Moths can eat holes in your natural fabric sweaters.
If moths infect your closet, they will ruin your natural fiber clothes by eating holes in them. If the moths nest in your closet, the new caterpillars will ruin your entire wardrobe. One way to prevent this is to use mothballs, which will keep the moths away from your closet. There are several advantages and disadvantages to using mothballs in your closet. Does this Spark an idea?
How They Work
The fumes from the naphthalene or para-dichlorobenzene in the mothballs are what actually kills the moths. In order for it to be effective, you must use enough mothballs so that the fumes are concentrated. Simply sprinkling the mothballs around an open closet will not produce strong enough fumes to kill the moths. Instead, you must place them in closed drawers or in airtight bags with clothes in them. The smell from concentrated mothballs is often too potent for some consumers and may give some people headaches.
Chemicals
Most mothballs contain naphthalene, which is a strong pesticide that will kill the moths. Naphthalene is a possible carcinogen, according to the Consumers Union. Other mothballs contain para-dichlorobenzene, which can poison liver, skin and the central nervous system. Children, the elderly and those with asthma are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of these chemicals.
Safety
Prevent damage and limit the possibility of negative health effects by using gloves whenever handling mothballs and by washing your hands as soon as you've placed them. Always air out clothes treated with mothballs before wearing them. If you begin to experience headaches because of the strong smell of mothballs, stop using them and air out the room as quickly as possible.
Alternatives
You can use natural alternatives to keep moths from eating your clothes. The smell of cedar wood keeps moths at bay. Install cedar blocks in your drawers and around your closet to prevent the moths from entering your closet. You can also use lavender essential oils, which may also prevent moths in the closet.
Tags: your closet, keep moths, kill moths, mothballs contain, moths from, prevent moths
