The Mice Deterrent That Could Land You In A World Of Trouble

Mice can be seen as cute, that is until they find a way into your home. Once inside, these furry little creatures cause all sorts of trouble. Their feces and urine can contaminate your food and surfaces. They can chew through wood and gnaw on your wires, which can create a fire risk in your home. On top of that, mice can bring fleas and mites into your home and can carry diseases that can spread to humans. To get rid of mice, people will try just about anything. Some have even suggested using mothballs as a deterrent. The issue here is that there is considerable risk. In addition, it is illegal to use mothballs in this manner. Let's look into the reasons why you should stop using mothballs immediately.

This may seem strange for a product that is in fact, a pest deterrent. But mothballs are for killing moths and other fabric pests in the house. That's it. Any other use of the product could be dangerous and unlawful. Mothballs are made from naphthalene, which comes from coal and oil. The substance is toxic to humans and pets, which is one reason it is illegal to use it for any purpose other than what is specified on the package. To protect yourself from the risks of using mothballs, the product package will be your key.

Before you buy mothballs at the store, examine the package and check for an EPA registration number, which confirms the product is legitimate and has undergone safety testing. If the packaging does not include this number, simply don't buy it. Once you know you're purchasing an EPA-approved product, you should follow the instruction label carefully to ensure you're using it safely and legally. 

When it comes to mothballs, you should never use them loosely. This means steer clear of scattering them in your dresser drawer or in a corner. You should also avoid using them outside the home. They can harm wildlife and the environment, so you'll need to know the right way to dispose of mothballs. The proper and safe way to use mothballs is to put them in a tightly closed container with the items you want to de-bug. This keeps the fumes contained so they don't affect your family or pets. You also want to make sure you keep the package out of reach of children and pets. You don't want them to mistake mothballs for food. In addition to the health and legal risks, mothballs are ineffective at repelling mice. A better way to deal with them is to find out what things are attracting them into your home, so you address those issues head-on.