what can be used instead of mothballs

Are moth balls harmful?

People exposed to mothballs for an extended time can suffer more serious liver and kidney damage. Mothballs are also dangerous because they can be mistaken for candy or food and eaten by children or pets. One mothball can cause serious harm if eaten by a child.

Are moth balls toxic to humans?

Mothballs are a pesticide and their ingredients can be harmful to humans and pets. If mothballs are ingested or inhaled, there is a danger of serious illness. Some effects are obvious at once, while others can take longer to develop. Is This an Emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

What do moth balls kill?

The fumes from mothballs kill clothes moths, their eggs and larvae that eat natural fbers in indoor storage areas, such as closets, attics and basements. Clothing Moth (Tineola bisselliella) Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors. The active ingredients can contaminate water and soil, harm wildlife, and contribute to airpollution.

Will moth balls repel insects?

You can use mothballs to repel moths and other insects with various levels of success. Where you notice a heavy presence of insects, it is worth trying mothballs as a deterrent. Do Mothballs Repel Mice?

How do I get rid of moths without mothballs?

You can also use white vinegar and water or a mixture of vinegar, neem oil, and vinegar to make a moth-killing spray.

What is a natural moth repellent?

Make your own natural repellant – Place dried rosemary, thyme, cloves, lavender or bay leaves into a small cloth bag and hang them in your wardrobe and place them in your drawers. The oil form of these herbs, sprayed on contaminated areas and clothes, can also repel moths.

What is alternative for naphthalene balls?

If you don't have one, use cedar shavings! Red cedar shavings have long been hailed as an alternative to naphthalene balls. Traditional cedar closets do the work for you but, if you don't have that, don't fret. Source some red cedar shavings and place them in corners of your drawers and closets.

What home remedy kills moths?

Use hot water and high heat in the dryer, if possible. For clothes that can't be washed or dried hot, put wet clothes in the freezer for a day to kill larvae and eggs. Use vinegar to help. Wash and scrub any areas you found larvae or eggs with a vinegar and water solution.

What smells do moths dislike?

Moths tend to dislike lavender and Cedar. Although lavender smells great to humans, it is highly repellent to insects like moths. Cedar is another great choice. Cedar masks the smell of natural fabrics and also gives clothing and linens a fresh, fragrant aroma.

What smell kills moths?

Lavender. Fill sachets with dried lavender, or dip cotton balls in lavender essential oil. Then, place them in your closets, drawers, and boxes of off-season clothes. Lavender smells great to us, but it's highly repellent to moths and other insects.

Is there a natural alternative to mothballs?

Cloves, Rosemary and Thyme You've probably figured out by now that many spices in your kitchen pantry are effective mothball alternatives. These include cloves, rosemary and thyme. Mix these herbs together to create wonderful smelling sachet bags for your closet and storage items.

How do you make homemade mothballs?

0:001:30How to Make Natural Moth Balls - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you can use either essential oil of cedar or rosemary 100 pure essential oil put a fewMoreAnd then you can use either essential oil of cedar or rosemary 100 pure essential oil put a few drops on the cotton ball. Like so and that's it.

What smells similar to mothballs?

Naphthalene is either a white solid or a liquid with a strong odor like mothballs. It's used to make dyes, explosives, plastics, lubricants, and is found naturally in crude oil. It is also found in coal tar wastes at former manufactured gas plants.

How do you get rid of moths permanently?

5 Ways to Get Rid of MothsDeep Clean the Area. Use soap and water to wipe down surfaces and thoroughly vacuum cracks and crevices.Use a Natural Moth Killer. This will safely remove any larvae and eggs that might still be present.Store Clothes Correctly. ... Use A Moth Repellant. ... Repeat Every Season.

Does vinegar get rid of moths?

Vinegar: Vinegar really can be used for anything. And when it comes to cleaning out your closet or storage box to repel moths, it does the job. The strong acidic smell of vinegar will repel moths away from the area as well as cleanse the area from dirt, dust, moth eggs and larvae.

Does baking soda get rid of moths?

