Are Mothballs Toxic? Here’s Why You Should Think Twice Before Using Them to Protect Your Clothes

Moths can be a major nuisance. If you’ve ever pulled out a beloved piece of clothing only to find irregular holes in the fabric, you know this frustration all too well. In a fit of desperation, you may then head to the store, pick up a bag of mothballs, place them near your clothes, and hope for a quick fix. Unfortunately, though, controlling a moth problem isn’t quite that simple, and the mothballs could actually be more harmful than helpful. So, it’s important to understand more about mothballs and how they work before you consider using them in your home.

What Are Mothballs?

Mothballs are a pesticide commonly made of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, these chemicals are solids at room temperature that slowly change into a gas and become fumes in the air. These fumes then kill moths, their eggs, and larvae.

In a store, you’ll typically find the product sold as multiple small packets containing mothball tablets or pellets inside. These packets are intended to be used only in tightly sealed containers (with the impacted clothing or materials inside), not in open air.

Are Mothballs Toxic?

The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to both humans and pets. People and animals can be exposed to these chemicals simply by inhaling the fumes—so if you smell mothballs, that means you’re being exposed to the chemicals. Some side effects of mothball exposure are mild and temporary, while others can can cause more serious and longterm harm. According to a fact sheet by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, “Some of the chemicals in mothballs can cause reversible health effects that include headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation, and coughing. Exposure to naphthalene can cause more serious effects, including hemolytic anemia. Naphthalene is also a possible carcinogen. Extended exposure to mothballs can also cause liver and kidney damage.”

You may also be wondering, if mothballs are so toxic, why are they still available in stores? It’s all about labelling and proper use. Mothballs are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that products are properly labeled with warnings and instructions for proper use (which includes using the product only in tight, sealed containers). In fact, using mothballs in ways that are not specified by the label—like placing them outdoors, in trash cans, or using them to repel other pests or animals—is illegal.

However, if you use mothballs at home, even as directed by the label, it’s hard to completely avoid inhaling some of the fumes. So, it’s safest to opt for alternative methods to control a moth infestation.

Alternatives to Using Mothballs

Controlling a moth infestation can be a somewhat tedious, multi-step process, but it is possible. A thorough cleaning—including vacuuming regularly and laundering your clothes and linens—is an important first step to remove larvae and eggs. (Just make sure to dispose of the contents of your vacuum bag immediately after vacuuming, as it could include eggs, larvae, or adult moths.)

To repel and keep moths away, essential oils can be an effective, natural alternative to mothballs. Moths particularly hate the scent of cedar oil, so you can try spraying cedar oil in your closet, or try hanging cedar blocks. Lavender, rosemary, cloves, bay leaves, and thyme can also work to drive moths away.

If you’re having trouble getting a moth infestation under control, don’t hesitate to call the pros for help. Professional pest control services can offer a treatment plan that will work for your home and restore your peace of mind.