4 Best Moth Balls in 2023 (+Buying Guide)

The lingering question in many homeowners’ minds: how does one keep those persistent, unwanted pests at bay without damaging clothes and fabrics?

The answer lies in a time-honored solution that merges efficiency with simplicity. But with a wide array of choices, picking the right one can be a daunting task.

What’s the secret to choosing the perfect solution, and could it be in your cupboard already? The answer might surprise you.

Our Top Pick

Our Top Choice is MothGuard Mothballs for their outstanding moth-repelling performance, protecting clothes and fabrics.

With paradichlorobenzene as their active ingredient, they effectively deter moths without a strong odor, making them pleasant to use.

The residue-free formula ensures no damage or staining, while the long-lasting potency and secure packaging make them reliable.

Additionally, MothGuard’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and safety further solidifies its position as the best option for safeguarding your belongings from moth infestations.

Buying Guide

Best Moth Balls are effective pest control products designed to protect clothing and fabrics from moth infestations. They work by emitting vapors that repel moths and prevent them from damaging fabrics with their larvae.

Here is a generalized buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing Best Moth Balls.

• Active Ingredient: Check the product’s active ingredient, commonly naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Naphthalene has a strong odor, while paradichlorobenzene is odorless. Choose the one that suits your preference.
• Safety: Prioritize safety when choosing mothballs, especially if you have pets or children at home. Opt for non-toxic or natural alternatives if possible.
• Scent: Consider the product’s scent, as some people may find the traditional mothball smell unpleasant. Look for options with added fragrances or choose odorless ones.
• Residue-Free: Select moth balls that leave little to no residue on clothing or fabrics to avoid damage or staining.
• Coverage Area: Determine the size of the area you need to protect from moths and choose the appropriate quantity of mothballs.
• Packaging: Ensure the moth balls come in a secure and well-sealed package to maintain their effectiveness.
• Environmental Impact: Consider environmentally-friendly options that do not harm the ecosystem when disposing of them.
• Cost: Compare prices and evaluate the cost per unit to get the best value for your money.
• Storage: If you need to store mothballs for an extended period, pick products with a longer shelf life and store them properly to maintain their potency.

1. MothGuard Mothballs

Mothguard Mothballs are highly effective and ready to use, containing 99.75% Para-dichlorobenzene.

The odor dissipates quickly. They efficiently eliminate moths, carpet beetles, eggs, and larvae to prevent further infestations.

These old-fashioned mothballs can be directly placed among clothing, leather, books, or in drawers and trunks to protect belongings and prevent mildew.

Each pack contains 15 ounces, approximately 135 mothballs. One ounce or 9 mothballs can treat an area of up to 3 cubic feet, while the entire pack can cover up to 45 cubic feet, offering excellent value for money.

Additionally, they can also help repel mice, though that’s not their primary purpose.

Customer Reviews

The 12 Pack MothGuard Moth Balls offer an effective solution for repelling clothes moths, eggs, larvae, and carpet beetles.

It has garnered popularity in E-Commerce stores due to its exceptional moth elimination capabilities.

Users have praised its pleasant scent and ease of use. Additionally, it provides good quality and value for money. Moreover, it serves as a versatile product, effectively repelling gophers, rodents, snakes, and other pests.

However, some users found the boxes smaller than expected, and the mothballs evaporated quickly, resulting in a potentially strong smell for certain individuals.

Overall, it remains a worthwhile investment.

Instructions to Use

IMPORTANT: To comply with Federal law, use this product only as directed on the label. It is harmful if ingested, so keep it away from children.

Use Restrictions:

• Use clean, airtight containers like chests, trunks, and garment bags to kill clothes moths, carpet beetles, eggs, and larvae.
• Avoid using dry cleaning bags, garbage bags, or containers that let vapors escape into occupied rooms.
• Use only polyethylene or polypropylene containers, as this product may damage certain plastics.
• Do not mix with other moth preventative chemicals.
• Apply the specified amount of product for the area being treated.
• MothGuard® Old Fashioned Moth Balls are suitable for all fabric types.

Pre-Application Directions: Before storing, dry clean, wash, or brush the items to be protected.

Application:

• One container (5 oz.) can treat up to 15.6 cubic feet.
• Use one ounce (or 8 balls) of mothballs per 3 cu ft of storage space.
• Example: 4oz (32 mothballs) for an average garment bag (12 cu ft), 5oz (40 mothballs) for a large trunk (15 cu ft).
• Distribute mothballs evenly among stored articles.
• Keep the container airtight for a minimum of 7 days; replenish if the mothballs have dissipated.
• The odor will vanish once articles are aired.
• Reapply 2 times a year to air-tight closets, containers, and bags for continuous protection against moths.

