Mothballs can prevent moth-eaten clothes, but shouldn't be used loose in the closet.
Mothballs don't just ward off clothes-eating moths with their foul odor, they are actually made of pesticides made to kill moths and their offspring. These pesticides can be dangerous if not used properly. Mothballs are not intended to be placed loose in or around the home. Instead, they are designed to be used in airtight spaces, like sealed containers. Does this Spark an idea?
Pesticide Vapors
Mothballs are actually a solid pesticide that dissolves as a vapor when exposed to air. The resulting fumes are toxic and can cause health problems if continuously inhaled. Although a closet is an enclosed space, it is not airtight, and the fumes can reach other areas. Vapors are also inhaled each time the closet is opened, and often linger on clothes stored in the closet.
Children and Pets
Because they are an insecticide, mothballs are toxic if ingested and can cause irritation and skin problems if handled improperly, reports the National Pesticide Information Center. This presents a danger if they are placed loose in a closet where they can be reached by children and pets.
Odor
In addition to the fumes released from mothballs being dangerous, the odor is unpleasant. When mothballs are placed in a closet, their smell permeates all of the clothing and items stored there. The odor is difficult to remove and can often be detected on clothes even after they have been laundered. Also, since moths do not eat clothes made of synthetic fibers, using mothballs in a closet imparts the smell to those clothes unnecessarily.
Garment Bags or Containers
Mothballs should be placed in sealed garment bags or plastic containers with the clothes they are intended to protect. This keeps the dangerous fumes from spreading, and allows them to work as intended, by building up beyond the tolerance level of moths and their eggs. Sealed bags and containers can be stored in the closet, but should be placed out of reach of children and pets.
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