One of the best methods to do so is to combine baking soda and white vinegar. It will not only help you eradicate moths once and for all but will also help you remove those annoying spots and stains from your rugs and carpets.

What is the best deterrent for moths?

Lavender oil is a good idea for scaring off clothes moths, too. Williams suggests hand-washing “vulnerable garments” with a few drops of natural essential lavender oil at the end of the season. The oil can also re-scent pouches that have faded over time.

Does vinegar keep moths away?

Vinegar: Vinegar really can be used for anything. And when it comes to cleaning out your closet or storage box to repel moths, it does the job. The strong acidic smell of vinegar will repel moths away from the area as well as cleanse the area from dirt, dust, moth eggs and larvae.

How do you make homemade moth killer?

DIY Fragrant Water16 ounce spray bottle.1/2-1 Tablespoon essential oil* (experiment with you own mix using scents you like; my favorite source is Enfleurage)1/2 ounce distilled alcohol (optional, to help water and oil mix; vodka also works)Distilled water, or a mix of distilled water and rosewater to fill bottle.

Does Irish Spring soap keep moths away?

Tip. Irish Spring soap repels mammal pests, such as mice, rabbit and deer. It does not repel insect pests.

What Are Mothballs Used For?

Are mothballs really worthwhile and what risks do you run using toxic products in your home? Here we guide you through the myths and facts of mothballs and explore the natural and safer alternatives.

Why do you need to search for mothballs?

You turn to search for mothballs to help prevent your clothing from becoming a moth-ridden mess!

What is the best wood to keep moths away from clothes?

This connection is probably reinforced by the fact that a search for mothballs will often yield “cedar balls” designed to ward off the household clothes moth. The oil in cedar wood is a powerful repellent that will keep moths away from your clothing.

What is the best spray to kill moths?

Homemade Moth Repellent Spray. Alongside placing packets of lavender or rosemary all over the place, you can mix up a DIY spray. It’s easy to make and uses ingredients like neem oil, which is proven to repel and kill many species of moths, including clothes moths.

What is a non toxic moth trap?

Non-toxic clothes moth traps are an excellent modern alternative to old fashioned (outlawed!) mothballs, because they don’t contain hazardous fumes, are easy to use, and effectively trap adult moths on the sticky paper for easy clean up .

How to make moth spray?

For a basic recipe of homemade moth spray you'll need a 2-quart spray bottle. Pour in ¼ cup of neem oil. Fill the remaining space with water and add some liquid soap. You can also use white vinegar and water or a mixture of vinegar, neem oil, and vinegar to make a moth-killing spray.

What to use to protect clothes during a wash?

For more delicate items, go ahead and use a laundry mesh bag to protect your clothes during a rigorous wash.

What keeps moths out of wool?

Follow. Print. Flag. Mothballs can be an effective method of keeping moths out of your stored woolen clothing. However, they are also made from the highly toxic chemical naphthalene and are linked to several health issues, especially in children.

How to get rid of moths in closet?

Then using double-layer cheesecloth, sew little pillows or make little bags to hold about 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Make little bags to hang in your closet and a little pillows to put in your drawers. You can also just sprinkle this mixture in areas that you want to prevent moths, but be careful. If comes into contact with clothing, it can stain.

What spices are used in book boxes?

When most of our belongings went into storage for 12 months, I used peppercorns and cloves (wrapped together in muslin) in all clothing containers, and bay leaves in all my book boxes. Never had a problem and everything smelt nice when I unpacked.

How many bars of soap should I put in a barrel?

I place 1 or 2 bars or scented soap, unwrapped, in each barrel and have never had a problem with moths or other insects. By joesgirl

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.

What insect can ruin clothes?

– Controlling pests outdoors is a common summer practice for gardeners, but it's also important to know how to safely and effectively protect against an insect that feeds indoors and can ruin clothing: clothes moths.

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.".

What is the best way to repel moths?

Cedar balls and blocks are also said to be effective in repelling moths, but need to be sanded occasionally in order to “refresh” them. Cedar kept popping up when researching this topic and many people reported it to be highly effective. Some people even go as far as lining their cupboards with cedar panelling.

