Is it Safe to Put Mothballs Under a Mobile Home?
- Never use mothballs under your mobile home.
- Mothball fumes will enter your house if you spread mothballs in the crawl space under your home.
- Mothball fumes have been linked to liver and neurological damage in humans, as well as cancer.
How to use mothballs around the House?
If you’re only using mothballs when storing clothing, you’re missing out! Try these genius ways you can use mothballs around the house, in your garden and in your garage. To exterminate bugs on a potted plant, put the plant in a clear plastic bag, such as a cleaning bag, add a few mothballs, and seal for a week.
Are mothballs illegal to use?
Mothballs are only illegal if they are used outdoors. In most labels, it is explicitly stated that the balls should be placed in an airtight container for a certain period of time. Airtight spaces include garment bags and storage bins. However, they have been used in trash cans, vehicles, vents, and even open closets.
How long do mothballs stay in your home?
As the mothballs sublimate and turn into a gas this process is expected to last for over four to six weeks, however, the smell can linger in the air of the home for years in some extreme cases.
Do mothballs keep snakes away?
Mothballs are intended for fabric pests that eat away fibers of your clothing or carpets. Examples of these are the carpet beetle and clothes moth. Other pests included in this category are crickets, silverfish, cockroaches and termites. There have been claims that mothballs can keep away garden pests, like snakes, as well as mice and squirrels.
Why do people put mothballs under their house?
The fumes from mothballs kill clothes moths, their eggs and larvae that eat natural fibers in indoor storage areas, such as closets, attics and basements. Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors.
Where is it safe to put mothballs?
Per package directions, mothballs should only ever be in tightly closed containers, although even these containers may release vapors. Mothballs are particularly dangerous because they are often used incorrectly. They shouldn't be placed in closets, storage chests, trunks, garment bags, basements, or attics.
Can I put mothballs in my crawl space?
Mothballs should not be used inside attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles. "Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths," Stone said.
Are mothballs illegal to use outside?
Mothballs are insecticides that are controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency. This makes it illegal to use them for any purpose or by any method that isn't specified on the label.
Is it harmful to breathe in mothballs?
The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. If you smell mothballs, you are being exposed to these chemicals. Children or pets sometimes mistake mothballs for food or candy and eat them, which can cause serious effects.
Why don't we use mothballs anymore?
Old fashioned moth balls containing naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene were banned in the EU Environmental Protection Agency in 2008 because of their potential risk to human health. Both chemicals can cause ill health by breathing in fumes over time or ingestion which is a serious risk for small children.
How long do mothballs last in a crawl space?
One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating.
How do I keep critters from coming under my house?
Use ammonia-soaked rags to lure them out. Most large animals are repelled by the scent of ammonia, so these will discourage them from coming back into the crawl space. You can place them in the crawl space entrance and/or around the walls. Scatter mothballs around the floor of your crawl space.
What kind of animals do mothballs keep away?
Mothballs or moth crystals are not to be used in open areas where the vapors can be inhaled by people. There are commercial repellent products available that contain naphthalene and sulfur and that have labels that do allow their use to repel rodents, snakes, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, bats, woodpeckers, and others.
What happens if mothballs get wet?
Wet mothballs are even more potent than dry ones. And the wetness can be profound, like exposure to water from a flood or leaky pipe, or mild, in the form of high humidity. Either will cause the odor to be more potent and sublimation to be more rapid.
Do mothballs keep mice away?
Mothballs repelling mice and rats is a common misconception. Mothballs contain a small amount of naphthalene and can be a deterrent in large quantities, however, they aren't powerful enough to get rid of mice and rodents.
How toxic are mothballs?
Moth balls contain a toxic chemical, either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both become a gas when exposed to air and cause that pungent moth ball smell. These gases are irritating to the eyes and lungs and may cause headache, dizziness and nausea. They are both suspected of causing cancer.
Can the smell of mothballs make you sick?
Inhalation of naphthalene may cause skin and eye irritation; gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea; neurologic symptoms, such as confusion, excitement, and convulsions; renal problems, such as acute renal shutdown; and hematologic features, such as icterus and severe anemia ...
How long does the smell of mothballs last outside?
One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating.
Do mothballs keep mice away?
Mothballs repelling mice and rats is a common misconception. Mothballs contain a small amount of naphthalene and can be a deterrent in large quantities, however, they aren't powerful enough to get rid of mice and rodents.
Does moth balls keep roaches away?
Roaches don't like the scent of mothballs, making them an effective pest repellent. Mothballs can only keep cockroaches away for a year or two since the pests adjust quickly and easily to new environments.
Why are mothballs toxic?
The long-used mothballs have previously been made of different chemical compounds which has been changed over the years, especially due to the toxic nature of the original chemicals used in mothballs. Older mothballs consisted primarily of naphthalene, a chemical produced from crude oil or coal tar that is used primarily as an insecticide and pest repellent. However, this toxic gas can cause significant adverse health effects in those exposed to this chemical agent in their indoor environment, as well as will act as a flammable chemical which can be dangerous to the indoor environment this chemical is used within. Thus, these are the reason behind the removal of this chemical [naphthalene] from mothballs produced today.
