Do mothballs or ammonia help repel groundhogs?

If your yard is being ruined by a groundhog infestation, you are looking to try anything to get rid of them. If you are in to DIY, you have probably researched every solution available. We all like to think that we can handle most of the problems around our homes. If you are concerned about saving money, and the ecology, you have probably investigated some old school home remedies. These ideas range from hanging tinsel strips to setting up bright lights, to flooding the burrows with water. Two of the more popular “natural” repellents that many people swear by are mothballs and ammonia. The ides is that the animals a repelled by the overpowering odor and irritating qualities of these substances.



They are very few things “natural “about either of these chemicals being used as a pest repellent. Not only do they not work, they are dangerous chemicals that should not be misused! Mothballs are a blend of poisons designed to kill bugs (moths). Whether they are chips or balls, they are made from the chemicals naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. These chemicals become a toxic gas when exposed to air. The gases they release are irritants to the eyes, skin, lung tissue, and soft membranes. They have been known to cause headaches, vertigo, and nausea. This pesticide can also cause hemolytic anemia, which is responsible for destruction of your red blood cells.

Studies that show that these gases can result in damage of DNA in children as well as cause cancer. Ammonia is a fine cleaner when used properly, but prolonged exposure the fumes causes burning of the eyes and soft membranes. It can cause massive irritation of the r respiratory tract, cause blindness, lung damage, or death. Using any chemical or toxic agent in any manner other than that for which it was intended is a serious mistake. Call an animal removal service and let them handle your problem in way that will not endanger you, the groundhogs, or your home.

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