I thought that moths make mothballs from fibres they knaw through! But I've heard that mothballs are man-made, made to repel moths!
2007-04-08 08:24:29 · 13 answers · asked by katrina b 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Mothballs are made of white crystals of two very dangerous chemicals, para-dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene) and/or naphthalene. Both chemicals are solid at room temperature but produce very strong vapors. Mothballs are sold as flakes or pressed into cakes.
Both of these chemicals are fumigants and must be present in high concentration to be effective, and this is the problem. Concentrations high enough to be effective for insect control can be dangerous for anyone exposed to them. They are known to cause nasal cancer.
If you are looking for an alternative that is safe and healty, may I suggest cedar balls or cedar strips? They have the same effect on moths... and won't kill you!
2007-04-08 08:29:12 · answer #1 · answered by The ReDesign Diva 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its when moths gather together round a light bulb, they say they're having a ball. Or perhaps its part of the reproductive organs of a moth, no not really. They are man made chemical balls to repel moths from clothes etc.
2007-04-08 08:38:09 · answer #2 · answered by Hi T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A mothball is made from Naphthalene which is used to kill the moth.
2007-04-08 08:31:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Moth balls are made from naphthalene, a hydrocarbon derived from coal tar that easily sublimates, or exudes gas acting as a fumigant. However these gases must build to high concentrations to be effective
2007-04-08 08:30:34 · answer #4 · answered by Leah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mothballs are very toxic and can make you very sick if you have them in your house They can attack the nerves in your body cause allergies and much more
2016-04-01 03:54:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my hubby said it is a moths testicals (silly sod i know ) but they are balls to stop moths eating clothes and fabric not sure what they are made from but they dont smell too great
2007-04-08 08:34:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's those things that hang behind a moth's p enis .
2007-04-08 08:40:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, it's a repellant. man made. check out the link
2007-04-08 08:29:13 · answer #8 · answered by happy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It`s a baby tennis ball
2007-04-08 09:43:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They also repel snakes, if you put them in your yard.
2007-04-08 08:42:17 · answer #10 · answered by All Natural Honey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