What are moth balls?

Question

What are they exactly ???

Answer 1

Clothes moths can be a real problem in clothes made from natural fibers (especially wool). There are two different types of moth balls used to combat the moths. In one type, the main ingredient is naphthalene, and in the other it is paradichlorobenzene.

The idea with both chemicals is to kill moths and moth larvae with the fumes. Both naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene sublimate, meaning they transition from a solid straight to a gas. The gas is toxic to the moths.

For either of these chemicals to be effective, they need to be placed with the clothing in a sealed container so the fumes can build up and kill the moths. In a sealed atmosphere like this, the fumes are not harmful to people because they are contained. The main threat would occur when opening the containers, or from wearing clothes immediately after opening (especially a problem for infants). A solution is to open the containers outside and let the clothes hang and air out for a day before wearing.

We all seem to have an aunt whose entire house smells like moth balls, and we have all walked in to public restrooms where the smell of paradichlorobenzene is nearly overpowering. Are these fumes healthy? The answer is "probably not." If you read the chemical descriptions in the links, you will find that neither of these chemicals is particularly good for people to breathe on a regular basis. Airing out clothes is a way to limit exposure.

A less toxic alternative is cedar blocks, shavings or oil. The blocks are expensive, but cedar shavings in the form of hamster bedding can be very inexpensive. Again, the container needs to be closed in order for the cedar scent to have a real effect on moths.

Answer 2

Moth balls are balls made of naphthalene, which are used to repel clothes moths. Usually, we place them in the wardrobe to repel insects and cockroaches. However, the wardrobe would smell of the moth balls if put there for a long period of time. Caution: Moth balls are not allowed to be used in the homes with children/adults having G6PD deficiency in the blood.

Answer 3

They are a repellent for moths. They were used extensively when I was young as people had many items of wool clothing. When the wools were stored for the summer moth balls were put in with them to kepp the moths from eating holes in the woolens. They have a strong smell which makes your nose wrinkle when you smell them. I think the active ingredient is naptha. I use them now to keep the cats, dogs and squirrels out of my flower gardens.

Answer 4

Moth balls that you would put in or around your clothing so that so that the moths will eat at the moth balls instead of the cloth.

Answer 5

They are very small things between a male moths legs, use a magnifying glass to get a better look.

Answer 6

It is exactly a small ball that has a weird scent placed in cabinets so moths don't try to destroy your clothes.

Answer 7

they are balls made out of naphtalene. basically funny smellung little plastic waxy like large hail sized balls you put in your closet and drawrs to keep insects (especially moths) from eating your clothes. ever wonder where those litte holes in youre clothes come from?

Answer 8

some kind of chemical balls that repel moths from clothing....

also good to keep pets out of flower beds...=]]

Answer 9

they are little round chemical balls that keeps insects out of places, like a basement or anywhere they shouldn't be. Plus they smell really bad.

Answer 10

They repel moths. You can find them at the grocery store.