Mothballs have been a go-to for protecting natural fibers for decades, but their toxic fumes can pose serious health risks to humans and our pets. Fortunately, several effective non-toxic swaps that can protect your garments without harmful chemicals.
Here, the pest experts share the five best non-toxic pest control alternatives to mothballs that deter pesky garment nibblers, protect clothing, and make your closet smells great – all without compromising your health.
Non-toxic alternatives to mothballs
Mothballs have been a staple in preventing moths in closets as their strong odor keeps most pests away. Ed Dolshun, VP of business development and technical director at Catchmaster explains, ‘To people born before 1970, the smell of mothballs probably reminded them of their grandparents' homes. Mothballs have been regulated by the EPA in the United States and even banned in some countries because their primary ingredients have a strong odor and are considered toxic by many regulatory agencies.
‘The United States EPA considers naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, the primary ingredients in mothballs, as chemicals that are potentially harmful to humans, pets and wildlife. When exposed to air, mothballs release fumes that can cause health problems with prolonged inhalation.’
Switching to homemade moth repellent and natural pest control methods to get rid of moths is therefore essential to stay safe.
1. Cedar blocks
Whether you are setting up long-term clothes storage or organizing your closet, cedar blocks are a great non-toxic go-to to prevent moths and make a closet smell nice. Eli Harel of Lice Busters shares, ‘Moths hate the smell but we love it. I hang CedarFresh rings, available at Walmart, in my closet.’
Cedar blocks are backed by science, too. A 2014 study found that cedarwood oil and cedrol ‘demonstrated a clear potential’ as a pest control agent, especially against arthropods (animals with an exoskeleton, such as moths), while the EPA concluded that cedar pest products ‘will not pose unreasonable risks or adverse effects to humans or the environment.’
Designed to slot onto the tops of clothes hangers, these cedar blocks will help keep moths away from important natural fiber garments.
2. Lavender sachets
Lavender is largely considered one of the best pest-repellent plants, so why not use lavender in your closet?
Tammy Sons, CEO and founder of TN Nursery shares, ‘I recommend using lavender sachets, personally, because they smell better and their strong herbal scent deters moths rather than attracting them.’ They are one of the things people with nice-smelling closets use for a reason.
You can buy pre-made lavender sachets from Walmart, but you can also make lavender sachets at home if you fancy a simple DIY project.
Free from chemicals and unnatural fragrances, these freeze-dried lavender flowers can be added to a small bag with dry rice to help dispel moths.
Designed for fresh tealeaves, these cheesecloth bags are breathable and reusable, so your lavender scent permeates your closet with ease.
Give your dried lavender flowers an extra boost by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the sachet for more potent pest prevention.
3. Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a messier but more effective natural method to kill moths if they are already in your closet. Eli explains, ‘It's just a powder but it works wonders on moth larvae. I sprinkle Safer Brand DE, from Walmart, in my closet corners.’
100% pure, this natural powder is safe for use around children and pets for toxin-free pest control. Just be sure to wear a mask when putting it down as the powder should not be inhaled.
To ensure an even layer to kill pests, consider using a powdered sugar shaker to distribute diatomaceous earth over problem areas.
Fine powders such as diatomaceous earth can damage your vacuum cleaner. To make clean up quick and easy, use a dustpan and brush first to remove the bulk of the mess, then finish with a vacuum.
4. Moth traps
If you spot the signs you have moths in your home and closet, you might want to try moth traps, such as the Safer Brand Pantry Pest Trap, from The Home Depot, to remove them before they reproduce.
Ed Dolshun says, ‘There are many very effective traps available for consumers. The Catchmaster Clothes Moth traps [available at Amazon] are glue boards that contain a highly attractive integrated pheromone that draws moths to them. They are safe, easy to use, and effective. Like any other pest issue, if the problem persists, homeowners should contact a local pest control operator for professional advice.’
5. Keep natural fibers in bags
If you only have one or two natural fiber garments or sustainable fabric items that are pulling moths in, consider keeping them in closed plastic storage to prevent months without any additives, Ed suggests.
He says, ‘A holistic approach for dealing with moth-infested closets would be to try to identify and remove the sources first. Declutter a closet when possible and try to store natural fiber items in sealed garment bags.’
For long-term clothes storage, use sealed vacuum storage bags to protect from pests.
Protect hanging clothes in closets from moths by using garment bags. Sealing them up will stop moths being drawn into your storage space.
For items you cannot hang such as sweaters, use zip up garment boxes with clear fronts so you can still see and access items easily, while protecting delicate items from pests.
Meet the experts
FAQs
What happens if you breathe in mothball fumes?
Mothballs release toxic fumes that, when breathed in, can cause headaches, nausea, and eye and nose irritation. Furthermore, one study suggests that repeated exposure to mothballs can also be linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Why do I suddenly have clothes moths?
Clothes moths are usually attracted by natural fibers such as 100% fur, silk, and wool (including cashmere). They can enter your home through open windows and doors, or through food and fabric items that are contaminated with eggs or larvae.
Once you have switched to non-toxic moth prevention, get rid of the smell of mothballs on clothes to keep laundry smelling nice beyond laundry day and remove all traces of toxic chemicals in your home.