Precautionary Statements Hazards To Humans and Domestic Animals:

• Causes substantial but temporary eye injury; wear protective eyewear.
• Harmful if swallowed or inhaled; avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
• Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
• If in Eyes: Rinse slowly with water for 15-20 minutes; remove contact lenses after the first 5 minutes and seek treatment advice.
• If Swallowed: Seek immediate treatment advice; have the person drink plenty of water, but do not induce vomiting.
• If On Skin or Clothing: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin immediately for 15-20 minutes and seek treatment advice.
• If Inhaled: Move to fresh air; if breathing stops, call 911 and provide artificial respiration if possible, then seek treatment advice.

Physical or Chemical Hazard:

• Combustible; keep away from heat or open flames.

Storage and Disposal:

• Non-refillable container; do not reuse or refill.
• Dispose of empty containers in the trash or offer for recycling if available.
• For partly filled containers, contact your local solid waste agency or call 1-800-CLEANUP for disposal instructions.
• Do not pour unused products down any indoor or outdoor drain.

Get the MothGuard Mothballs on Amazon or newegg.com or zoro.com or bhsuper.com or advancedistributors.com or sears.com or bonanza.com or truegether.com

2. Enoz Old Fashioned MothBalls

Enoz is from Willert Home Products and is a brand that works safely and effectively. It is EPA registered and is the only brand of moth preventives that are still made in the USA.

The product comes in a protection packet or wraps which means there is no direct contact with the mothballs. Which makes it pretty safe for self-application.

Enoz mothballs come in a pack of 14oz which consists of around 100 mothballs. These mothballs can be placed in the closet or in the store where your clothes might be lying idle for next season.

Enoz mothballs not only kills moths but also their eggs and larvae as well. Apart from the moths, it can kill carpet beetles and other various insects. This gives you complete protection and saves you from any further infestation.

Upon testing Enoz mothballs, they were slow to evaporate which means they last longer. The reason behind this is the technology used in the protective wrap which effectively allows air to pass through it.

Enoz mothballs offer great quality for the price. It is definitely worth the money. Although it has a strong odour, it doesn’t leave any long lasting odour in your stuff. To drive away from the odor, you simply need to air dry the stuff for about 30 minutes and all the odor will vanish

Customer Reviews

Enoz Moth Balls (Pack of 10) gained popularity in e-commerce stores.

One user said, “They work for what I needed. I saw a snake in my garden, so I used these moth balls to keep more snakes away. It’s working, as I haven’t seen a snake since.”

Another user added, “They apparently scared away Armadillos from under my shed. I had an issue with Armadillos making holes in my backyard, but the moth balls reduced the problem.”

However, one dissatisfied buyer mentioned, “I expected a larger bag.” Despite the limitation, the product has received positive reviews, with customers reporting success against multiple pests hence it’s a worthwhile investment.

Instructions to Use

1. Measure storage space, not exceeding 24.8 cubic feet per packet.
2. Clean and dry storage area.
3. Use on Wool or Wool blends only.
4. Place packets at the bottom of the container.
5. Insert between folds and layers.
6. Add extra packets on top before closing.
7. Close the container securely.
8. Avoid direct contact with items.
9. Ensure proper ventilation.
10. Check regularly for effectiveness.
11. Dispose of used packets properly.

Get the Enoz Old Fashioned MothBalls on Amazon or Walmart or Home Depot or Lowe's or acehardware.com or Target or dollar-store.us or meijer.com or shop.willert.com or hmnabavian.com or biglots.com or supplyhog.com or dovermart.com or farmandfleet.com or tractorsupply.com or heb.com or jacksonbrosfeed.com or agwayowegoendicott.com or menards.com or augustacoop.com

3. Paragon Para Mothballs

Paragon Para Mothballs are other mothballs used to prevent and kill moths, carpet beetles, and many other various insects.

The paragon mothballs maintain freshness, protect, and deodorize the clothes and the fabrics. It comes in a pack of two 6 oz. bags weighing around 12 oz. i.e., 340.2 grams.

The active ingredients are 99.9% Paradichlorobenzene while 0.1% are other inert ingredients. The mothballs are manufactured by Paragon Household and Product is EPA registered with no. 70305-2.

Paragon mothballs have a decent smell and vanish quickly. They have the original scent and are not scented. It lasts long enough for up to 2-3 weeks depending on the temperature and airflow.

Customer Reviews

Customers have given Paragon Para Mothballs mixed reviews. Some are satisfied, reporting that the mothballs work effectively in deterring moths. They have used them for months without any moth sightings and protected their clothes successfully.

On the other hand, unsatisfied users have experienced issues with the product. Some found the mothballs ineffective, as moths persisted in their closets even after use.

Others complained about the strong odor, leading them to move the mothballs out of their bedrooms to avoid feeling nauseous. A few even believe that the mothballs are harmful to their health, experiencing sickness after use.