What does a mothball smell like?
Typically, mothball smell will usually be described as a sour, pungent, chemical smell that will be associated with things like closets and storage units. If you have ever smelled mothballs before than you will know exactly this odor that we are describing, and worst of all the smell will spread like wildfire in the air of your home and ultimately end up tainting the entire smell in the home.
How long does mothball smell last?
As the mothballs sublimate and turn into a gas this process is expected to last for over four to six weeks, however, the smell can linger in the air of the home for years in some extreme cases. Therefore, if you are dealing with mothball smell in your home it may be necessary to turn to mitigation solutions that will actually attack and neutralize the odor completely from the airspace of your home.
What is a camphor mothball?
Camphor mothballs, a new popular type of mothball used in homes today, will produce solid particulate matter into the air, as well as emits a strong chemical odor into the air that can all lead to adverse impacts on indoor air quality and human health.
What chemical is used to kill mothballs?
Thus, these are the reason behind the removal of this chemical [naphthalene] from mothballs produced today. Many modern mothball chemical formulations will now consist of the chemical 1,4-dichlorobenzene. This chemical is known to be less flammable but will also work as a fumigant insecticide to control clothes moths.
How to protect clothes from moths?
Use mothballs on clothes which you won’t be wearing during the winter months; it is important to try to put these garments in a sealed storage container to protect help protect them from these moths and insects. Place the clothing in an airtight container, like plastic laundry bags, plastic storage box, etc. When it’s time to wear your clothes air ...
Do mothballs smell like wildfire?
If you have ever smelled mothballs before than you will know exactly this odor that we are describing, and worst of all the smell will spread like wildfire in the air of your home and ultimately end up tainting the entire smell in the home. When it comes to how long mothball smell will last in the air space of your home, ...
notbob
On 2016-10-17, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote: > I was told that putting moth balls in crawl spaces, will keep > the mice away. I figured I'd give it a try.
Dean Hoffman
On 10/17/16 3:09 PM, [email protected] wrote: > It's that time of year that mice are getting into homes. I got 3 of > them in traps so far. I think I found the place they get in, and > sealed it (I hope), but I was told that putting moth balls in crawl > spaces, will keep the mice away.
songbird
[email protected] wrote: > It's that time of year that mice are getting into homes. I got 3 of them > in traps so far. I think I found the place they get in, and sealed it (I > hope), but I was told that putting moth balls in crawl spaces, will keep > the mice away.
How to keep mice out of potting shed?
Place a few mothballs around the garage, and the mice will seek other quarters. To keep mice out of our potting shed, put the mothballs around the base of wrapped or covered plants.
Do you take a plant out of a bug bag?
When you take the plant out of the bag, your plant will be bug-free. It will also keep moths away for a while. Not all bugs are pests! Here’s how to roll out the welcome mat for insects that are actually good for your garden. 2 / 5. Photo: Shutterstock.
Can bats invade a belfry?
Bats won’t invade your belfry (or attic) if you scatter a few mothballs around. Add some mothballs to the boxes you store in the attic and silverfish will stay away too.
Can you wash woolen sweaters with moth balls?
Use mothballs to rinse woolens for storage. Of course it is a good idea to store woolens with mothballs to ward off moths. To give your favourite sweaters even more protection, dissolve a few mothballs in the final rinse when you wash them before storage.
How To Dispose Of Mothballs?
So now you understand the risks associated with mothball usage. You may decide to dispose of the mothballs you thought could help with your garden pest problems . If so, there are certain precautions you need to observe.
Why do we need mothballs?
Mothballs are typically used to protect items that are put away for a long time, such as those in your storage area or garage. When used for other purposes, it can be risky for the health of humans, animals and the environment.
What Kind Of Animals Do Mothballs Keep Away?
Mothballs are intended for fabric pests that eat away fibers of your clothing or carpets. Examples of these are the carpet beetle and clothes moth. Other pests included in this category are crickets, silverfish, cockroaches and termites.
Are Mothballs Illegal To Use Outside?
Since mothballs are intended to be used against fabric pests to safely store items made from natural fibers, it can be considered illegal to use them otherwise. Due to several safety concerns, mothballs shouldn’t be used in ways other than what is stated on the label.
Why do people use mothballs?
Mothballs are popularly used in the U.S. to repel insects and pests that like to eat natural fibers, particularly wool. However, people started using mothballs to repel most insects and pests in their garden. At that time, mothballs may have been made using different chemicals that have an effect on pests. Older products bore labels stating that ...
How long do mothballs last?
When used inside an airtight container, mothballs can last for up to two months; some can last for a year. You’ll know when it’s time to put new ones when you see that they’ve reduced in size.
What is an illegal mothball?
Illegal mothballs are those that are sold in the streets without proper labeling or those that are copycats that bear fake EPA registration. Click here to check some of the products that are considered illegal by the EPA.
Why do people use mothballs?
