How to Understand Five Natural Moth Ball Alternatives

Moths only feast on fibers from animals, such as wool, feathers or felt. Synthetic fibers are not vulnerable to moths.

Mothballs are pesticides regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These powerful chemicals are intended to be used in a tightly closed container, where the pesticide evaporates and kills moths and their larvae. The chemicals in mothballs are often toxic, and many people find the smell of mothballs unpleasant. Fortunately, there are several natural mothball alternatives that repel these insects without harmful chemicals or unpleasant smells.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Clothes washer and dryer
• Containers with tight-fitting lids
• Cheesecloth
• Lavender
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Cedar blocks
• Boric acid dust
• Vacuum with HEPA filter

1. Wash and dry your clothes thoroughly before putting them away. Moths appear to be attracted to human scents, so an item that has been worn but not washed is a prime target. Items that will be in storage for a long time should be taken outside once or twice a month and exposed to the sunlight. Brush the clothes off before returning them to storage. Blankets and clothing that are out-of-season can be store in sealed containers.

2. Dust cracks and crevices with boric acid dust to control existing infestations. Boric acid is a nontoxic material widely found in nature. Although not harmful to humans, it paralyzes and dehydrates the insects that come into contact with it.

3. Store clothing near cedar chips or blocks. The smell of cedar is a natural moth repellant. Sand the cedar blocks or replace the chips when they begin to lose their scent. If you're lucky enough to have a cedar chest or closet, designate that space for your woolens.

4. Fill a small cheesecloth or cotton bag with herbal repellants. Create a lavender sachet by using dried lavender buds. A sachet made from a mixture of half mint and half rosemary will also repel the pests. As a bonus, these scents are much more pleasant than the chemical smell of mothballs.

5. Vacuum closets and clothes drawers with a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Vacuum other places where lint, pet hair and human hair may collect, such as furniture. Lint and hair that have been left undisturbed for a long time are ideal moth breeding grounds.

Tips & Warnings

• Dispose of any old mothballs at a place that collects hazardous household waste.

References

• National Pesticide Information Center; Mothballs -- Regulation, Proper Uses and Alternatives; June 2011
• Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection; Pollution Prevention View; 2010
• Oregon State University Extension; There Are Alternatives to the Dangers of Mothballs; Judy Scott
• Beyond Pesticides: Boric Acid/ Borates/ Borax