ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Hundreds of mothballs have been found from the dunes to the water on St. Pete Beach, and no one is sure why.

“They’re all over the beach, it’s crazy,” said local Sandy Denton, who was on the beach Tuesday picking up one after another.

Some are more hidden than others, but the chemical smell peppering the sea breeze is hard to miss.

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“Somebody threw them out yesterday, I picked up hundreds and I’ve picked up even more today,” said Denton.

“I think they should be arrested for it,” said Dick Pieszchala, another local. “It’s terrible. That’s toxic to the animals.”

According to poison control, large amounts of the fumes can be poisonous to both people and animals. If consumed, it can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, or even comas.

“I wouldn’t want to go swimming out there right now – not in mothballs,” said Denton.

“I just couldn’t put my head around why somebody would actually do that,” said Doug Wallace, who was visiting the beach.

Mothballs should only be used indoors, and never to repel wildlife, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife. Violations could bring citations and fines.

FWC assisted beachgoers and the Audubon Society in a beach cleanup.

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“Even though as careful as we’re being picking them up, if they’re in the sand, I’m just wondering if we’re going to keep encountering these mothballs,” said Beth Forys, president of the Audubon Society.

Many of the mothballs found Tuesday by an 8 On Your Side crew surrounded a busy nesting area for black skimmers in the dunes.

Another concern from beach goers is how the balls of chemicals may look like candy to small children.

“It makes you angry because that could be my grandchild, what if my grandchild picked up one,” said Denton.

FWC is asking for anyone with more information to contact them online or by phone at 888-404-3922. If the information provided leads to an arrest or a citation, they offer a $1000 reward.

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