No, mothballs won’t reliably repel skunks, and they’re a risky thing to scatter around your yard. The idea sounds reasonable, that anything with that strong a smell must drive a skunk off. But mothballs don’t work outdoors, and using them there is against the law.
Why People Reach for Mothballs
Mothballs have a strong, distinct smell, and a lot of people figure that’s enough to shoo a skunk out from under a deck or shed. The myth holds up because mothballs do work, but only against clothes moths inside a sealed closet where the fumes can build up. Outside, it’s a different story.
Why Mothballs Fail Outside
Mothballs work by slowly releasing a toxic vapor. In a closed container, that vapor concentrates enough to kill moths. Outdoors, moving air carries it away the moment it forms, so the level around your deck never gets high enough to matter to a skunk.
Skunks also have a strong sense of smell and will notice a new odor, but they get used to it fast. Within days they ignore the smell and go back to digging for grubs in the same spots.
The Real Problem: They’re Toxic and Illegal
Mothballs are a registered pesticide. The label says to use them only inside sealed containers for clothes moths. Scattering them outside is off-label, which violates federal pesticide law, and most states add their own rules on top.
And they’re genuinely dangerous around a home. A dog or cat that eats a single mothball can be poisoned, and the chemicals can build up in soil and water. If you think a pet has eaten one, call a vet right away, even if it seems fine at first, because symptoms can take days to show.
What Actually Works Against Skunks
Here’s what I’d do instead of mothballs.
- Ammonia-soaked rags. Place them near den entrances and under decks. The ammonia smell does deter skunks, and you’re not poisoning anything. Replace them every few days as the smell fades.
- Motion-activated sprinklers. A sudden spray of water scares skunks off and works around the clock without chemicals.
- A labeled skunk repellent. Products made with castor oil, putrescent egg solids, or capsaicin are actually formulated for outdoor skunk control. Use them per the label.
- Bright motion lights. Skunks like the dark. A light that snaps on can discourage one from settling in.
For product recommendations, see my best skunk repellents guide. For trapping options, see best skunk traps guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
They’re not made to, and getting enough of the chemical near a skunk to hurt it would also put other animals and the environment at risk. A skunk will usually just leave an area that smells that bad rather than stay and die there.
None. They don’t work for skunks and shouldn’t be used outside. Reach for a real repellent or exclusion instead.
No. The chemicals can contaminate soil and groundwater and aren’t approved for outdoor use. They can also harm plants and the beneficial insects in your soil.
Yes. Ammonia is a stronger deterrent and hangs around a bit longer outdoors. It still needs replacing every few days, and you should keep it where pets can’t get to it.
