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(Not) Using Mothballs
- This could be a very short article, just three words. “Don't use 'em”. -
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Summary: Mothballs are made from two very toxic chemicals. As such we no longer recommend that mothballs be used for carpet beetle and clothes moth control. There are now effective alternatives.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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What are mothballs made of?
 Mothballs are made of white crystals of two very dangerous chemicals, para-dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene) and/or naphthalene. Both chemicals are solid at room temperature but produce very strong vapors. Mothballs are sold as flakes or pressed into cakes.
Both of these chemicals are fumigants and must be present in high concentration to be effective, and this is the problem. Concentrations high enough to be effective for insect control can be dangerous for anyone exposed to them.
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carpet beetle (magnified; ~ 1/8" long); some carpet beetles are all black
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Should I use mothballs?
No. Mothballs are used mainly to ward off insect pests that damage clothes (carpet beetles, clothes moths) and as a deterrent to some landscape pests. They are often used in excess which exposes people to these hazardous compounds.
Para-dichlorobenzene may be a carcinogen and may also damage the liver and kidneys at high doses. Naphthalene can damage the liver and cause eye injury. In short, mothballs should not be used by homeowners.
If they are used, however, they should only be used sparingly and anything stored around mothballs should be thoroughly cleaned. Dry clean wool and silk articles or wash other fabrics to remove all mothball smell before use.
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There are alternatives to mothballs for clothes moths and carpet beetles. The most important point to remember about clothes moths is that soiled cloth is much more likely to become infested. Do not put clothes that have been worn into long-term storage without first cleaning them. Dry cleaning is the most effective method for removing insect eggs and larvae.
Store clean clothes in plastic bags or boxes that are tightly sealed. Be cautious of imported wool textiles especially. Dry clean any soiled item before you bring it home. Infested drawers and closets should be completely emptied and wiped down with a mild solution of household cleaner. Dry clean all wool or silk articles, non-wool or silk articles can be washed and dried under heat.
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What about cedar chests and cedar-lined closets?
Cedar oils, at concentrations present in cedar chests, closets and scented wood blocks, have almost no value as moth or beetle repellents. The value of a cedar chest is that the chest is tightly closed, thus preventing entry of moths or beetles. So enjoy the aroma of your cedar but don't expect it to chase away any bugs!
Related information: go to US Environmental Protection Agency or National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences then search on "mothballs".
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