Do cardboard boxes hold or attract bugs?

Do Cardboard Boxes Attract Bugs? [Complete Guide]

Cardboard boxes are one of the most common storage solutions for homes, offices, and warehouses. They’re cheap, lightweight, and convenient — but many people wonder: do cardboard boxes attract bugs?

The short answer: Yes, cardboard boxes can attract and hold bugs because they provide food, shelter, and moisture. Let’s break down why this happens, which bugs are most likely to infest cardboard, and how to prevent it.

Why Do Bugs Like Cardboard Boxes?

Cardboard doesn’t have a strong scent that “calls” insects the way food does, but it creates the perfect environment for pests. Here’s why:

1. Cardboard as a Food Source

• Made from wood pulp, cardboard contains cellulose, which some insects like termites and silverfish feed on.

• The starchy glue used in box seams can also attract cockroaches and other pests.

2. Shelter and Nesting Material

• The corrugated layers inside cardboard create tunnels where bugs can hide and breed.

• Stacked boxes in dark corners are especially appealing to pests that prefer undisturbed areas.

3. Moisture Absorption

• Cardboard absorbs water easily, making damp boxes a breeding ground for mold.

• Mold attracts pests such as booklice and cockroaches, turning your storage into a pest hotspot.

Common Bugs Found in Cardboard Boxes

Here are the pests most often linked to cardboard infestations:

• Cockroaches: Hide in corrugated layers and feed on glue or food residues.

• Silverfish: Love starchy materials like paper and cardboard.

• Termites: Treat cardboard like wood, making it a food source.

• Ants: Use damp cardboard as a nesting site.

• Beetles & Moths: Especially common in boxes holding food, fabric, or books.

How to Prevent Bugs in Cardboard Boxes

If you rely on cardboard for storage, these tips will help minimize pest problems:

✅ Keep Boxes Dry

• Store cardboard in cool, dry spaces.

• Avoid basements, garages, or direct contact with concrete floors.

✅ Seal Boxes Properly

• Use strong packing tape to close seams and limit entry points.

✅ Inspect and Rotate

• Don’t let boxes sit untouched for years. Check them regularly.

✅ Choose Better Storage Alternatives

• For long-term storage, plastic bins with tight lids are far more pest-resistant.

• Plastic doesn’t absorb moisture and provides fewer hiding spots for insects.

Final Thoughts

So, do cardboard boxes attract bugs? Yes, they can. While cardboard is convenient for short-term storage, it’s also a source of food, shelter, and moisture for pests like cockroaches, termites, and silverfish.

For items you want to protect — such as clothing, books, or documents — it’s better to switch to plastic storage bins to avoid infestations.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re storing cardboard boxes, place them on shelves rather than directly on the floor, and keep them away from damp areas.