Moth Vaporizers

Dr. David Rider

    One of the more common household pests, at least from the 1920's through the 1960's, was the clothes moth.  Control was usually attempted through the use of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (pdb).  These white crystals were often placed in a metal tin which had a number of holes in it.  This tin would then be hung in a closet.  The vapors from the above chemicals would then exit through the holes and permeate the closet, killing the moths.  Most of these tins were simple circular tins about 4 to 5 inches across, and perhaps a couple inches wide.  A few were smaller, a few were elongate cylinders, and a few were quite elaborate.

David A. Rider
Professor of Entomology
North Dakota State University
202 Hultz Hall
Fargo, ND 58105
E-Mail: David.Rider@ndsu.edu

 
Published by the Department of Entomology 

Prospective students may schedule a visit by calling 1-800-488-NDSU.