In summary, the overall reviews for Paragon Para Mothballs are varied. While some customers have found them effective, others consider them to be ineffective or even harmful. Before deciding to use these mothballs, it’s essential to carefully consider the pros and cons.

Instructions to Use

• To kill clothes moths (larvae and adults) and carpet beetles, use in clean, air-tight containers (e.g., chests and trunks), garment bags, and storage closets.
• Do not use in containers, dry cleaning, garbage bags, or closets that allow vapors to escape into occupied rooms.
• This product should only be used on cloth containing wool or wool blends in fabrics.
• Before storing, dry clean, wash, or brush the articles to be protected.
• Apply the product in clean, air-tight containers, bags, and closets as follows:
  • For an average garment bag, use 1/4 pound of product.
  • For a large trunk, use 1/3 pound of product.
  • For a small closet (50 cubic feet), use 1 pound of product.
  • For larger closets, multiply the height, width, and depth of the space and divide by 50 to determine the number of pounds of product needed.
• Keep the product in the air-tight space for a minimum of seven (7) days. The odor will dissipate when treated articles are aired.
• Replenish air-tight containers, bags, and closets with the product twice a year, as moths are active all year round.

Get the Paragon Para Mothballs on Walmart or Amazon or dollardays.com

4. Enoz Moth-Tek Mothballs

Enoz Moth-Tek Mothballs are lavender-scented and perfect for those who dislike traditional mothball scents. They come in individual packets suitable for flat storage areas like drawers, closets, and shelves.

When placed in an airtight container, they effectively eliminate moths, their eggs, and larvae while also repelling other insects. Each 6 oz. pack treats an area of 18.75 cubic feet, and there are approximately 15-20 packets per pack, allowing placement in multiple locations around the house. The breathable paper packets enable the active ingredients to work and protect clothes and fabrics.

The main active ingredient is 99.68% Paradichlorobenzene, with the remaining 0.32% being other inert ingredients.

For proper treatment, follow the recommended number of packets based on the storage size. For example, 4 packets for a small storage box (3 cu. ft.), 14 packets for an average garment bag (12 cu. ft.), and 18 packets for a large trunk (15 cu. ft.).

Due to its strong fragrance, it’s advised to air dry clothes for about 30 minutes before wearing them. The strong scent can also help prevent mildew in drawers, closets, and toilets if needed.

Customer Reviews

Enoz Moth Ball Packets – Lavender Scented has gained popularity in E-Commerce stores for efficiency in shielding clothes from moths and pests.

Users applaud its user-friendly design, delightful lavender scent, and bug-repelling power, with the scent naturally fading after a few days.

However, some may find the scent overpowering, and the packets may not last as long as other options.

Overall, these packets remain a reliable choice for safeguarding clothes.

Instructions to Use

• Ensure to read and follow the product labeling to comply with Federal law.
• Use the product in clean, airtight containers such as chests, trunks, and garment bags.
• Avoid using dry cleaning bags, garbage bags, or containers that allow vapors to escape into occupied rooms.
• Only use polyethylene or polypropylene containers to prevent damage to plastics.
• Clean all fabrics before storage to prevent moth infestation, regardless of fabric type.
• Calculate the volume of the storage space in cubic feet by multiplying the height, width, and depth.
• Place seven packets for approximately 3 cubic feet of storage space.
• Refer to the examples below for the recommended amount of product for proper treatment:
  • Small storage box (3 cu. ft.): Use 7 packets.
  • Average Garment Bag (12 cu. ft.): Use 28 packets.
  • Large Trunk (15 cu. ft.): Use 35 packets.
• For larger volumes, use additional containers of packets to ensure proper treatment and protection of your clothes.
• Scatter the packets throughout the storage area and keep containers tightly closed at all times for maximum protection.
• Store the product in an airtight space for a minimum of 7 days and replace it when mothballs have dissipated.

Get the Enoz Moth-Tek Mothballs on Amazon or Amazon or Walmart or Home Depot or shoprite.com or acehardware.com or hy-vee.com

Type of Moths

Two types of mothballs are available: one with naphthalene and the other with paradichlorobenzene as active ingredients.

Despite the difference in chemicals, their effectiveness in repelling moths is comparable. Both chemicals convert into gases that mix with the air and kill moths.

However, long-term exposure to these gases can lead to headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation, and coughing.

To prevent this, it’s crucial to store mothballs with clothes in an airtight container and follow all label instructions carefully.

Myths of Mothballs

Myth of Snake Repellent: There is a common belief among many people that mothballs can effectively repel snakes, mice, and other animals.

However, it is essential to dispel these misconceptions as they are merely fictitious tales. In reality, mothballs are designed to eliminate Moths and Carpet Beetles, not to repel animals.

Using mothballs to deter animals around your home poses potential risks, especially when placed in various areas accessible to children.

Mistaking them for candies, children may accidentally consume these toxic substances. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and avoid using mothballs for animal-repellent purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions