Mothball Odor Removal

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Mothballs Being Poured Into Clothes Bag

Naphthalene an active ingredient in mothballs was first registered as a pesticide in the United States in 1948. Mothballs have been used for a variety of purposes including methods to deter animals from invading gardens, homes, and crawlspace. (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,  https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/33195/file/Mothballs-Brochure.pdf)

What kind of animals do mothballs keep away? According to Oregan State Department of Health, https://extension.oregonstate.edu  Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths." They include squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons, and a variety of other animals. 

What are the reasons to use mothballs? A predominant reason for mothball use is the protection of certain clothing materials from moths. According to the Louisiana Department of Health "The labeled use of mothballs is to kill moths and other fiber inserts to protect clothing. To do so properly, place mothballs inside tightly closed containers along with the clothing or materials. The vapors will remain inside the container and kill the moths."

According to North Carolina, Poison Control website https://www.ncpoisoncontrol.org/types-of-poisons/common-poisons-at-home-and-work/mothballs#:~:text=Inhalation%20of%20mothballs%20may%20cause,nausea mothballs create the potential for poisoning occupants. Infants wearing clothes or swaddled in blankets that have been stored with mothballs can even absorb the toxins through their skin. Fumes from mothballs scattered in basements and crawl spaces can drift throughout the home through the heating and air ducts. Call North Carolina Control at (800) 222-1222 with questions. For emergencies dial 911. 

SERVPRO of Fayetteville can provide mothball odor services. Products used are E.P.A. Registered and procedures utilized following established instructions. Depending upon the location of the odor and materials to be odorized additional deodorization efforts may be required. SERVPRO of Fayetteville can provide these services.