Replace mothballs with natural deterrents

Wayana Indians, French Guiana
Photograph by Philippe Bourseiller

"The mothballs people place in wardrobes give off naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene fumes. The former is a carcinogenic substance; prolonged, repeated exposure to high concentrations can damage the nervous system and affect the lungs. Exposure to high levels of naphthalene can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea. Most toxic substances we use are intended to eliminate something, so we should not be surprised that they are detrimental to our health.

"In your drawers and wardrobes, choose bags of lavender or cedar chips, which smell so much nicer than mothballs. Protect delicate woolen clothes by keeping them in sealed boxes."

- From the book '365 Ways to save the Earth', by Philippe Bourseiller

Personal Note: While doing research for a project once I also found Vetiver roots to be a good insect repellent. Here are a few interesting products made specially for insect repelling:

Image Source: vivaterra
Also available at zen-zen 

Product Source: Cote Bastide

Product Source: Seven Hopes United

Another natural repellent very popular in India are Neem leaves. My mom would simply scatter the leaves at the base of the shelf before lining it with cloth or paper.