What happens when mothballs get wet?

Author: Chasity Powlowski DDS  |  Last update: Monday, March 17, 2025

Moth balls are made of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are both volatile compounds that slowly vaporize over time to repel moths and other insects. When moth balls get wet from the rain, their effectiveness can be greatly reduced because the water can dissolve the compounds and dilute their concentration.

What happens if you put mothballs outside?

Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors. The active ingredients can contaminate water and soil, harm wildlife, and contribute to air pollution.

Can mothballs dissolve in water?

The analysed sample was identified as naphthalene. Conclusion: Naphthalene was most likely the primary ingredient in all the mothballs purchased for the study. Naphthalene is poorly soluble in water, and 'camphor water' is unlikely to cause harm.

Can mothballs go bad?

Traditional mothballs, made from chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, typically last between 2 to 6 months depending on the environment.

Is putting mothballs in your yard illegal?

Using mothballs in a way not specified by the label is not only illegal, but can harm people, pets or the environment. Some mothballs for sale may be illegal, which means they were imported without oversight of the product contents or labeling. Because they have not been evaluated, the risks they pose are unknown.

Why would you put mothballs in your yard?

What kind of animals do mothballs keep away?

“Unfortunately, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths, including squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons and a variety of other animals,” Stock said. “Any such use is illegal and can be harmful to human health.

Why do people put mothballs in their yard?

Mothballs are occasionally thrown in gardens and lawns to keep away pets and other animals. However, mothballs are ineffective in repelling wildlife in outdoor areas such as rats, mice, squirrels, bats, snakes, or other wildlife.

Is it OK to breathe in the smell of mothballs?

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.

What does putting mothballs around your house do?

Mothballs are classified as a pesticide and used to control moths, silverfish and other fiber pests in wool and other natural fiber clothing and materials.

Do moth balls keep mice away?

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.

Do mothballs still work if they get wet?

Moth balls are made of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are both volatile compounds that slowly vaporize over time to repel moths and other insects. When moth balls get wet from the rain, their effectiveness can be greatly reduced because the water can dissolve the compounds and dilute their concentration.

Can you throw away mothballs?

Thoroughly clean clothes that are to be stored, then seal them in plastic bags to minimize the need for mothballs. Wash clothing and bedding that has been stored in mothballs before wearing or using them. Dispose of mothballs with other household hazardous waste.

Do moth balls keep snakes away?

Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.

Why are mothballs banned?

Common Illegal Pesticide Products. Illegal naphthalene moth repellent products -- mothballs -- are hazardous to young children. Mothballs can easily be mistaken for candy, or simply tempt young children to touch and play with them. Recent studies link naphthalene to illnesses, including nasal cancer.

Is it safe to put mothballs under my bed?

Don't place mothballs or boric acid dust between the mattress and box spring or under and around the bed.

Can you touch mothballs with your bare hands?

Do not allow children or animals to come into contact with mothballs or allow them to consume them (this should go without saying). If ingested, seek medical attention immediately! If you have found mothballs, do not touch them with your bare hands: use gloves.

What all animals do mothballs keep away?

Can mothballs be used to repel pests indoors/outdoors? Mothballs are somewhat effective at repelling rats, mice, squirrels, bats, snakes, or other wildlife in outdoor areas. However, mothballs may contaminate soil and water and their use as animal repellants is not appropriate and can be illegal.

How long do mothballs last in your yard?

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.

What is the most effective moth repellent?

Lavender — Lavender is a widely-loved moth repellent for good reason. Its floral scent is delightful to humans but repulsive to moths. Our 'Protect Me' Scent Bags can be placed in closets and drawers to protect your garments. Plus, they impart a lovely fragrance to all surrounding clothes.

Is it illegal to put mothballs outside?

Most misuse involves outdoor placement of mothballs with the mistaken idea that this pesticide will repel snakes and other nuisance wildlife. Some snake and wildlife repellents available at retail stores do contain naphthalene; however, mothball products are not approved for such use, and this practice is illegal.

Why does my husband smell like mothballs?

Poor Oral Hygiene

As they digest these food items they produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) which can smell like mothballs. One of the most common sources of halitosis is therefore a lack of oral hygiene – or associated dental problems such as tooth decay or calculus.

Do mothballs keep roaches away?

Put two to three mothballs as close to the roach-frequented site as possible. The roaches will immediately smell its pungent scent, leading them to venture closer. The overwhelming smell of naphthalene will block the roach's respiratory system, repelling or, in some cases, killing them.

Why don t we use mothballs anymore?

Improved Home Pest Control

While climate control and fabric blends mean moths are less likely to make their way inside your home and far less likely to find a suitable meal while there, improved pest control services have also played a part in the decline of demand for mothballs.

Where should you not put mothballs in?

Mothballs shouldn't be used in attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans, or vehicles. Sometimes, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths. They include squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons, and a variety of other animals.

How to dispose of mothballs?

Simply store the mothballs in a plastic box until a hazardous waste service provider can collect them through drop-off centers or collection events.

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