Few things are as frustrating as pulling out a favorite sweater or a cherished piece of clothing, only to find it riddled with tiny holes. Moths and their larvae can quietly wreak havoc on fabrics, leaving behind irreversible damage. In an attempt to protect their wardrobes, many people turn to mothballs, a product widely believed to be a simple and effective solution.
Mothballs have been used for decades as a way to deter moths and other fabric-damaging pests. Their strong, chemical odor is unmistakable, often bringing back memories of old trunks or closets. While they may seem like an easy fix, the reality is far more complex. The chemicals that make mothballs effective are also what make them potentially hazardous. Improper use, prolonged exposure, and even legal restrictions surrounding mothballs all raise important concerns.
Before reaching for a bag of mothballs, it’s essential to understand what they are, how they work, and, most importantly, the risks they pose. Their toxic nature affects not only moths but also humans, pets, and the environment. This article will break down the dangers of mothballs, how exposure can impact health, and why it may be best to consider safer alternatives for protecting your clothing.
What Are Mothballs?
Mothballs are small, pesticide-containing balls or tablets designed to repel and kill clothes moths and their larvae. Their primary purpose is to protect fabric-based items—such as clothing, blankets, and upholstery from insect damage. While they are commonly associated with moth prevention, they are also sometimes (and often improperly) used to deter other pests like rodents and insects.
The active ingredients in mothballs are typically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, both of which are chemical compounds that transition from a solid state to a gas through a process called sublimation. As the mothballs gradually evaporate, they release toxic fumes into the surrounding air. These fumes kill moths and their larvae by disrupting their biological functions, effectively preventing further fabric damage. However, the same fumes that eliminate pests can also pose serious health risks to humans and pets when inhaled in significant amounts.
For mothballs to work as intended, they must be used inside airtight, sealed containers, such as plastic storage bins or garment bags. This containment ensures that the fumes remain concentrated enough to be effective while preventing their spread into living spaces. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly place mothballs in closets, drawers, or even open areas of their home, unknowingly exposing themselves to harmful chemicals.
While mothballs have long been a go-to solution for pest control, their proper use is often misunderstood, leading to potential health and environmental hazards. Understanding their chemical properties and correct application is crucial before considering them as an option for protecting your clothing.
Are Mothballs Toxic?
Yes, mothballs are toxic to both humans and pets. The chemicals used in mothballs, naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, are pesticides that release harmful fumes. While they are effective at killing moths, these same fumes can cause a range of health issues when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
Health Risks for Humans and Pets
Even limited exposure to mothball fumes can lead to unpleasant side effects, while prolonged or repeated exposure can cause serious health complications.
- Short-Term Effects:
- Headaches
- Nausea and dizziness
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Coughing or respiratory discomfort
- Long-Term Risks:
- Hemolytic anemia – a condition where red blood cells break down faster than they can be replaced, particularly dangerous for individuals with G6PD deficiency
- Liver and kidney damage – prolonged exposure to the chemicals in mothballs can impair organ function
- Potential carcinogenic effects – the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classify naphthalene as a possible human carcinogen, meaning long-term exposure may increase cancer risk
How Exposure Occurs
People and pets can be exposed to mothball chemicals in multiple ways:
- Inhalation of fumes – The most common route of exposure. If you can smell mothballs, you are inhaling their toxic chemicals.
- Direct contact – Handling mothballs or clothing stored with them can transfer chemicals onto the skin.
- Accidental ingestion – Pets and young children may mistake mothballs for food or candy, leading to poisoning. Even a single ingested mothball can cause severe toxic effects.
Regulatory Oversight by the EPA and Legal Restrictions
Due to the known dangers, the EPA strictly regulates mothballs under pesticide laws. Legally sold mothball products must come with clear labeling on how to use them safely—which includes keeping them in sealed, airtight containers and never using them in open spaces.
However, improper use is still common, and some people unknowingly break the law by using mothballs outdoors, in closets, or even as a general pest repellent. Using mothballs in any way not specified on the label is illegal and can lead to environmental contamination and health hazards.
Why Proper Labeling Doesn’t Eliminate All Risks
Even when used correctly, mothballs still release toxic gases. The fumes can escape through tiny cracks in storage containers and disperse into your home, exposing you to harmful chemicals over time. Additionally, once mothballs fully evaporate, they leave behind chemical residues that can linger on clothing, furniture, and in the air, leading to continued exposure.
Because of these risks, many health and environmental agencies recommend avoiding mothballs altogether and choosing safer, non-toxic alternatives for moth control.
Dangers of Misusing Mothballs
Despite being a widely available pest control product, mothballs are frequently misused, often in ways that make them even more hazardous. Many people assume they can place mothballs anywhere to repel pests, but improper use increases health risks and can lead to environmental contamination.
Illegal and Unsafe Uses
Mothballs are strictly regulated as pesticides, meaning they must be used exactly as instructed on the label. However, many people use them improperly, often unknowingly breaking the law. Some illegal and unsafe uses include:
- Placing mothballs outdoors – People sometimes scatter mothballs in gardens, under porches, or around homes to repel rodents, snakes, or other pests. This is illegal and harmful to the environment.
