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Mothball Toxicity: Naphthalene and Paradichlorobenzene Risks

Mothballs contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene—both toxic to humans and pets with prolonged exposure. Symptoms include headache, nausea, liver/kidney damage, and cancer risk.

Action Steps

Remove mothballs immediately.
Ventilate area thoroughly.
Consult a doctor if exposure was prolonged.
Use live traps for squirrels/rodents instead.

Refer to EPA ToxFAQs and chemical profiles for details.

Mothballs

Mothballs—effective but hazardous; use traps instead.

About Gardening: Mothballs in the Garden: Not Labeled, Not Recommended; Poisonous Houseplants: Hidden Dangers in Your Indoor Garden; Poisonous Trees: Seeds, Leaves, and Acorns; Finding Reliable Poisonous Plant Resources for Georgia; Daphne Odora: Fragrant But Poisonous—Don't Drink the Water; Angel Trumpet Toxicity: Contextualizing Plant Poison Risks; Are Beautyberries Poisonous? What Gardeners and Parents Should Know; Elephant Ear Sap Causes Painful Oxalic Acid Burns; Angel's Trumpet at School: Toxic But Manageable With Placement; Poisonous Plants: Separating Myth from Reality in Your Garden

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