Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

name        mike
status      other
age         50s

Question -  my friends have a house with a basement, they have seen
rats coming from cider blocks that are open at the top ,and on inspection
with a mirror seem to go all the down to the foundation, i suggested
maybe putting moth balls down the blocks to help out if they are coming
from the botton up, they have a new baby in the house, will this hurt
anyone or cause harm? thanks

Moth balls are not going to hurt anyone, but they are not going to solve the
problem either. Rats are serious pests that will not be deterred by moth
balls and a permanent solution, sealing up access points after removing the
rats, will be needed.
J. Elliott
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Stuff the holes with steel wool.  It's not poisonous, it's cheap, and rats
can't chew through it.

Richard E. Barrans Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Director, PG Research Foundation
Darien, IL USA
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