Mothballs are a type of insecticide that is commonly used for repelling or killing fabric insects. Bed bugs can be controlled or repelled by placing mothballs under or around the bed, or between the mattress and box spring, according to some consumers. Researchers at Rutgers University evaluated two moth ball products: IMS (which contains 99.8 percent paradichlorobenzone) and Enoz (which contains 99.8 percent paradichlorobenzone) (99.5 percent naphthalene). A total of 20,000-bed bug adults, nymphs, and eggs were placed throughout plastic bags filled with clothes and the bags were then sealed. At the end of one week, fewer than half of the bed bug adults had been killed, and the mothballs had no significant effect on the bed bug eggs.

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This is yet another method on our list of home remedies for bed bugs that have the potential to be dangerous.

Naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, two commonly used ingredients in the manufacture of mothballs, are both toxic to humans.

The concept behind mothballs is that when they are brought to room temperature, they are formed into round balls that slowly disperse a gas, resulting in the release of fumes into the air.

Method

Place several mothballs around areas where bed bugs are likely to be found, such as on second-hand furniture, your bed, and your mattress, to keep them away.

Can mothballs kill bed bugs?

The theory behind this home remedy is that the gas emitted by the mothballs is so pungent that bed bugs will be repelled by the smell of the gas released.

However, as with the majority of the home remedies on this list, there are no scientific studies or findings to support this assertion. There are far too many risks and health hazards involved in using mothballs to consider them a viable alternative.

If you have to purchase mothballs, make sure they are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These are currently available at Walmart.

Warning:

Mothballs slowly release a gas that can cause respiratory problems in some people.

Conclusion: a myth

It is just as dangerous as using Rubbing Alcohol, and it should not be considered as a viable alternative to traditional medical treatment.

Instead of looking for low-cost or potentially dangerous home remedies, we recommend considering a steam-based treatment.

Mothballs effects on kids

Mothballs contain a toxic chemical, either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which is harmful to the environment. When exposed to air, both gases turn into gaseous compounds that emit the pungent mothball odor. It is possible to get a headache, dizziness, and nausea from inhaling these gases because they are irritating to the eyes and lungs. They are both suspected of being cancer-causing agents. It is naphthalene that is the more toxic of the two ingredients, as it causes red blood cells to break apart, resulting in a condition called hemolytic anemia.