Every spring, as the temperatures rise, so does the activity of wildlife around my home. One of the perennial challenges has been dealing with the occasional snake that finds its way into the crawl space beneath our house. While these creatures are generally harmless, the fear they instill is very real, especially with kids around. This year, I decided to tackle the problem head-on with a solution that seemed both effective and easy to implement: mothballs.
Intrigued by the idea that mothballs could repel snakes, I embarked on what I thought would be a simple DIY project. The concept was straightforward—spread mothballs around the crawl space, and the snakes would stay away. However, as I would soon discover, the reality of using mothballs as a deterrent was far more complicated than I had anticipated.
1. Why I Reached For Mothballs As A Quick Snake Fix
The idea of using mothballs came from a quick search online. Numerous sources suggested that the strong odor of mothballs could repel snakes. With a family to protect and being wary of using harsh chemicals or traps that might harm other wildlife, mothballs seemed like an ideal, non-lethal alternative. I purchased a large box from the local hardware store, containing about 2 pounds of mothballs, thinking it would be more than enough to cover the crawl space.
Furthermore, the low cost and easy availability of mothballs made them an attractive option. Each box was around $10, which was a small price to pay for peace of mind. I was hopeful that this simple method would keep the snakes at bay throughout the spring and summer months.
2. How I Spread Mothballs Throughout The Crawl Space
Armed with gloves and a mask, I carefully placed the mothballs around the perimeter of the crawl space. The area was approximately 200 square feet, so I estimated that spreading a mothball every few feet would create an effective barrier. I used about half of the box, scattering the mothballs evenly and ensuring they were not piled up against any structural components of the house.
I also made sure to focus on areas where I had previously spotted snakes or suspected they might enter. This included near the vents and any small openings that seemed like a potential entry point. The entire process took about an hour, and I was confident that I had covered all the necessary areas.
3. The Immediate Smell — And My Family’s First Reactions
Almost immediately after placing the mothballs, a strong, acrid smell permeated the house. Even though I had been careful to place them in the crawl space, the fumes quickly made their way indoors. My family was not pleased, as the odor was overpowering and unpleasant. Windows had to be opened to ventilate the space, and we had to temporarily leave the house to escape the smell.
My children complained of headaches, and my spouse questioned whether this was the best approach. Despite the initial discomfort, I reassured them that the smell would dissipate soon and that it was a small price to pay for a snake-free home.
4. What Actually Happened With The Snakes
To my dismay, the mothballs did not seem to deter the snakes. Within a week, I spotted a garter snake slithering along the edge of the crawl space, seemingly unfazed by the pungent odor. It became apparent that while mothballs might work for some pests, snakes were not one of them.
The realization was frustrating, as I had hoped for a quick and easy solution. It seemed that the snakes were either not bothered by the smell or had found paths that bypassed the areas where I had placed the mothballs.
