What Are Mothballs Used For

What Are Mothballs Used For? A Practical Guide for South Africans

Mothballs are a long‑standing household product, commonly associated with protecting clothing and stored items from insect damage. Modern formulations and regulations, however, mean that how mothballs are used – and what they are legally allowed to be used for – is more specific than many people realise, especially in South Africa.

This article explains what mothballs are used for, how they work, where they are commonly applied, and what legal and safety considerations apply, with a focus on South African households.

What Are Mothballs?

Mothballs are small chemical pesticide products, traditionally used to protect fabrics and other stored items from moths and other insects. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mothballs are regulated pesticides that contain active ingredients such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which slowly sublimate from a solid into a gas to kill or repel insects in an enclosed space (EPA, consumer guidance on mothballs).

In South Africa, mothballs and similar household insecticidal products fall under pesticide and biocide regulations and must be registered and labelled with instructions for safe use. The exact brands and formulations may differ, but the functional use is generally the same: control of insect pests in stored clothing and other materials.

Primary Purpose: Protecting Fabrics from Clothes Moths

Protection Against Clothes Moths and Larvae

The core answer to “what are mothballs used for” is the protection of textiles from damage by clothes moths and their larvae. Clothes moth larvae feed on natural fibres, particularly:

Wool
Silk
Fur
Feathers
Certain carpets and upholstery containing animal fibres

The EPA notes that the vapours released from mothballs in a sealed container are intended to kill clothes moths and their larvae that might be present in stored fabrics (EPA mothball guidance). This is the primary, label‑approved use internationally and forms the basis for how they are intended to be used in households, including in South Africa.

Use in Storage Situations

Mothballs are typically used when clothing or textiles will be stored for a long period. Typical situations include:

Storing winter woollens during the South African summer
Packing away blankets, duvets or family heirloom textiles
Storing traditional or ceremonial garments made of wool, silk, or fur

The chemicals work best in sealed environments, such as:

Tightly closed plastic containers
Sealed garment bags
Trunks or chests with good seals

Regulators such as the EPA emphasise that mothballs should only be used in airtight spaces as directed on the label to ensure the vapour reaches the necessary concentration to be effective against insects and to limit exposure to people and pets (EPA, “Mothballs: Read the Label”).

How Mothballs Work

Sublimation and Insecticidal Vapour

The active ingredients in many mothballs (such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) undergo sublimation – they change directly from a solid to a gas at room temperature. This gas builds up in the confined space where mothballs are stored, creating an atmosphere that is lethal or repellent to insects.

The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) explains that naphthalene is a volatile solid that evaporates into the air and can be inhaled, and that paradichlorobenzene behaves similarly (ATSDR toxicological profile for naphthalene; ATSDR summary for paradichlorobenzene). The same mechanism that kills insects is also the reason for strict safety precautions.

Other Intended Uses Within Label Directions

Although clothes protection is the primary purpose, some mothball‑type products are marketed (where permitted by regulators) for use against other stored‑product or fabric pests, such as:

Carpet beetles
Certain other fabric‑eating larvae

Each use must be supported by a registered label in the local jurisdiction. In South Africa, pesticide and biocide products must be registered and used strictly according to their labels; off‑label use can be illegal and unsafe. Consumers should always verify approved uses on the product’s packaging and follow the directions provided by the manufacturer and regulator.

What Mothballs Are Not Officially Used For

Not Approved for General Household Deodorising

Some people historically used mothballs as general deodorisers in cupboards, toilets, or garages. Health agencies strongly discourage this practice. The EPA specifically warns that mothballs are often misused as “air fresheners” and that this use is not approved and can cause health risks (EPA consumer alert on mothball misuse).

Not Approved for Outdoor Pest Control

Another common misuse is placing mothballs in gardens, roofs, or around properties to repel snakes, rodents, or other wildlife. The EPA states that using mothballs outdoors or scattering them in open areas is an off‑label and illegal use in many jurisdictions and can pose environmental and health hazards (EPA, “Illegal Outdoor Use of Mothballs”).

While local enforcement is handled by South African authorities rather than the EPA, the underlying toxicological and environmental concerns are similar: these chemicals are not designed or registered for broad outdoor application.

