bag. The caption also mentions adding star anise.Jul 27, 2022 · No, mothballs do not keep mice away. To understand why this is the case, we need to look at what mothballs supposedly do to keep mice away from your home. For one thing, mothballs are not a safe type of pest control to start with. If you place hundreds of them around your home, you’re going to end up doing some damage to the environment. 1. Get a cat. If no one in your family has a cat allergy, getting a cat might just be the easiest way to get rid of mice. If a cat isn’t an option, buy cat litter and spread it in areas most ...May 7, 2021 · 4. Pepper, Cloves, and Cayenne Pepper. Rodents and mice have a natural aversion to things that have a strong odor. Pepper, cloves, and cayenne pepper give out a strong, unpleasant, spicy odor, making them the best natural mouse repellents. Wrap these spices in a thin cloth and place them in areas where you suspect the mice to be. The smell of moth balls will help keep mice away from your space. However, the smell may repel more than just mice, it might repel guests as well. Since the smell of moth balls is so strong and unpleasant, it is best used in spaces where guests aren’t active, such as barns and garages. Spray Peppermint Oil for Mice. If you don’t fancy a home full of peppermint plants, then you might prefer using peppermint oil instead. Spray the essential oil in different areas of your home that mice can access. If you’re trying to catch the mice, strategically spray the peppermint oil in places that don’t have a …K eeping cats away with mothballs. Mothballs can keep cats away due to their toxic elements. Mothballs are basically chemical concentrations used as insecticides to repel insects. In spite of mothballs’ ability to deter cats away, you should not be using this method. Instead, you should find a more humane way of repelling cats.Most snakes are harmless and provide a valuable service around your home by keeping pests and rodents away. Still, some people find the presence of snakes alarming and want to keep them away from their property. Like mothballs, commercial snake repellents have not proven to be successful at keeping snakes away. Don’t worry, there are safer more effective methods for keeping snakes away from your house and garden. 11 other ways to repel snakes 1. Cinnamon and Clove Oil. A blend of cinnamon and clove oil has been shown to be effective in keeping snakes away. A 50/50 mixture of cinnamon oil and clove oil, can keep snakes away. Do mothballs keep mice away? To put it simply…No. Mothballs are regarded as an efficient DIY mouse control method because they contain naphthalene. Naphthalene is a strong-smelling white, solid substance. When it is inhaled or ingested it can cause blood cells to lose their ability to carry oxygen, which is why homeowners think mothballs are ... Logitech’s MX Revolution and Performance MX mice are two of the most popular, well-loved mice of the past decade, including by most of us here at Lifehacker. The Logitech MX Master...Dec 2, 2009 · 4. Mothballs. “The ultimate prevention to mice invasion, or any other rodent invasion, is the good, old-fashioned mothball. By the first of summer the mothballs are gone. By opening up the car and taking a few rides, the smell is gone as well.”. “This is the second winter I’ve tried Bounce, in the car and under the hood. Mice can tolerate mothballs the same way humans can, which means you would need a massive amount of mothballs to even slightly affect the rodents. However, increasing the amount of mothballs in your home can expose you and your family to toxic levels of naphthalene and other dangerous chemicals. While DIY mice control methods like mothballs may ... Do mothballs keep mice away? To put it simply…No. Mothballs are regarded as an efficient DIY mouse control method because they contain naphthalene. Naphthalene is a strong-smelling white, solid substance. When it is inhaled or ingested it can cause blood cells to lose their ability to carry oxygen, which is why homeowners think mothballs are ... Ensure the outdoor trash bin is sealed and locked tight. But don’t be tempted to put moth killer balls, flakes, crystals or bars in your attic even if it seems like there are a lot of squirrels to deal with. They will not always keep squirrels away. An air rifle shot near them will scare them away too. Place your valued clothing in airtight containers with a few mothballs. This will prevent damage to clothes while in storage. When taking a garment out of mothball storage, it needs to be thoroughly washed to get reid of any chemical residue. Remember to always wear a mask and gloves when handling mothballs. Do Mothballs Keep Mice Away? No. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, mothballs are ineffective for this task. …
Mothballs have naphthalene and this keeps away the red blood cells from carrying oxygen when they are inhaling oxygen. So, it’s easy for us to think that it will eventually kill the rats and groundhogs. But no, it’s doesn’t. Inhaling mothballs can be toxic for you but you don’t get killed by them.. Fleshlight reddit
