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I am an avid online shopper, and there is nothing I enjoy more than browsing from the comfort of my own house and having items arrive at my doorstep the very next day. However, beyond the convenience of quick deliveries, your latest haul might be hiding a rather unwelcome surprise.According to studies, packaging materials such as corrugated cardboard boxes, crates, or even pallets offer the ideal transportation for pests to hitch a ride into your home.Such critters include roaches, beetles, ants, weevils, and even rodents (gross) that can all enter your home via delivery. At worse case, you might not even notice they are buried inside your box right away — spiders, in particular, have a way to stay out of sight. And insects like silverfish or beetles can live inside cardboard and packaging materials long before they’re discovered.So before you excitedly bring your packages inside, these are the key things you need to check first — to stop pests in their tracks.What attracts pests to your packaging?
Two silverfish (Image credit: Shutterstock)First of all, how do pests get inside your packaging? Typically, pests are in search of shelter and potential food sources, and corrugated cardboard boxes offer the perfect environment.In addition, pests such as silverfish, cockroaches, and termites feed on starchy substances such as paper, glue, and cardboard. Plus, this is the ideal home for mice who love warmth, shelter, and gnawing at cardboard.Unfortunately for us, pests or larvae can enter and hitch a ride, buried in our cardboard boxes or packaging material before sealing. In some cases, certain pests can chew through thin materials like plastic films and cardboard.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.That’s why it’s important to check the warning signs of pests before bringing them inside your home. And the last thing you want is for these uninvited guests to start breeding and multiplying in your home.3 things to look out for before bringing packages inside
