Is it safe to have mothballs in the garage?

Mothballs should not be used inside attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles. Nor used to control skunks, mice or other pests. Mothballs should not be used inside attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles.

Can the smell of mothballs harm you?

The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. Extended exposure to mothballs can also cause liver and kidney damage.

Why do people put mothballs in their garage?

Many people will recommend moth balls to get rid of squirrels in the attic and other pests. Moth balls take oxygen out of the air. Their purpose is to suffocate moths in a contained environment. It is similar, very similar to running a car engine in a garage with the garage door closed.

Is using mothballs outside Illegal?

Using mothballs to repel pests in the garden presents a danger to children, pets and wildlife that visit your garden. Mothballs are insecticides that are controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency. This makes it illegal to use them for any purpose or by any method that isn’t specified on the label.

Can you use mothballs around the house?

‘ and the answer to this question is yes, potentially. According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), the chemicals use in mothballs can be toxic to humans and pets and as people are exposed to these chemicals that are released as toxic fumes in the air space of the home.

How long do mothballs last outside?

How Long Does it Take for Mothballs to Dissipate? One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate.

How do you get rid of mothball smell in garage?

Mix some baking soda with warm water and mop the floors with the solution. Make sure that you keep the rooms properly ventilated when mopping. Then place a bowl of vinegar, bowl of coffee grounds, or a plate of activated charcoal in the room (or closet). This will absorb any leftover mothball smell.

How toxic are mothballs?

Moth balls contain a toxic chemical, either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both become a gas when exposed to air and cause that pungent moth ball smell. These gases are irritating to the eyes and lungs and may cause headache, dizziness and nausea. They are both suspected of causing cancer.