How to Use Moth Balls

How to Use Moth Balls
Written By
Jonra Springs
Jonra Springs
Published: Jul 3, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

But with proper use, moth balls will control moths on stored items.

Things You Will Need

  • Moth Balls
  • Airtight Storage Containers
    Woman reading label
  1. Read the label directions on the moth ball package. That label is actually a legal document containing guidelines for permissible use. Follow all label directions explicitly.

  2. Folded sweaters
  3. Use moth balls to protect natural fibers. Moth larvae prefer to eat animal fibers like wool. They do not eat synthetics so there is no need for moth balls when storing rayon, nylon or polyester garments.

  4. Woman going through clothing
  5. Use moth balls to protect garments that will be stored for more than a month. Laundering eliminates moth problems for clothes and bedding that gets washed on a regular basis.

  6. Hope chest
  7. Use moth balls in airtight containers only. Place moth balls with textiles containing natural fibers inside garment bags, storage containers or trunks and seal them closed. If you detect moth ball odor outside the container, it is not airtight.

  8. Woman storing clothing
  9. Select appropriate sizes and amounts of moth balls for items and containers. Use one 1/4-inch moth ball for a single shirt stored in a gallon-size zip bag. Place two or three 1/2-inch diameter moth balls in a large storage bag with several garments, and up to four 1-inch moth balls inside a large trunk.

The Drip Cap

  • Use moth balls to prevent or eliminate a moth infestation.
  • Laundering eliminates moth problems for clothes and bedding that gets washed on a regular basis.
  • Use moth balls in airtight containers only.
  • If you detect moth ball odor outside the container, it is not airtight.

Photo Credits

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Jonra Springs

Jonra Springs began writing in 1989. He writes fiction for children and adults and draws on experiences in education, insurance, construction, aviation mechanics and entertainment to create content for various websites. Springs studied…

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