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Healthy Alternatives to Moth Balls

posted by Annie B. Bond Apr 11, 2008 1:15 am
Healthy Alternatives to Moth Balls
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Inspired by and adapted from Home Enlightenment: Practical, Earth-friendly Advice for Creating a Nurturing, Healthy, and Toxin-Free Home and Lifestyle, by Annie B. Bond (Rodale, 2005).

It was sobering to see that naphthalene, the main ingredient in conventional moth balls was recently listed as a registered carcinogen by the U.S. government. How many homes have that memorable smell impregnating their sweater chests and closets? Natural moth repellents are the only safe choice, and their fragrances are effective. If you have mothballs in your house, put them in the trash, and air anything that holds their smell in the sun as often as possible.

Here is how to make an easy and effective moth repellent sachet:

This recipe will fill about a dozen sachets. You can buy herbs in bulk at almost any health food store:

2 ounces each dried rosemary and mint
1 ounce each dried thyme and American ginseng
8 ounces whole cloves

Mix herbs and place some in the center of a bandanna or handkerchief (or in a muslin tea-bag, available at health food stores). Tie with a ribbon.

More on Household Hints (165 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3189 articles available)

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Home Enlightenment

Practical, earth-friendly advice for creating a nurturing, healthy, and toxin-free home and lifestyle.buy now
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Jill Mcewan-macias

I came across a book called "The Urban Pagan" and in it there were a few effective environmentally friendly alternatives to the various chemicals used in household cleansing products. I am not sure how readily available the book is since I believe it is out-of-print but I got my copy through alibris books(online used and new books dealer similar to Amazon.com).

Toby Tobes

Thank you! I look forward to trying this!

Donald Kidd

Since moth balls contain napthalene - a carcinogen. Is your recipe just as effective? I want to get bats out of my attic, but not by using a product called Bat Away - 100% napthalene. Other ides? Donald Kidd

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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