A lot of people do not realize it, but the fumes that come off moth balls
are somewhat toxic to people and animals (in addition to the moths), and
the fumes will linger.  While they don't usually kill mammals, it is still
pretty bad for you to breathe those fumes.  I read an article somewhere
that advised people not to use mothballs at all to keep moths away, but
to try other alternatives, such as storing clothing in cedar chests, etc.
Unfortunately, breathing fumes off pine or cedar is also bad for you.
Even before I read about how bad moth balls are for you, I had noticed
that being around a garment that has been stored in them will give me a
splitting headache inside of 5 minutes.  So I seem to be especially
sensitive to them.  Ferrets with their ultra-sensitive noses would most
like be sensitive to them as well.
 
My advice would be to stay away from the moth balls.  If the moths are
fond of the rice in the rice box, then perhaps you could try putting
something besides rice in there, such as oatmeal or shredded paper.
 
Holly,
Tigger & Pooh
[Posted in FML issue 3535]