Cartons and Moving Boxes: How Pests Hitchhike to a New Home

Cardboard is food and shelter for cockroaches, silverfish and other pests.

Boxes can carry them between homes.

The short answer

Cockroach egg cases, silverfish and other pests can hide in boxes and packing materials. Inspect boxes before moving, use plastic crates where possible, avoid damp storage, unpack promptly, dispose of cartons and wash items from storage. Don't keep empty boxes.

Prevent

1. Inspect boxes at both ends.
2. Use plastic crates or sealed bins.
3. Avoid damp storage.
4. Unpack promptly.
5. Dispose of cartons quickly.

Signs

• Egg cases.
• Droppings.
• Live insects.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Do boxes really carry roaches?

Yes, egg cases hide in the folds.

Should I reuse boxes?

Better to avoid.

What about packing paper?

Dispose of it too.

Can I treat boxes?

Replace and avoid.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on pest control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full pest control guide for Bangalore.