Safety Considerations for South African Households

Toxicity and Health Risks

Naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene are recognised as hazardous substances if misused. The ATSDR notes that naphthalene exposure can cause haemolytic anaemia (destruction of red blood cells), particularly in young children and in people with glucose‑6‑phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (ATSDR naphthalene fact sheet). Paradichlorobenzene can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, and long‑term exposure at high concentrations has been associated with liver and kidney effects in animal studies (ATSDR paradichlorobenzene facts).

These data support global regulatory advice that mothballs should be:

Kept out of reach of children and pets
Used only in sealed containers, not open cupboards or living areas
Never placed in food cupboards or near cooking areas
Never dissolved or altered for any non‑labelled purpose

Ingestion of mothballs is a medical emergency, particularly for children and animals.

Indoor Air Quality

Because mothballs release volatile chemicals, incorrect indoor use can affect air quality. International agencies recommend that living spaces should not smell strongly of mothballs; a strong or persistent smell can indicate overuse or misuse. Adequate ventilation and strict adherence to label instructions are key.

Practical Tips for Using Mothballs Correctly

Before Storing Clothes

Clean all items – Wash or dry‑clean clothing and textiles before storage. Washing removes eggs and larvae and reduces odours.
Dry completely – Ensure items are fully dry to prevent mould growth.
Inspect for damage – Check for existing moth damage or infestation before packing away.

During Storage

Use airtight containers – Place items in sealed plastic storage containers or garment bags designed to close tightly.
Place mothballs as directed – Use the quantity and placement pattern specified on the product label.
Do not mix with other products – Avoid combining mothballs with other chemicals or repellents.

After Storage

Air out items – When removing clothes from storage, air them outside or in a well‑ventilated area to allow any residual vapours to dissipate.
Wash or dry‑clean again if needed – Particularly for items stored for very long periods.

Alternatives and Integrated Pest Management

Because of toxicity concerns, many households are exploring lower‑risk approaches to clothes moth control, which can be combined with (or used instead of) mothballs depending on the situation and legal guidance.

Widely recommended strategies from pest management guidance documents include:

Regular cleaning and vacuuming of wardrobes, carpets and skirting boards to remove eggs and larvae
Frequent airing and wearing of susceptible clothing; moths prefer undisturbed items
Physical barriers, such as tightly sealed plastic containers and garment bags
Freezing infested items, where appropriate materials can tolerate it, as very low temperatures can kill insects and larvae

Where chemical control is needed, households should use registered products according to South African labelling and seek professional pest control services when infestations are severe. Professional operators in South Africa are subject to registration and standards overseen by authorities such as the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development for certain categories of pesticides and pest control operators, as indicated in national pesticide registration frameworks and professional pest management association guidelines.

South African Context and Regulatory Awareness

While specific brand names and registrations differ by country, the general regulatory principle is consistent: mothballs are pesticides and must be registered, labelled, and used strictly according to those labels. In South Africa:

Products sold in mainstream retailers will generally display registration details and directions for use.
Consumers should check the label for approved uses (e.g., “for use in closed wardrobes and storage chests to control clothes moths”).
Off‑label uses – such as scattering mothballs in the garden or using them as room deodorisers – may be unsafe and may contravene local regulations.

For the most accurate and up‑to‑date regulatory details, consumers and businesses can consult South African pesticide registration and environmental health information published by government departments and recognised industry bodies.

Summary: What Are Mothballs Used For?

Mothballs are specialised pesticide products primarily used to:

Protect stored clothing and textiles from damage by clothes moths and some related fabric pests
Work in sealed containers by releasing insecticidal vapours that kill or repel insects

They are not intended or approved for general air freshening, outdoor wildlife control, or scattered use around homes and gardens. Because mothballs contain hazardous chemicals such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, safe use in South African homes depends on:

Carefully following label instructions
Restricting use to closed storage environments
Keeping them away from children, pets and food
Considering non‑chemical preventive measures as part of broader household pest management

Used correctly and legally, mothballs remain a targeted tool for protecting valuable textiles from insect damage, but they require informed, cautious handling to safeguard household health and the environment.