Used Mothballs when Packing?

“When I did my first overnight trip I set up camp for the night near an AT shelter.

I noticed that other people had scattered mothballs around the perimeter of the campsite as well as around the BearBag.

I am assuming that this is used to produce a bad smell to drive animals away?

Is this what they are used for? Do you do this too? Are the mothballs damaging to the environment? Is this an old wives tale?”

“According to this thread, it may not be the best idea.”

“Obviously it seems to be litter, but doe snayone know what it is used for?

(Or did I not see it in that thread)?”

“In that thread, they used them to keep porcupines from chewing on their radiator hoses and brake lines at the trail heads.

I hate the smell of those things and wouldn't bring them with me backpacking and would avoid anyplace where they had been spread.

Most critters can be dispatched with good old fashioned yelling.”

“I have heard of outfitters here in WY that spread them around their camp and tents to keep the grizzly bears away, but I really don't know if that was effective or not.”

“It works for mice and other hikers but not much else so I've been told.

My cats have taken to sleeping on my food bag, I haven't had a mouse incident since.”

“I tried it but I had such a hard time catching the mothes and then I felt bad for ripping their balls off. I found there to be little return for so much work anyhow.

















Sorry to muck up your thread but I couldn't resist.”

“LOL - Nigal!

I ditto the comments that mothballs keep away rodents. I've heard of mice and rats coinhabitating shelters, and backpackers using mothballs to keep them at bay. Friend of mine uses them at his camp-house in Maine for the same purpose while he's away for the winter.”

“Have you ever smelled mothballs?









How did you get their little legs apart?”

“Probably some wine, soft music and a little naughty talk.

What's Mrs. Nigal going to think?”

“if you use mothballs your gonna STINK. for shure.”

“Why do moths fly with their legs apart?













Have you ever seen the size of moth-balls !”

“Yellowstone grizzlies have been seen eating mothballs.”

“Violin eats my balls!”

“I use leave mothballs on my tires, on the tailgate, and if in the western sierras, under the hood. I haven't had any problems with critters or bears, and the mothballs are gone when I get back.

I also use ammonia in my truck in bear country. A few drops on a tissue in a open baggie under the seat seems to work.”