I killed a few hostas last year when instead of just spraying them with diluted ammonia, I poured some into the crowns of the plant. I thought I'd kill the baby slubgs before they came out for their dinner. What an idiodic thing to do; I was so angry at myself all season.

I'm not sure ammonia soaked rags are even effective at repelling any pests or critters, but I'd sure be careful using ammonia around my plants after last year's debacle.

Moth balls are highly toxic and should not be used anywhere that a non target animal can get to them. I sure hope YOU didn't expose yourself to the fumes that that combination must have made.

There are many commercial repellents on the market, and many people seem to have luck with hot pepper sprays or cayenne dusts. Doesn't bother the birds at all, but keeps the rodents away.