Will the plant absorb the smell of mothballs laid on top of soil.

[Neil71]

I am currently experiencing an spider mite infestation. I have dusted with DE first. I found the article on insect infestations and ( thanks again) found it very informative. Mother often times would use mothballs in her house plants. No I do not live in the same space as the plants. Seriously considering the use of beneficial insects but I currently have DE on the plants and don't want to slice and dice the good bugs.

[Gingerbeard]

Yes. Your mom probably never put mothballs near fragrant plants or food, yeah?
How old are your plants?

[Neil71]

Plants are 3' tall and were looking good. Topping at every 3rd node. Lots of hindsight- more of removal of leaves, more air, adding a dehumidifier. Will attempt introducing friendly bugs when I get spider mites control and am not competing with pesticides. Thanks for the info.

[Gingerbeard]

But how old are your plants? If you are still in veg, you have a lot more options to treat your plants than if you had flowers.
I got rid of aphids with well aimed fans under the plants.

[Ckbrew]

My mother inlaw used moth balls all over her house in the closets. Every time I went there for a visit I would get very sleepy and crash for hours. I believe they are mostly naphtha, a chemical to be avoided imo.

[Gingerbeard]

Grandma used cedar. Said mothballs smell like dying people.

[Ckbrew]

Yes they do

[Rwise]

last place I used moth balls was in the gas tank of my dirt bike.

[Neil71]

Plants are still in veg stage. I have defoliated plants and added a third fan. I applied neem oil today as my second dose.

[Gingerbeard]

Keep on it. You have until flowering before things get hopeless.

[Rwise]

Remember, no neem oil on flowers.