When pigeons take over balconies, rooftops, or gardens, many people look for quick fixes to keep them away. Among the common home remedies often mentioned are mothballs, small white pellets known for their strong odor. But do these actually work against pigeons, or is it just another persistent myth? Before you scatter them around your property, it’s worth examining how effective they really are, what risks they bring, and which safer alternatives might deliver better results.
Looking for a safer choice? Skip the myths—protect your space with proven, humane deterrents.
What are mothballs?
Mothballs are small and solid pellets traditionally used as a household product to protect clothing and fabrics from insect damage. To understand their potential effect, it is important to look at what they are made of and how they are typically used.
What mothballs are made of
Mothballs are generally composed of one of two active ingredients: naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both substances are powerful pesticides that work by slowly turning from a solid into a toxic gas, creating an environment that kills moths, larvae, and other fabric-eating insects. While effective for this purpose, these chemicals are hazardous to humans, pets, and wildlife if inhaled in large amounts or ingested accidentally. Modern packaging often comes with clear warnings about its safe and limited use.
Typical uses of mothballs
Mothballs were never designed as a universal pest control method. Their proper application is confined to small, enclosed areas where the vapors can accumulate without risk to people or animals. Common uses include:
- Protecting clothing in storage: Placed in wardrobes, drawers, or sealed containers to prevent moth damage.
- Safeguarding fabrics and textiles: Used with items such as blankets, carpets, or upholstered furniture when stored away.
- Preventing some insect infestations: Effective against moths, silverfish, and certain other small insects in confined spaces.
Outside these specific scenarios, mothballs quickly lose effectiveness and may create more risks than benefits, particularly when misused as outdoor repellents.
The idea that mothballs can deter pigeons
Because mothballs have such a sharp and lingering odor, many people assume that this smell alone might be enough to keep pigeons away. The reasoning is simple: if the fumes can drive away moths and insects, perhaps they could also bother birds. This belief has circulated widely, with some homeowners scattering mothballs on balconies, rooftops, and gardens in hopes of creating a pigeon-free zone.
In practice, though, pigeons are far less sensitive to these vapors than insects. While they may briefly avoid a spot where mothballs are concentrated, the effect rarely lasts.
Curious about what really works against pigeons? Learn more here.
What science and experts say about using mothballs to repel pigeons
When evaluating whether mothballs can really keep pigeons away, it helps to look at what researchers, pest-control authorities, and official guidelines have discovered. Below is a balanced view based on scientific findings and expert commentary.
➡️ A study on naphthalene (“moth balls”) in nest predation experiments found that mothballs did not deter mammalian predators from removing eggs. While this isn’t about birds directly, it shows the limits of the concept of “tough odor drives away all animals.”
➡️ In the USDA’s “Bird Dispersal Techniques” technical bulletin, naphthalene (i.e. mothballs or flakes) is listed among substances sometimes suggested for bird deterrent use, but the authors note that tests failed to discourage birds (notably starlings) from treated sites.
➡️ The University of Florida’s extension bulletin on pigeons notes that repellents such as naphthalene are “rarely effective and are never a permanent solution.” Moreover, the concentrations needed to repel pigeons are off-putting to people and pets.
➡️ Oregon State University extension specialists caution that mothballs are pesticides, emphasizing that they must be used only in approved applications (e.g. wardrobes, sealed containers), not outdoors or against animals like pigeons. Misuse can pose health hazards.
➡️ Many bird-control professionals warn against using mothballs on roofs, ledges, or open areas because wind and open air quickly disperse the fumes. Some bird-removal sources bluntly state that “mothballs and ammonia do not work to repel birds and are extremely dangerous.”
Since science shows mothballs don’t work, why not turn to a safer and proven option? Try this!
Risks of Using Mothballs for Repelling Pigeons
Although mothballs may seem like a convenient shortcut for discouraging pigeons, their use outside of enclosed storage comes with significant drawbacks. These risks affect not only the birds but also people, pets, and the environment.
❌ Health hazards for humans: Mothballs release toxic vapors (naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) that can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory irritation, particularly in children and elderly individuals.
