Do shoe boxes attract bugs and other pests?

September 22, 2025 •

5 min read

According to pest control experts, cardboard material can indeed create an attractive harborage for pests due to its composition, moisture retention, and corrugated layers. This means your simple shoe boxes can become an unwitting magnet for various unwelcome guests, posing a general health concern and requiring careful management.

Quick Summary

Cardboard shoe boxes can attract pests like roaches, silverfish, and termites because they provide shelter, a food source (cellulose and glue), and often retain moisture. The dark, undisturbed environment within a stack of boxes is an ideal breeding ground for these insects, which can easily be transported into your home from a warehouse or delivery vehicle. Switching to airtight plastic containers is a simple solution to mitigate this risk.

Key Points

Cardboard Provides Shelter: The dark, corrugated structure of shoe boxes is a perfect, undisturbed hiding spot for pests like roaches and silverfish.
Cardboard is a Food Source: Pests are attracted to and can eat the cellulose in cardboard and the starchy glue used in its construction.
Moisture is an Attractant: Humid environments, common in basements and garages, make cardboard even more appealing by softening it and promoting mold growth.
Pests Can Hitch a Ride: Bugs can be introduced into your home via cardboard boxes from warehouses or delivery vehicles.
Plastic is a Better Alternative: For long-term storage, sealed plastic bins are recommended as they don't provide food, shelter, or moisture for pests.
Prevention is Key: Regular cleaning, managing humidity, and elevating stored items off the floor can prevent infestations.
Infestation Indicator: Finding spiders in your boxes could signal a broader pest issue, as they are likely hunting other insects residing there.

The Hidden Dangers of Cardboard Storage

While we often use shoe boxes for convenient storage, their very nature makes them appealing to a host of household pests. Made from cellulose, cardboard provides a food source for insects that feed on plant matter, such as silverfish and termites. Additionally, the glue used in the construction of these boxes can contain starches that are a delicious treat for cockroaches. Beyond acting as a snack, the corrugated structure of the boxes offers a perfect hiding place and a secure, dark, and warm nursery for pests to lay eggs and reproduce, often without your knowledge.

Why Bugs are Drawn to Cardboard

Several factors make cardboard boxes, including shoe boxes, an ideal home for bugs and other pests. Understanding these attractants is the first step toward effective prevention.

Moisture Retention: Cardboard is highly absorbent and can hold onto moisture, creating a humid microclimate that many pests, like cockroaches and silverfish, thrive in. Basements, garages, and attics are particularly susceptible areas for this. Wet cardboard can also develop mold, which can become another food source for certain insects.
Shelter and Protection: The dark, tight spaces within a stack of shoe boxes or inside the corrugated layers of cardboard provide a sense of security for pests. They offer a safe harbor to hide from predators, lay eggs, and multiply, all while remaining undisturbed in your home's quiet, out-of-the-way storage areas.
Food Source: For some bugs, cardboard isn't just a home—it's a meal. Insects like termites and silverfish feed on the cellulose in paper products, while cockroaches are drawn to the starchy glues. Any food residue left on or in the box during transit can also attract opportunistic feeders like ants.

Common Pests Found in and Around Shoe Boxes

Different pests are attracted to cardboard for different reasons. Knowing who you're up against can help you take more targeted preventative action.

Cockroaches: Perhaps the most notorious cardboard invaders, cockroaches are drawn to the shelter and food source that boxes provide. They can hitch a ride into your home on newly delivered packages and set up shop in your storage areas.
Silverfish: These small, wingless insects love paper and starchy materials. Cardboard is a primary food source for them, and they are particularly fond of damp boxes.
Termites: While they prefer wood, termites will also feed on cellulose-based materials like cardboard, especially when stored in damp areas like basements.
Spiders: While spiders don't eat cardboard, they are often found in boxes because they hunt the insects that do live there. Their presence can be a strong indicator of a broader pest problem.
Mice and Rats: Though not insects, rodents are also attracted to cardboard, which they use as nesting material. They can chew through boxes to get to items stored inside.

Comparison: Cardboard vs. Plastic Storage

Choosing the right storage solution can significantly reduce your risk of pest infestation. The table below outlines the key differences between cardboard and plastic storage.


