Keeping Fleas Out of Taxidermy and Other Pest Control Tips

Keeping Fleas Out of Taxidermy and Other Pest Control Tips

A Termite Motel Made of Cardboard: Why Your Garage Should Be Cardboard Free

Letitia Smith

No matter how well protected your home is from termites, if you inadvertently invite them in, they will eventually accept your invitation. At just half an inch in length, even the tiniest crack can provide a tireless termite with access to your home. Although termites are known for eating wood, they will happily munch on paper, books and cardboard.

When using your garage to store your things, you should use plastic totes rather than cardboard boxes. Otherwise, you could be setting your home up for an imminent invasion.

Cardboard Boxes Attract Termites

In order to survive and feed their ever-growing colonies, worker termites must constantly be on the lookout for food sources. The main staple of the termite diet is cellulose. In nature, termites help the environment by breaking down woody material to consume the cellulose contained within.

In urban areas, termites will munch on mulch, fences, sheds and, worse, homes. Cardboard boxes contain cellulose. Moreover, they are prone to becoming wet. Wet cardboard is a termite delicacy and gives off an overpowering aroma. Even if it isn't wet, cardboard can still provide foraging termites with a handily located refreshments station.

Termites Build Satellite Colonies

As a termite colony grows, it is necessary for its termite workers to branch out to locate multiple food sources in the area. Once the termite workers locate a rich source of cellulose, one that is not too far from moisture as well as being suitably protected from sunlight, they create a satellite colony. A stack of cardboard boxes in a garage is ideal for this purpose.

Satellite Colonies Act as Staging Points

With your cardboard boxes providing a steady source of cellulose, the termite colony will continue to grow. In the meantime, the workers in the vicinity will branch out seeking new sources of food. Unfortunately, since your home and garage are in close proximity, your home and its foundation could be next on the menu.

Even if the lower areas of your house are suitably protected against termites that may not be enough to prevent a termite invasion. Termites use mud tunnels to travel in the open, as sunlight is deadly to them. These tunnels can go from your garage to your roof if need be, so nowhere is safe.

Protect your home by removing all potential food sources, such as cardboard, from around your home. If you discover termites in your garage, contact a pest management company as soon as possible. You also need to ensure that the termites have not found their way into your home.


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About Me
Keeping Fleas Out of Taxidermy and Other Pest Control Tips

Hello, my name is Frieda, and I have a small phobia of bugs and mice. As a result, I have learned everything possible about keeping these critters out of my home. As I have had all of my old pets artfully positioned by taxidermists, I have also learned niche skills such as keeping pests out of the fur of taxidermy animals. In this blog, I am going to put together the best of everything I know along with some tips from the pros. I hope you find the info you need to live a happy, healthy life in a bug and pest-free home. --Frieda