Do mothballs keep mice away? Mothballs repelling mice and rats is a common misconception. Mothballs contain a small amount of naphthalene and can be a …Mothballs are meant to kill moths, eggs and larvae, but are also used to keep rats, mice and squirrels away. Those containing paradichlorobenzene are safer than mothballs containing naphthalene. As little as one mothball can be toxic when swallowed.2. Remove Food & Shelter. Cleanliness and sanitation are critical to control mouse populations and prevent future re-infestation. Focus on cleaning up both inside the house and outside to remove their food sources and nesting materials (mice outside the home will eventually become mice inside the house!).Keeping raccoons away with mothballs. Mothballs can keep raccoons away to some extent as raccoons seem to strongly dislike the smell that is emitted from mothballs due to the presence of naphthalene in it but this is by no means a permanent solution. In time, the smell will fail to bother the raccoons as much.Using Mothballs to Repel Rodents. Some homeowners use mothballs as a rodent deterrent for their powerful scent. They contain various chemicals, including naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are toxic to rodents. The substances are fumigants, so they vaporize at lower temperatures. ... To keep mice away permanently, it’s essential to ...Remove Garbage. It is important to clear and remove all garbage and food waste from the house and garden. This will prevent access and teach the raccoons to stop coming. Before going to bed at night, take out the trash and shut the bin lid tight. Remember to bring in your pet's food dishes, as well!To keep mice out of your potting shed, put the mothballs around the base of wrapped or covered plants. Keep dogs and cats away from garden Don’t throw out old mothballs.Citronella oil can be combined with water to create a simple yet effective blend or spray. You can mix a few drops of citronella oil with water in a spray bottle to create a homemade mice repellent. Your concentration should be around 5-10 drops of oil per 1 ounce of water. Shake well before each use and spray in …Will Mothballs Keep Mice Away? There is an 'old wives tale' that by placing mothballs near a mouse nest it will deter them, because the Naphthalene (a strong smelling, white substance) in the mothballs reduces the ability of blood cells to carry oxygen and will affect the mice.Mothballs are small balls of chemical pesticide that release a strong, foul-smelling odor when air exposure. Naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene is the active ingredient in mothballs, which are toxic to snakes. In theory, mothballs should be an effective way to keep snakes away from your home. However, there are a few problems with this approach.Do Mothballs Keep Mice Away? While scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of mothballs as a mouse repellent is limited, anecdotal data suggests that some individuals have successfully used mothballs to repel mice. However, it’s worth noting that mice can eventually become accustomed to the …MedicineNet claims cloves, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper are among the many spices that deter mice humanely due to their potent scents. Similarly, the TikToker recommends adding a tablespoon of red pepper flakes, one tablespoon of whole cloves, and one cinnamon stick in a small organza wedding favor bag. The caption also mentions adding star anise.Fun fact! Rats are able to squeeze in from the outside, from holes and gaps as small as 1cm! The Verdict: Rats are sensitive in the smell sensory, and peppermint oil in high concentrations can be rather strong and is assumed to chase rats away. However, over time, the pungent smell will diminish, thus losing its scent quite quickly and plus ...The straight answer is a NO. It’s a misconception that they keep rats away. Mothballs are ineffective as rodent repellents. While naphthalene in large quantities can be a deterrent, they aren’t powerful enough to get rid of rats and mice in small amounts. Using mothballs to get rid of rats is more likely to make your home smell terrible ...Moth balls are a common household item used to repel mice, but their effectiveness is often debated. There are a few things to consider when using moth balls to keep mice away. First, moth balls are designed to repel moths, not mice. Mice are attracted to the smell of moth balls, so they may actually make the problem worse.Mothballs also lose their potency when left out in the open. Modification as a Mouse Repellent. The most effective mouse deterrent method combines sanitation with habitat modification. The following are practical tips to make homes less attractive to mice: Keep grass trimmed and remove thick brush near the house. Clear the yard and garage of ....