- Using mothballs in trash cans – Some individuals place them in garbage bins to mask odors or deter animals, leading to unnecessary exposure.
- Repelling other pests – Mothballs are intended only for controlling moths in sealed containers. Using them to deter mice, squirrels, or insects is unsafe and ineffective.
- Leaving mothballs in open spaces – Many people mistakenly put them in closets, attics, or drawers, allowing the toxic fumes to circulate freely in living areas.
Using mothballs in any of these ways violates federal regulations and can put human health, pets, and wildlife at risk.
Environmental Impact and Contamination Risks
When mothballs are used improperly especially outdoors their toxic chemicals leach into the soil, water, and air, contaminating the environment. Some risks include:
- Air pollution – Mothballs continuously release toxic vapors, contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
- Soil and water contamination – Naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene are harmful to plants, aquatic life, and beneficial insects. Rain can wash these chemicals into groundwater, polluting drinking sources.
- Wildlife poisoning – Animals may accidentally ingest mothballs, leading to poisoning, organ damage, or death.
Because mothballs do not break down easily, their environmental impact can persist long after they have evaporated.
Difficulty in Avoiding Exposure Even When Used as Directed
Even when used according to the label, mothballs still pose exposure risks. The toxic fumes can escape through small openings in storage containers, slowly spreading into your home. This means that:
- The air inside your home can become contaminated with harmful chemicals.
- Clothing and stored fabrics can absorb mothball chemicals, making them unsafe to wear without thorough washing.
- Young children and pets can be exposed even if they don’t directly touch the mothballs.
Because avoiding exposure is nearly impossible, many health and environmental experts strongly discourage using mothballs and instead recommend safer, non-toxic alternatives to protect clothing from moth damage.
Safer Alternatives to Mothballs
Given the health risks and environmental hazards associated with mothballs, it’s best to explore safer, non-toxic alternatives to protect your clothing. Effective moth prevention starts with proper cleaning, storage, and the use of natural repellents. In severe cases, professional pest control may be necessary.
Cleaning and Prevention
The first step in controlling moths is to eliminate their eggs and larvae, which are the real culprits behind fabric damage. Here’s how:
- Vacuum regularly – Moths lay eggs in carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Vacuuming removes eggs and larvae before they mature into fabric-eating moths. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister outside immediately after use.
- Launder clothes and linens – Wash or dry-clean clothing, blankets, and upholstery before storing them, as moths are attracted to sweat, body oils, and food residue.
- Store clothing properly – Use airtight plastic bins, garment bags, or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent moths from accessing your fabrics. Avoid using cardboard boxes, as moths can easily chew through them.
Regular cleaning and mindful storage can prevent infestations before they start, reducing the need for chemical repellents altogether.
Natural Moth Repellents
Instead of toxic mothballs, consider using natural repellents that are safer for your home and health. These options deter moths without releasing harmful fumes:
- Cedarwood – Moths dislike the natural oils in cedar. Try using:
- Cedar blocks or sachets in drawers and closets.
- Cedar oil sprays to refresh old cedarwood or apply to storage areas.
- Essential oils – Moths are repelled by strong herbal scents. Place sachets or cotton balls infused with:
- Lavender – A pleasant, floral scent that naturally deters moths.
- Rosemary, cloves, bay leaves, or thyme – These herbs also repel moths and can be stored in breathable cloth bags.
Unlike mothballs, these natural options do not pose health risks and can keep your clothes fresh while effectively preventing moth infestations.
Professional Pest Control
If a moth infestation persists despite cleaning and natural repellents, it may be time to seek professional help. Consider calling pest control experts when:
- Moths have already caused significant fabric damage in multiple areas of your home.
- You notice persistent moth activity despite taking preventive measures.
- You need targeted treatments to eliminate moths from carpets, furniture, or other hard-to-reach places.
Pest control professionals can assess the extent of the infestation and recommend safe, effective solutions that don’t compromise your health or home environment.
Mothballs may seem like an easy fix, but their toxicity and health risks make them a dangerous choice. Instead, by keeping your home clean, storing clothing properly, and using natural repellents, you can effectively protect your fabrics without exposing yourself and your family to harmful chemicals. If the problem persists, professional assistance ensures a safe and thorough solution.
Read more: How Long Do Dryer Balls Last? Plus, How to Refresh Them
Conclusion
While mothballs have been a long-standing solution for protecting clothes from moth damage, their toxic nature poses serious health and environmental risks. The chemicals they release can harm humans, pets, and even the air quality in your home, making them a risky choice despite being legally available. Even when used correctly, exposure is difficult to avoid, and misuse can lead to severe health consequences.
Instead of relying on mothballs, safer alternatives such as regular cleaning, proper storage, and natural repellents offer effective moth prevention without the dangers. Cedarwood, lavender, rosemary, and other essential oils can help keep moths away while keeping your home free of harmful chemicals. If an infestation persists, professional pest control can provide targeted and safe solutions.