Cardboard Boxes Vs Paper Bags?
By SomeCowgirl
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
United States
July 11, 2012 1:47pm CST
I know that Paper Bags can attract bugs of all sorts, or atleast I found that out recently. I was wondering if cardboard boxes did. I am thinking of getting a few that aren't broken down when I get off work tonight. That way I can use them to store some clothes etc in, until I can afford plastic containers. So has anyone had any bug problems because of lots of cardboard?
We have a lot of cardboard and paper bags here anyway, so I can't tell the difference as we have bugs too. That's only because the house is so messy, I'm slowly trying to do my part to clean it.
1 person likes this
7 responses
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
11 Jul 12
That's a type of spider isn't it? I've been told that someone has seen them here... *shudders* nevermind, I'll just get plastic containers when I have a chance...
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
11 Jul 12
I've heard that they are poisonous I think...
1 person likes this
@purplealabaster (22085)
• United States
12 Jul 12
In addition to the other bugs that have already been mentioned that are attracted to paper bags and cardboard, spiders are really attracted to them. This is a problem, especially if you have poisonous spiders where you live. I think that it is not just the glue that holds the paper and cardboard together that attracts them but also the type of wood that is used. I know that more expensive woods, especially cedar, tend to keep away bugs, but cardboard boxes and bags are not made from these types of wood.
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@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
12 Jul 12
Hmm okay well I appreciate your response. I think the wisest thing would be for me to just save up some money and buy containers. I know it will also help get rid of the spider problem we already have. Also, plastic containers give more room them boxes.
I've not seen you in quite awhile, is everything okay on your end?
1 person likes this
@purplealabaster (22085)
• United States
12 Jul 12
Thank you for asking and being concerned about me.
Things are alright (more or less), but I am not here as much as I used to be, and the problems on the site have only made it more difficult for me to do anything when I do have the chance to be here.
How are things with you aside from the bug issues that you have been facing? I think you were looking for an apartment the last time we spoke. Is that where you are now or are you still living with family?
I think that plastic containers are probably the best and least expensive way to go. In a bind, though, you can get cedar chips at the store to put in the boxes until you can get the containers, although I am not sure how much less that would be than to actually buy the containers. I know that some spiders do not like citrus, either, so cleaning with lemon or lime scented cleaners is better to help keep them away, but I think that ants are probably more attracted by that scent, so it really is not an ideal solution.
Things are alright (more or less), but I am not here as much as I used to be, and the problems on the site have only made it more difficult for me to do anything when I do have the chance to be here.
How are things with you aside from the bug issues that you have been facing? I think you were looking for an apartment the last time we spoke. Is that where you are now or are you still living with family?
I think that plastic containers are probably the best and least expensive way to go. In a bind, though, you can get cedar chips at the store to put in the boxes until you can get the containers, although I am not sure how much less that would be than to actually buy the containers. I know that some spiders do not like citrus, either, so cleaning with lemon or lime scented cleaners is better to help keep them away, but I think that ants are probably more attracted by that scent, so it really is not an ideal solution.
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
12 Jul 12
I prefer to use reusable cloth bags. They can be washed when soiled as well. I do have plenty of plastic shopping bags too that I keep for my clients. When I forget to bring my bags I use the cardboard boxes to carry home the groceries and then use them to store all of my cardboard recycling materials and bring them all to our local recycling center.
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
12 Jul 12
I prefer to use plastic bins to store things in. Cardboard gets moisture from the air and can breed mold spores.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
12 Jul 12
I have reuseable shopping bags as well that I use when going shopping. Much safer on the environment and much less to unload as well!
I'll be getting the plastic bins, this discussion confirms it. Just need to look around and find the sizes and price that suits me best.
@GardenGerty (169568)
• United States
11 Jul 12
Even the plastic bags seem to bring bugs. The glue in the paper bags and boxes often seems to have bug eggs in it. Get a box of Borax that you can add to your wash. Sprinkle some in the bottom of your boxes, put your clothes inside trash bags in the boxes and you will have more luck preventing bugs while storing things. It will not be free, but much less expensive than plastic containers.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
12 Jul 12
Borax does indeed work well. When storing clothes I also put a fabric softener sheet inside the storage bin to freshen it up a bit.
@lynboobsy11 (11343)
• Philippines
12 Jul 12
Mice loves cardboard boxes too, I remember one time when I have to move out I found a family of mice with small babies
. I got goosebumps when I saw the tiny mice for about five of them. Since then I seldom used cardboard and I don't put papers on the cardboard. And sometimes I visited the boxes every once a month and sprayed some insecticide.
. I got goosebumps when I saw the tiny mice for about five of them. Since then I seldom used cardboard and I don't put papers on the cardboard. And sometimes I visited the boxes every once a month and sprayed some insecticide. 1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
12 Jul 12
Thanks for that, I didn't know that Mice made a home of cardboard! Luckily I've not seen any here, but that doesnt' mean they aren't hiding!
@froggieslover (3069)
• United States
11 Jul 12
I have never had a problem storing items in cardboard boxes with the bugs but I feel that it collects moisture real easy and so many times even when stored for a short time the items seem to smell of mold even though there isn't any mold or dampness in it. I have never tried storing items in plastic bags so I am not sure how well or bad they do.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
11 Jul 12
I said Paper nto plastic, lol.
I wouldn't be storing anything that could gain moisture, nor would I be storing it in a place where moisture lives or could be created. I just need something to organize things in... Boxes will work for a little bit, but containers is what I really need.
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
11 Jul 12
I forgot about that! Don't think I want to be feeding them...
