Is It Legal to Put Mothballs in Your Yard?

If you’ve ever thought about tossing mothballs around your yard to chase off critters, here’s the blunt truth: it’s not only ineffective, it’s flat-out illegal. Those little white pellets are classified as pesticides, and federal law strictly limits where and how they can be used.

Using them outdoors can land you in trouble with regulators, harm pets and kids, and contaminate the very soil you’re trying to protect. The good news? There are safe, legal ways to keep wildlife out of your yard, and that’s where AAAC Wildlife Removal steps in.

Outdoor Use of Mothball Is Illegal

No. Using mothballs outdoors is illegal in every state. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates them as pesticides, and the law is crystal clear: mothballs are only approved for indoor use in airtight containers.

Sprinkling them in gardens, lawns, or around the foundation of your house violates federal pesticide regulations under FIFRA. That might sound technical, but the bottom line is simple, if you use mothballs outside, you’re breaking the law.

Why Outdoor Use Breaks the Law?

Mothballs contain toxic chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, both of which are dangerous when released into open air. Because of that, the EPA only approves their use inside tightly sealed containers, where fumes can’t escape into the environment.

When mothballs are scattered in a yard, they evaporate directly into the air, contaminate soil, and can leach into groundwater. This misuse violates the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which makes “the label is the law” more than just a phrase, it’s a binding rule.

By ignoring the label instructions, you aren’t just bending the rules; you’re exposing yourself to fines and potential liability if anyone, or anything, gets harmed.

The Hidden Risks to Your Yard and Family

Using mothballs outdoors doesn’t just break the law, it creates serious health and environmental hazards. Here’s what’s at stake:

• Toxic fumes: The vapors can cause nausea, headaches, and even long-term organ damage when inhaled regularly.
• Child and pet poisoning: Mothballs resemble candy or toys, making accidental ingestion a real danger that can turn into an emergency fast.
• Soil and water contamination: Chemicals seep into the ground, threatening gardens, groundwater, and local ecosystems.
• Wildlife exposure: Birds, squirrels, and other non-target animals can be poisoned if they come into contact with mothballs.
• Indoor air risk: Even outdoor use can carry fumes back into the house, exposing your family without you realizing it.

What Happens If You Use Them Outside Anyway?

Breaking pesticide laws isn’t just a technicality, it carries real penalties. Homeowners caught misusing mothballs outdoors can face steep fines under federal and state regulations. In some cases, penalties run into the thousands of dollars, especially if misuse leads to environmental damage or health issues.

There’s also the risk of liability. If a neighbor’s pet is poisoned, or if a child gets sick from exposure, you could be held responsible for medical costs and damages. On top of that, the EPA and local agencies can take enforcement action that leaves you with a record of violation.

The reality is simple: scattering mothballs in your yard risks legal trouble, financial loss, and harm to those around you, all for a tactic that doesn’t even work against wildlife.

Smarter Wildlife Solutions for Your Yard

Clean and secure your space: Start with the basics by trimming overgrown shrubs, sealing crawl spaces, and clearing debris. These simple steps remove the hiding spots that attract unwanted critters in the first place.

Use humane, proven deterrents: Motion-activated sprinklers, secure trash bins, and protective fencing make your yard less appealing without breaking any laws. Unlike mothballs, these solutions keep your family safe while actually discouraging animals.

Call in the experts: When prevention isn’t enough, AAAC Wildlife Removal provides safe, legal wildlife control tailored to your situation. Our team identifies entry points, removes animals humanely, and helps you keep them from coming back, for good.

The Bottom Line on Mothballs Outdoors

Putting mothballs in your yard isn’t just a bad idea, it’s against the law. Outdoor use exposes your family, pets, and environment to harmful chemicals while putting you at risk for fines and liability. The payoff simply isn’t worth the danger.

The smarter move is to focus on prevention and call in professionals who know how to handle wildlife safely. AAAC Wildlife Removal has the tools, training, and legal know-how to protect your home without risky shortcuts. When animals show up where they don’t belong, we’re ready to step in with solutions that work and keep you on the right side of the law.

Call AAAC Wildlife Removal Today!

Don’t take chances with toxic mothballs or risky DIY fixes. AAAC Wildlife Removal offers safe, legal, and effective solutions to keep wildlife out of your yard and home. Our team knows how to identify problem areas, seal entry points, and remove animals without breaking the law or putting your family in harm’s way.

Give us a call today! and reclaim your peace of mind, because when it comes to protecting your property, shortcuts aren’t worth the risk.