❌ Danger to pets and wildlife: If ingested, mothballs can poison dogs, cats, or other animals, sometimes with life-threatening consequences. Even inhalation can be harmful.
❌ Environmental concerns: Outdoors, the chemicals can seep into soil and water, contaminating the local ecosystem and harming beneficial species.
❌ Ineffectiveness in open spaces: Wind disperses the vapors too quickly for mothballs to maintain any deterrent effect, making the risks outweigh the minimal benefits.
Safer and More Reliable Alternatives to Mothballs for Repelling Pigeons
Instead of relying on mothballs, which pose more risks than benefits, it’s better to focus on what repel pigeons effectively and safely.
Ultrasonic pigeon repellers
Ultrasonic devices work by emitting high-frequency sound waves that are irritating to pigeons but inaudible to humans. Unlike chemical methods, they provide a humane and non-toxic solution. The PigeonChaser by The Pest Repeller is a popular option in this category. It combines advanced ultrasonic technology with weather resistance, making it suitable for rooftops, balconies, and gardens. Because it continuously disrupts the birds’ comfort zone, pigeons find it difficult to settle, encouraging them to move elsewhere without harm.
Bird spikes
Bird spikes are a time-tested physical barrier that prevents pigeons from landing on ledges, sills, and roof edges. They do not hurt the birds but make the surface uncomfortable for perching. An effective choice is the BirdRail. Once installed, spikes create a long-term defense against pigeons returning to favored nesting or roosting spots, with little maintenance required.
Bird netting
Bird netting is ideal for larger spaces such as gardens, courtyards, or building facades. It physically blocks pigeons from accessing specific areas, while still allowing air and light to pass through. When properly installed, it offers nearly 100% effectiveness, particularly in preventing nesting. High-quality netting is UV-resistant and weatherproof, ensuring it can withstand outdoor conditions for years.
Reflective surfaces
Visual confusion is another effective strategy for repelling pigeons. Reflective surfaces scatter light in unpredictable ways, making birds uneasy and discouraging them from staying nearby. The SpinScare bird reflector is one of the top options on the market. It rotates with the wind and produces flashes of light that disturb pigeons without noise or chemicals. These devices are lightweight, easy to install, and most effective when placed in open, sunny areas like gardens or rooftops where light can bounce freely.
Motion-activated sprinklers
Water-based deterrents detect movement and release a sudden spray of water that startles birds without harming them. The JetSentinel sprinkler system is a great choice for this. It can cover wide areas and activate only when needed. This method is especially effective in gardens, lawns, and around outdoor seating areas where bird presence is most unwelcome.
Visual deterrents
Predator decoys and visual scare devices exploit pigeons’ natural instincts to avoid threats. For instance, the SilentOwl decoy is a lifelike owl replica that makes pigeons wary of settling nearby. When positioned strategically and moved occasionally to prevent habituation, these visual cues can help break pigeon patterns. They are also affordable, low-maintenance, and safe.
Natural repellents
For those preferring a chemical-free approach, natural repellents can be effective in small areas. Scents such as pepper, garlic, or essential oils like peppermint may discourage pigeons, as these smells are unpleasant to them. Vinegar is also commonly suggested, and many people wonder, “Does vinegar repel pigeons?” Its strong, acidic odor can make certain areas less inviting, especially when applied to ledges or balconies.
While natural options like these require regular reapplication and are less powerful than structural deterrents, many people strengthen their efforts by pairing them with a reliable ultrasonic solution like the PigeonChaser.
FAQ
Do pigeons actually hate the smell of mothballs?
Pigeons may initially react to the strong odor of mothballs, but they do not consistently find it unbearable. Unlike insects, pigeons are not highly sensitive to the vapors produced by naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. At best, mothballs might cause short-term avoidance, but this effect wears off quickly as the birds adapt. In practice, pigeons often return to the same spots despite the odor, which is why experts generally view mothballs as ineffective for bird control.
Is it legal to use mothballs as a pigeon repellent in the U.S.?
