Mothballs have been a popular way to protect clothes and fabrics from moths for decades. However, mothballs also give off fumes that can be toxic or irritating to humans and pets. Are there safer, more natural moth repellents?
What to use instead of mothballs? Well, there are some good substitutes, but each has its own pros and cons. Cedarwood, Lavender, Cinnamon, and Cloves can make good mothball alternatives. Anyway, be mindful when using alternatives of something if it’s suitable or not.
I’ll try to emphasize every possible substitute here. Plus, I’ll also keep what are the pros and cons of using all those and comparison to have a bigger picture. Don’t skip, and you won’t regret reading!
What to Use Instead of Mothballs?
I have already named a group of substitutes. Let’s have a quick look at how compatible all those natural alternatives are for mothballs.
Mothballs vs Natural Alternatives
Here is a comparison of mothballs against some of the top natural moth-repellent alternatives:
| Product | Pros | Cons |
| Mothballs | Very effective at repelling moths | Toxic, strong odor, can stain fabrics |
| Cedarwood | Pleasant natural aroma, long-lasting | Need to reapply every few months |
| Lavender | Natural, pleasant fragrance | Scent fades over time |
| Cinnamon | Natural, spicy aroma | Need to reapply frequently |
| Cloves | Natural, potent aroma | Scent diminishes quickly |
Are Natural Alternatives Same as Mothballs?
No, not definitely. Mothballs are the most effective and long-term solution compared to all those on the list.
The natural aromatic oils found in products like cedarwood, lavender, and mint have effectively deterred moths. However, most natural repellents may not protect as long as mothballs.
The strong-smelling naphthalene in mothballs can linger for months. Paradichlorobenzene mothballs evaporate more quickly but can still provide months of protection.
Is Cedar A Mothball Equivalent?
No, not equivalent. But it’s the most eligible mothball alternative for sure.
Natural repellents like cedar and essential oils slowly release their fragrances into the air. You’ll likely need to reapply these every few weeks to maintain maximum effectiveness.
So, while natural alternatives work well, you may need to refresh them more frequently than you would mothballs.
3 Mothball Substitutes You May Rely: How All These Work and When to Apply!
Let’s dig into some of the best mothball alternatives. We’ll see how these natural options keep moths away and when to use them.
1. Cedar
Cedar has an aromatic, woodsy fragrance that moths hate. You can find cedar products like blocks, balls, chips, or planks to place in your closets and drawers. Cedar also naturally repels other pests like ants, roaches, and mice.
Cedar’s scent can last 2-4 months before fading. Look for 100% natural cedar, not cedar-scented products that lack natural oils. Spanish cedar, juniper, cypress, and redwood also contain moth-repelling oils.
2. Lavender
The sweet floral and herbal fragrance of lavender oil repels moths. Use lavender sachets or small fabric bags filled with dried lavender buds. You can also hang lavender wreaths or bundles in closets.
Since lavender’s aroma fades faster than cedar, refresh sachets every 4-6 weeks. Peppermint and eucalyptus oils also deter moths.
3. Herbal Sachets
Small cloth sachets filled with dried herbs make convenient moth-repelling drawstring bags. Good options are rosemary, mint, lavender, cedar chips, cinnamon sticks or cloves. Hang sachets in closets, drawers, and garment bags, or mix in with stored clothing and linens.
Refresh herbal sachets every 4-6 weeks as fragrances fade. These can also gently scent clothing with natural aromas.
Other Safe Moth Deterrents
Here are a few more potential moth control ideas:
- Essential Oils – Cedarwood, lavender, eucalyptus, or mint oils. Use a few drops on cotton balls.
- Cedarwood Chips – Sold as pet bedding, these provide a cedar aroma in sachets.
- Dried Mint Leaves – A strong minty aroma helps repel moths.
- Diatomaceous Earth – Natural mineral dust that damages exoskeletons but is safe for humans. Apply lightly around baseboards and carpets.
- Freezing – Kills moth eggs and larvae for stored textiles. Freeze for 2-3 days before storing.
4 Reasons Why You Want to Avoid Mothball
When it comes to mothballs, we’ve got causes to avoid them. Those little balls of chemical power don’t just send moths packing – they can also harm if you’re not careful.
- For starters, mothball fumes aren’t exactly a breath of fresh air. Take a whiff, and you’ll get a noseful of chemicals irritating your eyes and lungs. It’s not something you want your kids and pets breathing either.
- If the fumes don’t get to you, the stench will. Once clothes or closets get that mothball stench, good luck getting it out – that smell just doesn’t quit. Pretty soon, your whole house could reek of mothballs.
- There’s also a risk the balls themselves could leave oily stains on clothes. So keep them wrapped up or touching anything you value – mothballs don’t play nice with delicate fabrics.
- Leave mothballs lying outside, and animals could eat them and get sick.
So you see, relying on mothballs requires handling them carefully and putting up with some unpleasant tradeoffs. If you’re not a careful person, maybe it’s time to break up with mothballs. Instead, move on to safer, natural alternatives.
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Bottom Line
All in all, Mothballs are good. But what to use instead of mothballs? Natural alternatives like cedar, lavender, and mint can repel moths just as well without the toxic chemicals.
These botanical pest deterrents create a barrier of fragrance that keeps moths at bay. Though their scents fade over time, with diligence to refresh sachets and blocks, you can keep fabrics moth-free all season.
So, in the unavailability of Mothballs, do your home a favor and surround your clothing with safe, sweet-smelling natural defenses.
