You’ve probably seen them before — those white, chalky balls tucked into old wardrobes or boxes of clothes. Maybe your grandparents used them. Maybe you still do. But what are mothballs really doing in your home, and could they be causing more harm than good?

As it turns out, these little white balls might be doing more than just repelling insects. If you’ve used mothballs in the past or are thinking about it now, this guide will help you understand the risks, the regulations, and the safer alternatives available today.

What are mothballs and how do they work?

Mothballs are actually pesticides

Mothballs aren’t just air fresheners with attitude — they’re solid chemical pesticides. The two most common active ingredients found in mothballs are:

Naphthalene
Paradichlorobenzene (PDCB)

Both are volatile substances, meaning they slowly evaporate into a gas over time. That strong smell you associate with mothballs? That’s actually the chemical vapours being released — and those vapours are what kill or repel insects like clothes moths, silverfish, and carpet beetles.

These vapours work by disrupting the pests’ respiratory systems or nervous systems, which either kills the insects or makes the environment inhospitable enough for them to stay away.

When are mothballs safe to use?

Mothballs are considered safe to use only when used exactly as instructed on the label — which generally means:

In sealed, airtight containers
Out of reach of children and pets
In non-living areas (e.g. storage sheds or enclosed containers in garages)

The key is containment. When vapours are trapped in a small, closed environment, they can work on the pests without exposing humans or pets to dangerous fumes.

However, in open areas like wardrobes, drawers, linen cupboards, or under beds, those vapours don’t stay where they’re meant to. Instead, they leak into your living space, creating ongoing low-level exposure for everyone at home — which is not considered safe or compliant with product labelling.

What happens if you use mothballs the wrong way?

These little pellets release toxic chemicals that can do more harm than good when used incorrectly. And unfortunately, they’re often misused in Australian homes.

Both naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene (PDCB) — the two active ingredients in mothballs — are classified as hazardous substances:

Naphthalene is listed by Safe Work Australia as a possible human carcinogen
PDCB has been associated with liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure

These chemicals work by turning into vapour, which is intended to stay trapped in a sealed container with your stored clothes. But when mothballs are placed in unsealed spaces like drawers, closets, under beds, or even around the house to repel rodents or insects, the vapours escape into your indoor air — and that’s when they become a health risk.

Breathing in these fumes over time can cause symptoms like:

Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat

And in severe or prolonged cases, more serious health effects like respiratory issues or organ damage can occur — particularly in small children, the elderly, or people with asthma or other lung conditions.

Are mothballs harmful to children and pets?

Perhaps the biggest concern with mothballs is accidental ingestion. They may not look appealing to an adult, but to a curious toddler or a pet, they can resemble food, mints, or toys.

Ingesting even one mothball can lead to:

Vomiting and diarrhoea
Difficulty breathing
Seizures
Damage to red blood cells (in the case of naphthalene poisoning)
In some cases, fatal poisoning

Pets — especially dogs and cats — are also highly susceptible. There have been reports of animals falling seriously ill or dying after chewing or swallowing mothballs left out in the open.

Does long-term use of mothballs affect your health?

Even if you don’t notice immediate symptoms, repeated or long-term exposure to low levels of vapour can still have an impact on your health — particularly when mothballs are used in places with poor ventilation.

This is especially relevant in:

Apartments and townhouses
Homes with closed windows and air conditioning
Bedrooms or linen cupboards where people spend a lot of time

In other words, the very places people tend to use mothballs are the places where vapour exposure is most concentrated and dangerous.

What Australian guidelines say

In Australia, mothballs are classified as Schedule 6 poisons, meaning they must carry warnings and be used exactly according to label directions.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regulates the sale and use of pesticide products like mothballs.
Using them outside of sealed storage containers is considered non-compliant and unsafe.
Some older-style mothball products containing naphthalene have been withdrawn from the market in parts of Australia due to safety concerns.

Always check the product label. If it doesn’t clearly state that the product is safe for indoor use in open air — it’s not.

What are the safer alternatives to mothballs?

If you’re rethinking mothballs after learning about their potential health risks — good news: there are effective, low-tox alternatives that can help protect your clothes and home without the fumes.

