Do Mothballs Keep Snakes Away?

Snakes in the yard can be unsettling, and it’s no surprise that old home remedies still get passed around as “quick fixes.” One of the most common myths is tossing mothballs around the property to keep snakes at bay. While it might sound convenient, the truth is far less reassuring.

Mothballs don’t actually repel snakes, and worse, they create toxic hazards for kids, pets, and even adults. The strong smell comes from chemicals designed to protect clothes from moths, not to drive away wildlife. Instead of relying on outdated tricks, homeowners need clear, safe, and proven strategies, and that’s exactly what we’re here to share.

What’s the Deal with Mothballs and Snakes?

Mothballs are small pellets made from chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. They release fumes that kill moths and other insects when used in sealed containers such as closets or storage bins. Because of their strong odor, some people assume those same fumes will drive snakes away.

The problem is snakes don’t respond to smells the way we do. They “taste” the air with their tongues, and mothball fumes aren’t strong enough to deter them.

Agencies like the National Pesticide Information Center confirm that using mothballs outdoors is both ineffective and unsafe. In other words, sprinkling them around the yard doesn’t protect against snakes, it just puts your household at risk.

Risks: Not Just a Snake Problem—A Family Danger

Relying on mothballs for snake control doesn’t just fail, it creates new hazards for the people and pets living in your home. Here are the biggest concerns:

• Toxic Fumes Indoors and Outdoors: The chemicals in mothballs release vapors that can irritate lungs, trigger headaches, and cause nausea. These effects hit children, seniors, and those with breathing issues even harder.
• Accidental Poisoning: Mothballs resemble candy or pet treats, making ingestion a real risk. Poisoning cases can be life-threatening and require immediate medical care.
• Environmental Contamination: Using mothballs outside lets chemicals seep into soil and water, spreading danger far beyond the intended area.
• Regulatory Violations: The Environmental Protection Agency states mothballs are not approved for outdoor use. Using them in your yard to repel snakes is both unsafe and illegal.

Instead of protecting your home, mothballs put your family, pets, and environment in harm’s way while doing nothing to stop snakes.

Why the Myth Lives On? And Why It Doesn’t Hold Water?

The idea that mothballs repel snakes has been passed around for decades, mostly by word of mouth. Because the smell is strong to humans, many assume snakes must find it unbearable too. In reality, snakes don’t have noses like ours, they rely on their tongues and Jacobson’s organ to sense chemical particles in the air, which makes mothball fumes irrelevant to them.

This myth also sticks because homeowners want fast, easy fixes for snake problems. Dropping a handful of mothballs into the yard feels simpler than trimming bushes or sealing gaps around the house. The problem is that simplicity doesn’t equal effectiveness, and it gives a false sense of security while snakes carry on undeterred.

Even anecdotal reports of success are misleading. If a snake leaves an area after mothballs are scattered, it’s usually coincidence, not cause. Without food, shelter, or water, snakes naturally move along, and mothballs get the undeserved credit.

Real Strategies That Actually Keep Snakes Away

Mothballs don’t work, but proven methods can make your property far less attractive to snakes. The key is removing what draws them in and blocking the places they use for shelter. By focusing on habitat control, you cut off the reason for snakes to stick around in the first place.

• Yard Maintenance: Keep grass trimmed short, clear piles of leaves, and cut back thick vegetation. Snakes prefer areas where they can stay hidden, and a clean yard removes those hiding spots.
• Seal Entry Points: Inspect crawl spaces, vents, and foundation cracks. Close them off with mesh or caulk to prevent snakes from slipping inside your home.
• Remove Attractants: Snakes follow food. Eliminating rodents, securing trash, and keeping pet food indoors makes your property less appealing.
• Install Barriers: Snake-proof fencing and properly set traps provide an added layer of protection. They act as physical roadblocks that snakes can’t easily cross.
• Plant Deterrents: Some homeowners find success with plants like lemongrass, garlic, or mother-in-law’s tongue. While not foolproof, they add another layer of discomfort for snakes.

These strategies address the real reasons snakes appear and keep your home safer without the toxic risks of mothballs.

AAAC’s Signature Method

While DIY prevention steps help, nothing compares to a professional plan tailored to your property. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we don’t rely on myths or guesswork, we combine proven exclusion techniques with safe removal practices to deliver real results.

Our process starts with a detailed inspection to identify where snakes may be entering or hiding. From there, we seal gaps, eliminate attractants, and address any rodent issues that might be drawing snakes closer. If snakes are already inside, we use safe, humane methods to capture and relocate them without harming your family or pets.

What sets AAAC apart is our focus on long-term protection. Instead of short fixes, we design solutions that keep snakes from coming back. With professional tools, expertise, and a commitment to safety, we make sure your home stays off-limits to unwanted slithering guests.

Smarter Solutions, Safer Homes

Mothballs may be a popular home remedy, but they don’t keep snakes away, and they create dangerous risks for your family, pets, and the environment. The myth lingers because it seems like an easy fix, yet science and safety both show it’s a dead end.

The good news is you have far better options. From keeping your yard clean to sealing entry points and working with experts, practical strategies actually make a difference. With AAAC Wildlife Removal on your side, you can replace outdated tricks with safe, proven methods that protect your home for the long run.

Take Action with AAAC Wildlife Removal!

Don’t waste time and energy on mothball myths that only put your family at risk. If snakes are making themselves at home on your property, AAAC Wildlife Removal is ready to step in with safe, effective, and long-term solutions.

Our team knows how to identify entry points, eliminate attractants, and remove snakes humanely so you can relax with peace of mind. Call us today or schedule a visit online, let’s make your home a snake-free zone the right way.