Feature	Cardboard Shoe Boxes	Plastic Storage Bins
Pest Attraction	High; provides food and shelter.	Low; no food source and fewer hiding spots.
Durability	Low; susceptible to tears, moisture damage, and rodents.	High; robust and resistant to physical damage.
Moisture Resistance	Poor; highly absorbent, leading to mold and decay.	Excellent; creates a waterproof, sealed environment.
Portability	Lightweight and easy to move, but can break easily.	Heavier, but durable handles and stackable designs make them efficient.
Visibility	Opaque; requires labeling and opening to see contents.	Often transparent, allowing for easy identification of contents.
Airtight Seal	None; provides easy access for bugs and moisture.	Available with airtight, lockable lids for superior protection.
Cost	Inexpensive, often free with shoe purchase.	Higher initial investment, but reusable and long-lasting.

Effective Strategies for Preventing Pests

Eliminating cardboard is one strategy, but if you must use it, implementing proactive measures can help. The key is to remove the conditions that pests find so attractive.

Storing Properly

Use Plastic Bins: For long-term storage, especially in damp areas like garages or basements, transfer shoes and other items from cardboard into sealable, airtight plastic containers.
Elevate Storage: Keep all boxes, cardboard or plastic, off the floor. Use shelves or racks to create space underneath, making it harder for pests to access them.
De-clutter Regularly: Avoid letting old boxes and paper pile up. A clean, organized space leaves fewer places for pests to hide.
Use Repellents: For added protection, you can place natural repellents like cedar blocks or sachets of lavender inside plastic containers. Diatomaceous earth can also be used, but with caution.

Maintaining Your Home Environment

Manage Humidity: Use a dehumidifier in basements or other damp areas to reduce moisture, making the environment less hospitable for pests that thrive in humidity.
Inspect Deliveries: Always inspect cardboard boxes from online deliveries before bringing them inside, especially if you live in an area known for pest issues. If possible, unbox outside and immediately break down and recycle the cardboard.
Seal Entry Points: Caulk and seal any cracks or gaps in your walls, especially in storage areas. This reduces the number of entry points for pests looking for a new home.
Cleanliness is Key: Regularly clean your storage areas. Spills, crumbs, and food residue attract pests and can contaminate any cardboard or paper items stored nearby.

When to Call a Professional

If you discover an active infestation, it may be time to seek professional help. A pest control expert can identify the specific type of pest and develop a targeted plan to eliminate them, addressing both the immediate problem and preventing future issues.

Conclusion

While shoe boxes themselves aren't actively malicious, their very composition and structure create an ideal nesting and feeding ground for many common household bugs. To mitigate this general health risk, opting for durable, airtight plastic containers for long-term storage is the most effective approach. By combining this method with general cleanliness and moisture control, you can ensure your stored belongings remain bug-free and your living spaces are protected from unwelcome pest infestations.

For more information on pest identification and prevention, you can visit the EPA's website on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which provides comprehensive resources for safely managing pests in your home [https://www.epa.gov/managing-pests-home-school/introduction-integrated-pest-management-ipm].

Frequently Asked Questions

Shoe boxes attract bugs because they are made of cardboard, which contains cellulose and glue that some insects eat. They also provide a dark, moist, and protected space for pests to hide and breed.

Pests commonly attracted to shoe boxes include cockroaches, silverfish, termites, and spiders. Cockroaches and silverfish are drawn to the materials and moisture, while spiders are often predators of other insects hiding in the boxes.

While storing shoes in cardboard boxes in a clean, dry closet is generally safe, it's not foolproof. The risk increases if the closet is damp or if you live in an area prone to pests. For long-term, worry-free storage, plastic containers are a better option.

To prevent bugs, consider swapping cardboard for airtight plastic containers, storing boxes on elevated shelves rather than directly on the floor, managing humidity levels, and inspecting all incoming packages before bringing them inside.

Yes, many pests, especially cockroaches, will lay their egg cases (ootheca) in the dark, protected crevices of cardboard boxes. These eggs can hatch later, leading to a new infestation.

No, sealed plastic shoe boxes are generally not attractive to bugs. Unlike cardboard, plastic offers no food source, and a lockable lid creates an airtight seal that prevents pests and moisture from entering.

Pests in stored items can contaminate belongings with feces, saliva, and shed skin, which can trigger allergies and asthma. Some pests, like cockroaches, are also known to carry bacteria and pathogens.

It is generally not recommended to store shoe boxes in garages or attics. These areas often have higher humidity and temperature fluctuations, making them ideal breeding grounds for moisture-loving pests.