Moth Balls - What Is Really Going On

Mothballs have a distinct odor.  Everyone recognizes it and everyone wrinkles up their nose at the smell.  But what’s really going on behind Mothballs?  Are they safe?

First of all, let’s look at what a Mothball really is – a small ball of chemical pesticide.  They are used to protect cloth items from those irritating little holes that either make you pick up a sewing needle or toss the item depending on how diligent the hungry larvae of the moths have been.

The most common use of Mothballs is to protect clothing.  Tossing a few in a closet is seen as a safeguard. However, Mothballs work using substances that are toxic to both the larvae and the moths. They are like dry ice (solid CO2) and undergo a physical change called sublimation. In this change the solid Mothball goes directly into the gas stage without first melting. In this gas stage the vapors can build up and kill the moths and their larvae. Mothballs are often also used to repel a number of other pests including mice and squirrels. 

But think about it for a minute.  If this stuff is so strong that it kills, do you really want to be near it?  It’s not really surprising that Mothball use has declined in recent years.  Research has indicated that the chemicals in Mothballs have the potential to cause, among other health issues, nausea, eye and skin irritation and cancer.

The health risks are attributed to two primary chemicals commonly found in Mothballs – Naphthalene derived from the distillation of coal tar and Paradichlorobenzene which is sometimes used as a substitute for Naphthalene. 

So you might want to think twice before you just toss a bunch of Mothballs into a closet.  There are safer moth removal alternatives out there.  

Chemical Insecticides Are Not The Answer

With a Moth Infestation many people will affirm that the answer is to disinfect every corner of your home and sanitize every inch of your kitchen.  

Others will hand you their exterminator’s business card and urge you to make the call immediately.  The exterminator was helpful to your friends or colleagues and they got rid of their moths with great speed never to return again.  PERFECT!  Problem solved right?  

Well, not exactly. Yes, the exterminator will come right away, but they’ll be bringing a slew of harsh chemicals that you know nothing about along with them and in turn you WILL be putting your health at great risk.

If you have children it's worse as well!

So, avoid the exterminators YES.  But that's not all you need to avoid.  Over the counter, store bought moth removal kits are also full of harsh chemicals.  

Even if you try the less invasive pheromone traps everyone talks about these days they have chemicals too.  The problem with these is that they will only attract a few of the moths running a muck in your home, and won’t rid the entire house of moths.  They also don't kill the larvae and eggs either.

The truth is that none of thoee methods really works.  Chemical exposure for long periods of time can cause you and your family a number of health problems.  These will definitely be much worse than having to deal with a moth invasion.  The toxins of those insecticides can provoke anything from birth defects to respiratory problems.  And while they may kill the moths for now, the problem will return a few months later. 

Please consider natural moth removal instead.  It's just as effective, if not more so and far better for everyone involved.