What Are Mothballs Made Of and How Do They Work

Mothballs are a common household item used to repel moths and other insects from clothing and textiles. They're often made from a combination of naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene.

Naphthalene, a key ingredient in mothballs, is a solid, white, crystalline substance that's highly effective at repelling moths. It's also a byproduct of coal tar production.

Paradichlorobenzene, another common ingredient in mothballs, is a colorless, flammable liquid that's also used as a pesticide. It's often used in combination with naphthalene to enhance its moth-repelling properties.

Mothballs work by releasing their active ingredients into the air, where they can be inhaled by moths and other insects, causing them to leave the treated area.

Recommended read: How to Get Rid of Moths without Mothballs

Mothballs are a type of pesticide, regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, that contain either naphthalene or 1,4-dichlorobenzene (also known as paradichlorobenzene) as the active ingredient.

Most mothballs today contain paradichlorobenzene, as naphthalene poses an additional risk because it's flammable. They may come in small pellets as well as flakes.

Mothballs are available in various forms, including small pellets and flakes, making them easy to use in different situations.

The active ingredient in mothballs is usually naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are both toxic to moths and their larvae.

These chemicals are solids at room temperature that slowly change into a gas and become fumes in the air, making them effective at eliminating moths and their larvae.

Mothballs are a simple and effective way to repel moths and other pests. They're also relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

To use mothballs, place them in areas where moths and other pests are present, such as in closets or storage containers.

Mothballs are typically effective for 6-12 months, depending on the type and brand used.

For another approach, see: How Do I Use Mothballs

Mothballs are a great way to keep your blankets and comforters safe from moth larvae. You can make your own mothballs to store your big blankets and comforters.

As the months warm up, it's time to put your big blankets and comforters in storage to keep them safe from mice and moth larvae.

Mothballs work by releasing vapors that are toxic to moths and moth larvae.

These vapors are released from the mothball itself, which contains a solid pesticide as its active ingredient. Most mothballs today contain paradichlorobenzene, but some older types may contain naphthalene.

To be effective, mothballs must be placed in airtight containers where moths are exposed to high concentrations of vapors.

Naphthalene is a common ingredient in mothballs, which are widely available to consumers worldwide. It's a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that exists primarily as a vapor at ambient pressure due to its high vapor pressure.

Naphthalene has a strong, characteristic smell with a low odor threshold of approximately 0.44 mg/m³ (0.084 ppm) in air. This means that even small amounts can be detected easily.

Mothballs containing naphthalene can range in weight from 0.5 g to 5 g, and contain 99.9 percent naphthalene. They're often used to kill moths in airtight spaces and to repel vertebrate pests in attics and wall void spaces.

In the United States, there are nine insect repellent products containing naphthalene that have been registered for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.