I have grown lots of potatoes, and I am late this year! Going in tomorrow!
I trench 6" deep, cover with soil, adding more soil until it's all ground level and a bit more. When I start seeing the sprouts I start piling wheat straw around them, and just add more straw as they grow.
Last year...
The problem with mothballs is that they are pretty toxic. They also break down when exposed to water, polluting your growing soil and water.
I have used cayenne pepper with limited success, garlic sounds like a good possibility.
The funky/crinkly ears are probably from earmites- they will...