Mothballs in neighbors tomato garden; hazardous?

Question

We've got a pretty rude neighbor who has ignored our few tactfully asked requests to remove the smelly mothballs they placed on the ground beneath all of their precious tomato plants that is literally only 2-3 feet from our driveway where my young children frequently play. Is there anything we can do, environmental-wise, in notifying my township to contact them directly for removal of the mothballs in the name of contaminating the ground with naphthalene? Thanks...

Answer 1

The naphthalene in mothballs sublimates into the air slowly. This is why you can smell them and why they work against moths (in closed spaces). The naphthalene isn't very water soluble and won't incorporate into the soil, so there isn't much of a threat of groundwater or soil contamination. Atmospheric contamination is another matter, the mothballs are putting out VOCs and odor. But most of all, I doubt if they are effective against any pests, because of the rapid dissipation of the chemical in the air. It strikes me as a case of your neighbors having MMTB (more money than brains).

Answer 2

Now here they are, trying to grow food and live green, and you are complaining. Teach your children not to eat mothballs.

Answer 3

Hi,

Do you know what they're trying to protect the plants from? Rabbits, deer, cutworms? I have some books that may include alternates if you know what pest they're trying to deal with.

Answer 4

Okay quick story. A Sailor from the Navy and a Marine are using 2 urinals in a restroom. The Navy man finishes and goes to the sink to wash his hands. The Marine finishes, zips his pants and turns to walk out. The Navy man stops him and says,"You nasty bastard, In the navy they teach us to wash our hands after we take a piss." The Marine looks at him and replies,"In the marines, they teach us not to piss on our hands."

Moral of the story, teach your kids not to eat moth balls.