How Long Do Mothballs Last In Attic

When your mothballs have been totally evaporated you ll know it s time to add new ones.

How long do mothballs last in attic. One mothball in open air takes 3 6 months to dissipate entirely. Moth balls were stored in this space and when the person we know went up to work in the attic they were exposed to fumes that eventually killed them while they were working. Mothballs are used to repel insects that eat natural fibers such as moths and silverfish and keep them away from books or clothes. How long does it take for mothballs to dissipate.

Lately derik had seen a couple of rats in his basement and heard them running around in his attic during the nighttime. The mothballs pungent smell goes away when they have fully evaporated. However the fumes can last much longer allowing mothballs to effectively last for several years if in a properly sealed container. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating.

Using moth balls long term can result in actual poisoning especially in younger people and those with compromised health anyway. Naphthalene mothballs take much longer to dissipate than mothballs comprised of para dichlorobenzene. Having a lot of moth balls in your attic can cause all those living in the home to experience unpleasant symptoms such as sore throats and headaches. As a result derik purchased several boxes of mothballs and then scattered them in his basement and attic.

If you suspect that a child has eaten a mothball contact the poison control center at 800 222 1222 for medical advice. Getting rid of the mothball smell. What is the purpose of mothballs. A naphthalene mothball takes many months to evaporate while a para dichlorobenzene mothball lasts about one month.

Though the mothballs themselves will sublimate turn into gas over four to six weeks the smell can linger for years on end if action isn t taken to remove it from the air clothing and furniture. Many people use moth balls to get rid of squirrels and other pests in their attic without knowing of the dangers. Mothballs contain naphthalene or other chemicals that act as insecticides. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate.

Mothballs that are actually in the spherical form about 1 2 in diameter when new will last from a month to several years or longer depending the type of mothball and on how they are placed. Typically moth balls can last anywhere from 2 months up to a year but like previously mentioned the rate at which they dissolve really depends on the temperature and the current environmental conditions. Derik s neighbor advised him to use mothballs to control the rats.