Mothballs are an effective way to repel certain flying insects that are known to eat clothing. The clothes moth,is the most common culprit for damaging clothes in homes, particularly those that are stored for long periods of time. The advent of synthetic materials for clothes, improved home climate control, and more common and effective pest control tools and tactics have greatly reduced reliance on moth control, particularly with mothballs. However, mothballs, when used according to the label, are still an effective way to reduce the risk of severe damage to clothes when placed in storage. For more information about the life cycle and identification of the clothes moth