Do Mothballs Keep Mice Away? What Georgia Homeowners Should Know

Do Mothballs Keep Mice Away?

If you've discovered signs of mice around your home, mothballs might sound like a simple solution. Their strong odor has led to a long-running belief that placing them where mice are active will drive the rodents away.

But mothballs aren't a reliable way to get rid of mice. More importantly, they don't address an active mouse problem or provide the ongoing pest protection your home may need.

Why Mothballs Aren’t a Reliable Mouse Repellent

Mothballs are pesticides made to control clothes moths and other fabric pests—not mice. Depending on the product, they commonly contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene and work by releasing pesticide vapor.

Products intended for clothes moth control are generally designed for use in tightly sealed storage spaces according to their labels. Putting mothballs in attics, garages, crawl spaces, or other areas where you've noticed mouse activity doesn't make them an effective rodent treatment.

A strong odor might seem like it should send mice elsewhere, but mice are persistent when they have access to food, water, and shelter. Mothballs aren't a dependable way to make a mouse problem disappear.

What Mothballs Actually Do

Mothballs slowly release pesticide vapor into the surrounding air. That's what creates their distinctive smell and allows them to control fabric pests when they're used as directed.

Using them in open areas of a home for mice is a different matter. The vapor disperses rather than remaining contained, and people or pets may also be exposed to it. Outdoors, mothballs can be affected by weather and can pose environmental concerns.

For those reasons, mothballs should be used only for the purposes and in the manner specified on the product label—not as a makeshift mouse repellent.

What Should You Do If You Have Mice?

Seeing a mouse or finding droppings, gnaw marks, nesting material, or other signs of rodent activity deserves attention. Mice can settle into wall voids, attics, garages, storage areas, and other protected spaces where they aren't always easy to find.

And the mouse you happen to see isn't necessarily the extent of the problem.

Rather than relying on mothballs or another home remedy, have the activity evaluated so you know what you're dealing with. Professional pest control can help identify rodent activity, determine what you're dealing with, and provide the appropriate treatment for mice in your home.

Get Help With Mice in Your North Metro Atlanta Home

If mice are showing up, you don't have to experiment with mothballs and other DIY rodent control strategies.

got bugs? Termite & Pest Solutions has been serving homeowners in Cumming, Alpharetta, and throughout North Metro Atlanta since 2006. Our Home Protection Plans target mice, rats, and other common household pests, with professional service and routine pest treatments for your home.

If you've spotted a mouse or noticed signs of rodent activity, contact got bugs? to get started.

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^{Originally published August 6, 2024. Updated September 7, 2026.}