Many of these options work by repelling moths and silverfish naturally or creating an environment that’s simply not attractive to pests. Here’s what you can try instead:

1. Natural repellents

Certain scents that are pleasant to us are known to be off-putting to moths and silverfish, especially:

Cedarwood: Natural cedar oil or cedar blocks have long been used to deter moths. You can place cedar balls or sachets in drawers, wardrobes, or storage containers.
Lavender: Dried lavender sachets or essential oil drops on cotton balls not only smell lovely, but they can also help keep moths away.
Clove, rosemary, or peppermint: These essential oils can be used in diffusers or lightly applied to small fabric pouches as a natural deterrent.

Note: Essential oils should be used with care around pets and young children.

2. Airtight storage

Mothballs are only necessary when moths can get to your clothes — so prevent access altogether:

Use vacuum-sealed bags or plastic containers with tight lids to store out-of-season garments.
Avoid storing clothes in cardboard boxes, which can attract silverfish and provide easy entry for moths.
Add silica gel packs or moisture absorbers to keep things dry and reduce the chances of infestation.

3. Keep your clothes clean

Moths are attracted to natural fibres — especially those with lingering body oils, food stains, or sweat. Before storing garments:

Wash or dry-clean them properly
Make sure they’re fully dry before sealing away
Store only clean items in enclosed spaces

Even a few crumbs or skin cells can be enough to attract pests.

4. Increase ventilation & reduce humidity

Damp, dark, and undisturbed places are prime real estate for moths and silverfish. To reduce appeal:

Keep wardrobes and linen cupboards well-ventilated
Open drawers and air out clothes periodically
Use moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers in high-humidity areas

5. Try non-toxic pest control products

If you need a little extra help keeping silverfish, moths, or other fabric pests at bay, there are low-tox pest control products designed specifically for indoor use — and without the harsh chemicals found in traditional repellents.

Two great options include:

Super Ninja Clothes Moth Traps - These traps use pheromones to lure and capture male clothes moths before they can breed, breaking the lifecycle naturally — without any toxic chemicals or harmful residues. They’re safe to use in wardrobes, drawers, and linen cupboards.
Super Ninja Silverfish Traps - These traps offer a natural, eco-friendly solution to silverfish infestations, using a protein-based glue to attract and catch them. Odourless, poison-free, and safe for use around the home.

Both options are perfect for households that want effective pest control while keeping the indoor environment family- and pet-friendly.

What to do if you’ve used mothballs incorrectly

Step 1: Remove the source immediately

Find and safely remove all mothballs, especially those left in open spaces.
Don’t throw them in the bin indoors — dispose of them according to the product label instructions or take them to your local household chemical waste collection site.
Avoid touching mothballs directly — use gloves or a paper towel.

Step 2: Ventilate the area

Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate.
Use fans to help flush vapours out of enclosed areas.
If the mothballs were in a drawer or wardrobe, leave it open to air out fully — this may take a few days.

Step 3: Wash exposed fabrics and surfaces

Wash any clothes, linens, or fabrics that were stored near mothballs.
Wipe down hard surfaces (shelves, drawers, storage bins) with mild soap and water to remove any residue.
Consider using a natural odour neutraliser, such as vinegar, baking soda or SAN-AIR LD Concentrate (diluted), to help reduce lingering smells.

Step 4: Watch for symptoms of exposure

If you or someone in your household is experiencing symptoms such as:

Headaches
Nausea
Dizziness
Breathing issues
Skin irritation

…it could be related to mothball fume exposure. In that case:

Seek medical advice — especially if symptoms persist or worsen.
Call the Poisons Information Centre (131 126 in Australia) if ingestion or serious exposure is suspected.

Step 5: Avoid reusing in the same way

If you’re still dealing with moth or silverfish problems, it can be tempting to go back to what "seemed to work." But now that you know the risks, there are much safer and equally effective alternatives available — from airtight storage to natural insect traps.

Conclusion: Safer homes start with smarter choices

Mothballs may have earned a reputation as an old-school solution for pest problems, but as we’ve seen, what’s inside those tiny pellets can cause big issues — especially when used around your family, pets, or in unventilated indoor spaces.

With natural repellents, airtight storage, and low-tox pest control products like the Super Ninja traps, you can keep your clothes and cupboards safe — without compromising your air quality or health.

So if you’ve been relying on mothballs out of habit, now’s the time to rethink. A few simple changes can make your home fresher, safer, and just as pest-free.

August 11 2025, by Tatianna Gerard Still Using Mothballs? Here’s Why It’s Time to Stop