Mothballs’ true claim to fame comes from their usage when storing clothes and other insect-prone items. It’s common for some families to store wedding dresses in mothballs to pass down from generation to generation, for example.
How to get rid of mothball odor?
Thankfully, the smell of mothballs can cancel out that rotting stench. To make an odor control box that’s relatively safe, get a small cardboard box and put some balls in it. Then get a netted bag or large freezer bag (and poke some tiny holes in it) to stick the box in. Seal the bag and place it near the strongest point of the odor.
Why do you bury mothballs?
You can bury mothballs to help deter larger pests such as chipmunks and prarie dogs from helping themselves to your garden. Dropping some into a burrow entrance can also be used to temporarily stop large critters from using that entrance for about a month.
What are mothballs made of?
Mothballs use one of two active ingredients: naphthalene and paradichlorobenzine. These have several detrimental qualities including a high level of flammability. As a result, they should never be stored near flame or placed in a storage area that is prone to heat buildup.
Why do you put a bag in a box?
The bag will help reduce the risk of contamination from rain or moisture melting the box. Be sure to dispose of the box when the odor has dissipated.
Is mothball a pesticide?
Environmental Risks. Mothballs are classified as pesticides and are an effective insecticide. Over time, they dissolve into a toxic gas. Using them outdoors will not only harm beneficial critters, but can easily contaminate plants, soil, and groundwater.
Do moth balls smell sweet?
Unfortunately, this means they’re also quite unpleasant to people. Initial exposure may smell sweet, but longer exposure will make the smell nauseating. Unfortunately, the stench will often outlast the balls themselves, especially on clothing. There are a few good methods to get rid of the mothball smell.
How to protect clothing from moths?
The best way to protect your at-risk (animal-fiber) clothing from clothes moths is by keeping moths out. The authors recommend cleaning the clothing according to the manufacturer's specifications and storing them in airtight containers. "For existing infestations of clothes moths, you must do more," Stock said.
What are the two types of clothes moths?
The larvae of two species of clothes moths in the Pacific Northwest, according to Stock, are responsible for damage done to personal belongings: the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella). Clothes moth larvae are shiny white and about a half-inch long.
Do mothballs contain paradichlorobenzene?
Mothballs (or cakes, crystals, tablets, bars and flakes) contain either naphthal ene or paradichlorobenzene as active ingredients , according to Stone. "Both chemicals are fumigants, meaning that their volatile chemicals will vaporize at lower temperatures, such as room temperature," Stone said. "Naphthalene has been associated with adverse health effects such as headache, nausea, dizziness and difficulty breathing. Paradichlorobenzene is also a potential hazard, although typically less than naphthalene."
Do you have to mix moth balls?
Following the label instructions will limit exposure to these chemicals and control the moths most effectively. It is also a legal requirement. "Never mix active ingredients, such as naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, when using mothballs," Stone said.
Do mothballs count as a product label?
"People often use mothballs in inappropriate sites and against incorrect pests," Stock said. "The only recommendation that counts is the product label, which is a legal document whose instructions must be followed – particularly on where mothballs may be used and which pests they will control."
Is it illegal to put mothballs in the attic?
They include squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons and a variety of other animals. Any such use is illegal. "A relatively common mistake is placing mothballs in an attic to repel squirrels. This will almost always result in a persistent and noxious odor throughout the home.".
Can you use boric acid dust after vacuuming?
After vacuuming, dispose of the vacuum bag promptly. Boric acid dust can be used to treat cracks and crevices once the infested articles have been removed and cleaned. But the authors caution people to always follow the label requirements when applying boric acid dusts.
How long do mothballs last?
Expect the mothballs to smell for about 1 to 5 years, depending on storage conditions.
What is the Wikipedia article about mothballs?
The short article Mothball - Wikipedia lists a few references about the hazards of exposure to the active ingredients in mothballs and related products. The Wikipedia article needs to be expanded, but well-funded research about the health effects of mothballs is hard to find.
Can mothballs kill you?
Holding a box downwind at arm’s length, I carefully read the entire label. It said “Poison! Do not eat!”, but made no mention of hazardous effects of the vapor. The words “cancer” or “cataract” appeared nowhere on the box. Eating mothballs (which allegedly taste very sweet) can kill you within days, and is nearly certain to give you major cataracts even if you do survive.
Is mothball a carcinogen?
Mothballs are regarded as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, a division of the World Health Organization), the US National Toxicology Program, and the State of California, among others. They are also toxic in several other non-cancerous ways, and can cause cataracts and irreversible retinal damage.
Is mothball cancer dangerous?
Continue Reading. Mothballs are very dangerous, and are not labeled adequately in the US and other countries.
Do not eat mothballs?
Eating mothballs (which allegedly taste very sweet) can kill you within days, and is nearly certain to give you major cataracts even if you do survive.
Do moth balls repel snakes?
Yes, a few different studies have painted a close correlation between exposure to alpha-napthalene, the active ingredient in moth balls, and a sharp increase in the rates of some otherwise quite rare cancers. Among the reasons people are exposed is the false belief that moth balls repel snakes.
