A: The chemicals in mothballs are not translocated into edible plants. Some gardeners use mothballs to keep out rabbits and squirrels but the results are questionable. Mothballs can kill the vegetables by touching them .
Will mothballs hurt tomato plants?
The Gardening Channel notes that chemicals in the mothballs irritate moles , forcing them to abandon the tunnels and go elsewhere. Do not place any mothballs into the hole where your tomato plants will go. The ingredients in the mothballs will kill the plant if placed that close together in a confined underground space.
Are mothballs safe for vegetable gardens?
A: The chemicals in mothballs are not translocated into edible plants. Some gardeners use mothballs to keep out rabbits and squirrels but the results are questionable. Mothballs can kill the vegetables by touching them .
Can I put moth balls in my garden?
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 contaminate food?
Pantry moths lay their eggs on stored food and grains. Mothballs should not be used around food or food preparation areas . ...
Why are moth balls banned?
Exposure to naphthalene mothballs can cause acute hemolysis (anemia) in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. IARC classifies naphthalene as possibly carcinogenic to humans and other animals (see also Group 2B). ... Mothballs containing naphthalene have been banned within the EU since 2008.
What can I use instead of moth balls?
- Lavender Satchels. While the soothing scent of lavender is wonderful for us, most moths stay away from it. ...
- Cedar Chips and Blocks. ...
- Mint. ...
- Cloves, Rosemary and Thyme. ...
- Airtight Containers. ...
- White Camphor Oil. ...
- Pleasant Smelling Storage.
Are moth balls safe?
The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets . People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. ... Extended exposure to mothballs can also cause liver and kidney damage.
Are moth balls illegal?
Mothballs are pesticides intended to kill clothes moths and other fabric pests. They are regulated in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency. ... Using mothballs in a way not specified by the label is not only illegal , but can harm people, pets or the environment.
Do moth balls attract anything?
No. In fact, these pesticides are intended only to eliminate fabric pests such as clothes moths. Mothballs, repel mice, and pesticides – the only time these phrases should be put together is to illustrate their illegal use.
Can you sleep in a room with mothballs?
‘ and the answer to this question is yes , potentially. According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), the chemicals use in mothballs can be toxic to humans and pets and as people are exposed to these chemicals that are released as toxic fumes in the air space of the home.
Do moth balls keep mice away?
Mothballs contain a small amount of naphthalene and can be a deterrent in large quantities, however, they aren’t powerful enough to get rid of mice and rodents. Using mothballs to deter rodents is more likely to make your home smell bad rather than get rid of mice or prevent mice from entering the home.
What do pantry moths hate?
Wipe shelves, food containers, and other surfaces with white vinegar. For added protection, use a few drops of essential oil like peppermint , citronella, eucalyptus, or tea tree. To prevent infestation, store foods in airtight glass, metal, or plastic containers. Bay leaves repel pantry insects.
Which is the best moth killer?
The best moth repellent solution overall is the Household Essentials CEDAR FRESH Cedar Closet Variety Pack . It comes with an assortment of solid cedar wood pieces and sachets, which you can place throughout your home to keep pests away.
How long do moth balls last?
How Long Does it Take for Mothballs to Dissipate? 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.
What happens if mothballs get wet?
Wet mothballs are even more potent than dry ones. And the wetness can be profound, like exposure to water from a flood or leaky pipe , or mild, in the form of high humidity. Either will cause the odor to be more potent and sublimation to be more rapid.
