will mothballs get rid of groundhogs

2 min read 10-12-2024

Groundhogs, those charming yet destructive rodents, can wreak havoc on your garden and lawn. Their burrows can undermine foundations and their appetites for plants are legendary. So, the question arises: can mothballs deter or eliminate these persistent pests? The short answer is: **no, mothballs are not an effective or humane way to get rid of groundhogs.**

Why Mothballs Don't Work on Groundhogs

Mothballs contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, chemicals that release strong odors. These smells repel moths, but groundhogs are significantly larger and more resilient creatures. They have a much stronger sense of smell than moths and are not easily deterred by the scent of mothballs. Furthermore, the concentration needed to affect a groundhog would likely be dangerous to pets and humans.

Groundhogs are also quite resourceful. They'll often simply ignore the odor or even tunnel around the mothballs, negating their supposed repellent effect. Investing time and effort in mothballs is ultimately a futile exercise.

The Dangers of Using Mothballs

Using mothballs to try and control groundhogs poses several significant risks:

Toxicity to Pets and Humans: Naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene are toxic if ingested or inhaled. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable. The fumes can cause respiratory problems, nausea, and other health issues.
Environmental Concerns: Mothballs can contaminate soil and water, harming beneficial insects and other wildlife. The chemicals can persist in the environment for a long time.
Ineffectiveness: As mentioned before, mothballs simply don't work effectively against groundhogs. This means you're wasting time, money, and potentially harming the environment without achieving your goal.

Humane and Effective Groundhog Control

Instead of relying on ineffective and potentially harmful methods like mothballs, consider these humane and effective approaches to groundhog control:

Repellents

Commercial repellents: Many commercially available repellents are designed to deter groundhogs. These often contain strong smells that groundhogs dislike. However, consistency is key, and reapplication is usually required. Look for those registered with the EPA.
Natural repellents: Some gardeners have success using natural repellents like strong-smelling herbs (mint, rosemary, etc.) or human hair. Effectiveness varies, and it often takes a combination of deterrents.

Exclusion

Physical barriers: Install wire mesh or fencing around vulnerable areas to prevent groundhogs from digging in. This is a more effective long-term solution.
Closing burrows: If you locate active burrows, you can try to close them off using hardware cloth or other sturdy materials. However, groundhogs are persistent diggers and may reopen them.

Relocation

Trapping and relocation: Trapping and relocating groundhogs is a more humane option than killing them. However, this often requires permits, and it's important to follow local regulations and find a suitable release site far from your property.

Professional Pest Control

Call a professional: If you're struggling to control groundhogs on your property, contact a licensed wildlife control professional. They have the expertise and tools to handle the situation effectively and humanely.

Conclusion

While the idea of using mothballs to deter groundhogs might seem tempting, it’s ultimately a waste of time and potentially harmful. Instead, focus on humane and effective methods like repellents, exclusion, or professional assistance. Remember to prioritize the safety of your family, pets, and the environment when dealing with groundhogs or any other wildlife.