If your household is like mine (and many others in this country), you probably get frequent deliveries from Amazon or other online retailers. Chances are, your usual routine is to carry those packages inside and open them on the kitchen counter or dining room table.
But experts say you might want to consider a new tactic. Otherwise, you could get an unpleasant surprise in the form of unwanted visitors: bugs.
You should never open delivery packages on your kitchen table, because these boxes often serve as hiding places for pests that hitch a ride from warehouses. “Insects are attracted to the cardboard material because it absorbs moisture and creates the perfect environment for insects to breed and feed,” said Ralph Masferrer, director of technical and training at Aruza Pest Control.
When I lived in Florida, it was common knowledge that you didn’t leave cardboard boxes lying around inside the home because pests — particularly the notorious palmetto bug — love to hide inside boxes. But this is an issue you should think about no matter where you live, as insects can be found hiding in boxes pretty much everywhere. And if you’re in a cold-weather area, insects may be especially eager to settle into a warm, cozy home like yours.
