Should you use Moth balls or is there a Better Moth Repellent?

Mothballs have been around for ages – something even “granny” used to use. But do they actually work to protect your clothes from clothes moths and are there any modern alternatives?

What are mothballs made of?

Traditional mothballs have a very distinctive smell. The smell is due to the insecticide ingredient in moth balls – naphthalene. In fact, they are nearly 100% naphthalene. Napthalene is a solid, but sublimes (turns from solid into gas) at room temperature.

Are mothballs safe?

Napthalene mothballs need to be used carefully. Significant adverse effects can occur if the mothballs are swallowed, but also if high levels of naphthalene gas are inhaled (which is generally not the case in the home environment). For those with increased sensitivity, especially babies and young children, skin contact can also present an issue. Although they are available in Australia, moth balls are banned in New Zealand and other countries.

If mothballs are to be used, the use and safety instruction on the package should be followed closely. Importantly, direct contact with the mothballs should be avoided and the mothballs kept out of the reach of children. Australian guidelines recommend that the use of naphthalene is restricted around children under three years of age.

This means that children’s blankets and clothes should not be stored with mothballs containing naphthalene, and mothballs should not be used in young children’s rooms or in areas where young children may be present or have access .

Any clothes stored with mothballs should be washed thoroughly before wearing.

If you have concerns about accidental exposure or ingestion of mothballs call the Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26.

Review of naphthalene toxicology.

Do mothballs work?

The naphthalene in mothballs will kill all life-stages of the clothes moth and indeed other insects, but it requires a sufficient concentration of naphthalene in the air. This is best achieved if the mothballs are placed within an enclosed space, such as a suitcase. They will work in a wardrobe, as long as there are enough mothballs, but of course the regular opening and closing of wardrobes reduces the concentration in the wardrobe and therefore their performance. They work best when in an enclose environment, such as a suitcase or storage bag containing out of season clothes.

Alternatives to naphthalene mothballs?

Camphor mothballs

Camphor, a natural repellent, is also used in some moth balls. Although it is natural, it is not non-toxic and so precautions should be taken to prevent contact and ingestion. Indeed, camphor mothballs are also banned in New Zealand. Although it provides some level of protection, like other essential oils marketed as insect repellents, the data supporting their performance is somewhat limited.

Cedar mothballs

Mothballs made of cedar wood are believed to have some effect, with their main mode of action in deterring adult moths from laying eggs. They will not kill adult moths or the larvae that cause all the damage. Again, supporting data is limited and any effect will wear off with time.

Lavendar mothballs

Another essential oil marketed as having moth repelling properties is lavander. Lavender actually contains camphor, so it is perhaps not surprising that it can have some repellent effect. But like camphor its protection is not complete and it wanes with time.

PestXpert Total Moth Control

PestXpert Total Moth Control, is a new type of moth protection product that delivers both improved performance with an improved safety profile. PestXpert Total Moth Control actually kills moths, rather than just repelling them. It utilises patented ActivAir technology, which controls the release of the active ingredient, providing up to 3 months protection. This new active ingredient is odourless, and it is used at very low levels, which gives it its improved safety profile compared to traditional mothballs.

So, there’s no need for your clothes to smell like granny’s. Protect your clothes with the latest in moth protection products – PestXpert Total Moth Control (also works on pantry moths).

PestXpert Products for Moth Control

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  PestXpert Total Moth Control

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  PestXpert Pro-Spray Flying

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  PestXpert Pro-Spray Crawling

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  PestXpert Pro-Spray Indoor and Outdoor Multi-Insect Spray