No, it is not legal to use mothballs outdoors or for purposes other than their approved label instructions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies mothballs as pesticides and regulates their use strictly. They are only authorized for use in enclosed containers to protect fabrics against insects. Applying them in open areas, gardens, or rooftops to repel pigeons violates federal pesticide laws and can lead to penalties or fines if reported.
Are mothballs safe for pets and children if used against pigeons?
Mothballs are not safe for pets or children. They contain toxic chemicals that can cause serious health issues if touched, inhaled, or ingested. Children may mistake them for candy, while dogs or cats may play with or swallow them. Exposure can result in vomiting, dizziness, respiratory problems, or even organ damage in severe cases. For this reason, health agencies strongly warn against leaving mothballs in accessible areas where people or animals might come into contact with them.
How long do mothballs last outside for repelling pigeons?
Outdoors, mothballs lose their potency quickly because wind and open air dilute the vapors. While a mothball may physically last for weeks, its effectiveness as a repellent drops within days, sometimes hours, depending on weather conditions. Rain, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations accelerate the breakdown of the active chemicals. This makes them highly unreliable as an outdoor deterrent, particularly when targeting persistent birds such as pigeons that return to favored nesting or roosting spots.
Can pigeons get used to the smell of mothballs over time?
Yes, pigeons adapt quickly to new stimuli, including smells. Even if mothballs cause initial discomfort, pigeons soon recognize that the odor poses no real danger. Once they become accustomed to it, the deterrent effect disappears entirely. This is why many bird-control experts stress that repellents relying solely on scent are rarely effective long-term. Effective deterrents usually combine sensory disruption, physical barriers (like our anti-pigeon spikes or our visual owl decoy deterrent), or movement (like our water sprinkler repellent or our wind-powered visual deterrent) to prevent pigeons from adjusting and returning.
Are mothballs potent enough to cover large spaces like balconies or attics for pigeon control?
Mothballs are designed for confined, airtight spaces, not large or open areas. In a balcony or attic, the vapors disperse too quickly to maintain any level of deterrence. To even attempt coverage, extremely large quantities would be needed, which would pose severe health risks to anyone nearby. For this reason, mothballs are not considered practical or safe for treating wide spaces. Alternatives such as netting, spikes, or ultrasonic devices are far more effective.
Can pigeons become sick or die from exposure to mothballs?
Direct exposure to mothballs can potentially harm pigeons, but this is neither a reliable nor humane approach. For a pigeon to become sick, it would need to ingest the mothballs or inhale toxic levels of vapor in an enclosed space. Even then, the suffering caused would be inhumane. Professional guidelines emphasize deterrence rather than poisoning, making mothballs both unsafe and ethically questionable as a control method.
Can mothballs damage the environment if used outdoors?
Yes, using mothballs outdoors can negatively impact the environment. As they degrade, the chemicals seep into soil and groundwater, contaminating plants and potentially harming beneficial insects and animals. Rain can wash the toxins into drainage systems, spreading contamination further. These substances are classified as hazardous precisely because of their persistence and toxicity. Improper use not only fails to repel pigeons effectively but also creates unnecessary environmental hazards that may affect entire ecosystems.
Do mothballs repel other pests besides pigeons?
Yes, mothballs are effective against certain small insects, which is their intended purpose. They can repel or kill moths, silverfish, and carpet beetles when used in enclosed containers. However, outside these specific uses, they are generally ineffective against larger pests such as pigeons, rodents, or raccoons. Some people also try them for snakes or squirrels, but the results are inconsistent and not scientifically supported. In most cases, safer and targeted repellents are better suited for these problems.
Mothballs vs. WD-40: Which works better for repelling pigeons?
Neither mothballs nor WD-40 is a dependable or recommended solution for pigeon control. While some people experiment with WD-40 on ledges because of its slippery surface and strong odor, studies and expert opinions suggest its effect is temporary at best. The same is true for mothballs, which lose potency quickly outdoors. For readers wondering, does WD-40 repel pigeons compared to mothballs? The answer is similar: it may discourage them briefly, but it is not safe, practical, or sustainable. Purpose-built deterrents remain far more reliable.
