Gasses from the mothballs escape into the air and can cause respiratory problems. High levels of the chemical fumes can accumulate in closed areas. Improper use of mothballs can lead to long term exposures to people and pets.
Moth balls contain a toxic chemical, either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both become a gas when exposed to air and cause that pungent moth ball smell. These gases are irritating to the eyes and lungs and may cause headache, dizziness and nausea. They are both suspected of causing cancer.
Sleeping in a room with mothballs is generally not recommended. Mothballs contain chemicals such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which can release strong fumes that may cause respiratory issues, headaches, or other health problems, especially with prolonged exposure.
Rest assured, the kinds of moths that flutter around your room at night won't sting, bite, or otherwise hurt you. Still, you should probably try to catch and remove moths in your bedroom. After all, who wants to wake up to that throughout the night? No thanks!
One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating.
The chemicals can harm blood cells. Effects may not appear for up to five days after a mothball is eaten. The symptoms of mothball poisoning include: Nausea, vomiting, belly pain and diarrhea.
The fumes from mothballs kill clothes moths, their eggs and larvae that eat natural fibers in indoor storage areas, such as closets, attics and basements. Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors.
In the adult stage, the Common Brown House moth can live anywhere between 1-4 months depending on environmental and climatic conditions. From the day a house moth hatches from an egg to the day it dies as an adult, the timespan can range from 2-4 months. Clothes Moths and Pantry Moths are mainly found in houses.
As such, the goal here is to systematically turn off the lights in your home to lure a moth back outside. You will turn all of the lights off in your house leaving only one light on near your patio. As the moth seeks new light sources to chase, it will usually fly back outside where it belongs.
Moths have the capability of leaving behind larvae. Larvae leave holes in fabrics – which means that your clothes and furniture is at risk. When feeding, moths leave behind feces stains. This contaminates foods and other items in the home.
Put it in something that way it's not handled or eaten and one to two in a closet, three or 4 in a large room where something/someone can't get to it. It's only harmful if you have a large amount absorbed or consumed. It is a pesticide, it is labeled as such.
Natural alternatives such as cedarwood, lavender sachets, or essential oils offer a pleasant fragrance while effectively repelling moths. These alternatives are safe, non-toxic, and provide safeguarding without compromising indoor air quality.
Despite popular belief, mothballs are not an effective solution for deterring mice. While these pesticide products contain strong smelling substances like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, their efficacy against rodents is minimal at best.
Some of the chemicals in mothballs can cause reversible health effects that include headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation and coughing.
Mothballs are initially used to protect your clothes, but can actually end up making them unwearable because of the odor they leave behind.
Using mothballs in a way not specified by the label is not only illegal, but can harm people, pets, or the environment. Eating naphthalene-containing products such as mothballs can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, painful urination, and discolored urine or feces.
A few common bedroom locations where moths are likely to hide include master closets, bins stored under the bed, clothing chests, or other dark, undisturbed places where natural fabrics are stored.
An easy and time-honored method of drawing them out of hiding is to take advantage of their night-time instincts for navigating darkness by seeking out bright lights (historically, the moon and stars).
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.
Moth Encounters and Omens
A moth flying around in your home is an indication of a few things: your deceased ancestors or relatives are visiting; a warning that your enemies seek to see you harmed; there is or will be a fight or dissolution of your relationship.
For instance, some mattresses are stuffed with natural fibers such as wool, feathers or cashmere. While these high-end materials can give you a great night's sleep, they may also attract certain insects, like Clothes Moths, that feed on these materials.
Inhalation of naphthalene may cause skin and eye irritation; gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea; neurologic symptoms, such as confusion, excitement, and convulsions; renal problems, such as acute renal shutdown; and hematologic features, such as icterus and severe anemia ...
Mothballs must be used in an airtight space, such as an airtight garment bag or other containers labeled as airtight, and never in an open closet or plastic garbage bag. Once vapors enter the home, their odor can be detected at a few parts per billion in the air, Stock said.
Mothballs should not be used inside attics, wall voids, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans, or vehicles. Often, mothballs are used in these locations in an effort to control some pest other than clothes moths.