How to get rid of moth eggs?

This is to ensure any eggs have been removed and odd as it may seem, it appears moths are attracted to human scents. – Wipe out all containers or drawers to be used for storage to remove any existing moth eggs. – Ensure clothes are thoroughly dry before storing. – Store clothing in well sealed containers.

Is a mothball flammable?

Back when I was growing up, mothballs were made mainly of naphthalene, which is highly flammable.

Can you use moth balls on woolens?

Ditch the mothballs – greener alternatives. While having moths dine on your expensive woolens is very undesirable, there are some more earth friendly alternatives to mothballs: – Ensure all your woollens are was hed before storing.

Do you wash mothball protected clothing?

If you do find yourselve having to face mothball protected clothing for one more time before you switch to other alternatives, ensure you wash the items thoroughly to remove all trace of the mothball smell before use.

What is the best way to get rid of mothballs?

Cedar chips have a far more pleasant smell than mothballs, as long as you don’t mind wood scents. You can put them in a sachet and dropped into storage bins, put in storage drawers, or placed on the shelves in your closet. You can hang a block of cedar in your closet or the attic.

What is the best scent to keep clothes from moths?

Lavender is a relaxing scent that can also protect your clothing and other susceptible storage items from moths (and it smells way better than mothballs). You can decorate your closet shelves and your attic with sprigs of dried lavender , or you can fill sachets with dried lavender flowers.

Do cedar blocks repel rodents?

You’ll find no shortage of shapes and sizes of cedar blocks ranging from little discs you can tuck in drawers to hanging options meant for closets and wardrobes. Cedar chips will also repel rodents. Rats and mice find the natural acids in and aroma off cedar irritating and prefer to avoid it.

Does lavender repel moths?

Lavender does more than keep away moths ; it’s also effective against mites and spiders. Both of these critters can find their way into your storage items, storage areas, and your closets.

Do mothballs smell?

But mothballs are foul-smelling, and the stink can linger on material for a long time. Fortunately, there are some alternatives that smell much better! While clothing is one of the most common things to attract bugs like moths, you can use these same options when storing linens, papers, and other stuff that could attract moths and rodents.

How to get rid of mothballs on floors?

The best way to remove the mothball smell is to deep clean your floors with baking soda. For rooms or closets, fill up a bowl with vinegar or coffee grounds and leave it there for a few hours. Finally, air fresheners can offer temporary relief to the smell.

What are mothballs made of?

Mothballs are traditionally made of chemical pesticide. The primary ingredient is the chemical naphthalene. When naphthalene is exposed to air, it becomes a gas that irritates the eyes and lungs, and can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Naphthalene, just like other pesticides, are evidenced to cause cancer and respiratory problems.

What does it mean when you smell mothballs?

The musty, sour smell of mothballs is often mistaken for mold or mildew. Make sure to rule out the presence of mold in your home first. If the scent is strongest in your kitchen, bathroom, or basement, you may have to worry about getting rid of mold rather than mothballs.

How long does it take for a mothball to dissipate?

If the mothball is placed under a covering or inside a closed space, it can take up to 12 months to dissipate. And even after a mothball fully dissolves, its smell can be easily absorbed into nearby material and remain there for months or even years! That’s why the scent is so challenging to get rid of.

Why do moth balls emit noxious gases?

Because mothballs were invented using chemical pesticides to repel insects, these little white balls emit a noxious gas when exposed to air. Once the gas is released, the sour, pungent fumes get absorbed by the materials around it such as clothing, bedding, carpeting, and even wall insulation.

How to get rid of a bad smell in your house?

The first thing you should do is ventilate your entire home so the odor particles can dissipate faster. Open all the windows and doors, strategically place box fans to push the air outside, and turn on your house fan if you have an HVAC system. You can also place an air purifier in the rooms that smell the worst.

What to put in clothing to keep moths away?

Try placing some of these affordable and natural options in your storage spaces: cedar chips, a bowl of activated charcoal, satchels of lavender, or dried mint. You can also place your clothing in air-tight storage containers.