How Long Do Mothballs Last In Attic

If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate.

How long do mothballs last in attic.

Furthermore the life of mothballs depends on the product chemistry. A naphthalene mothball takes many months to evaporate while a para dichlorobenzene mothball lasts about one month. Since the chemicals in mothballs are regulated pesticides using them. 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.

When exposed to the elements a mothball will generally last for between four and six weeks. What is the purpose of mothballs. Mothballs are used to repel insects that eat natural fibers such as moths and silverfish and keep them away from books or clothes. Lately derik had seen a couple of rats in his basement and heard them running around in his attic during the nighttime.

Many people use moth balls to get rid of squirrels and other pests in their attic without knowing of the dangers. However the fumes can last much longer allowing mothballs to effectively last for several years if in a properly sealed container. How long does it take for mothballs to dissipate. The mothballs pungent smell goes away when they have fully evaporated.

The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating. Derik s neighbor advised him to use mothballs to control the rats. One mothball in open air takes 3 6 months to dissipate entirely. When your mothballs have been totally evaporated you ll know it s time to add new ones.

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. 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. Using moth balls long term can result in actual poisoning especially in younger people and those with compromised health anyway. Mothballs contain naphthalene or other chemicals that act as insecticides.

Getting rid of the mothball smell. If you suspect that a child has eaten a mothball contact the poison control center at 800 222 1222 for medical advice. As a result derik purchased several boxes of mothballs and then scattered them in his basement and attic.