Thanks, but there isn't enough hair on the floor of all the salons in town to cover my place. I've tried all the conventional solutions but none get past the rain washing away except the mothballs - so far. I was primarily interested in whether they would poison the soil and kill the plant. My retired nursery owner acquaintance wasn't even sure, so I guess no one knows, here or anywhere, lol.
I'm about to find out.
The Orkin Man says NOT to use them. But, he wants to sell you His chemicals, of course!
Can mothballs be used to repel pests indoors/outdoors?
Mothballs are somewhat effective at repelling rats, mice, squirrels, bats, snakes, or other wildlife in outdoor areas. However, mothballs may contaminate soil and water and their use as animal repellants is not appropriate and can be illegal. Be certain to read the mothball product label to determine whether outdoor use is permitted.
https://www.orkin.com/ask-orkin/mothballs-used-to-repel-pests
The University Extension people say not to use them either:
Thank you for reaching out to Ask Extension with your question about these pesky garden critters!
While many people use mothballs to repel garden pests, you should never use mothballs in this manner. Mothballs are pesticides registered by the EPA and they contain Naphthalene and some still contain para-dichlorobenzene. It is actually illegal to use them outdoors, which will be stated on the label. They will contaminate soil (with the possibility of it getting into your veggie crops and eaten) and are toxic to humans, pets and wildlife. Here is more information:
https://ccmedia.fdacs.gov/content/download/33195/file/Mothballs-Brochure.pdf
The best way to manage wildlife in your garden is exclusion. Try to fence off your garden area, if possible. When that isn’t possible, you can use an animal repellent that is registered for use for rabbits and squirrels. Here is more information about this:
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/wildlife-issues/2303-squirrel-damage-trees/
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/wildlife-issues/2305-ravishing-rabbit-revenge/
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=842967
Diana here: If they’re just around perennial plants (which it sounds like, in your case) and they’re working to keep the critters away, what can you do? I, myself, wouldn’t use them, and I certainly wouldn’t add MORE than what you’ve already used, but that’s just me.
Homemade sprays are cheap and easy to make. Yes, you have to re-apply after the rain, but it’s worth it if damage is becoming severe and you can’t fence in your growing area.
Some of the commercial sprays that I have used are:
Shot Gun
Repels All
Liquid Fence
Recipe for Homemade Liquid Fence:
https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2015/06/homemade-liquid-fence-recipe.html
Best of luck with this situation! :)