You’ve heard plenty of stories about how leaving old paperwork lying around can put you at risk for identity theft. But have you ever thought about how it could put you at risk for pests? There’s more than thieves lying in wait to take advantage of your old papers — there’s a few creepy crawlies too.
Do Old Papers Attract Bugs?
In short, yes. Old paper and cardboard provide bugs and other pests with protection from harsh weather and predators, so they take advantage of those hiding spots. When you leave boxes or stacks of paper lying around your garage, basement, or attic, you’re basically opening up a bug motel. There are a few pests that like these shelters more than others, so watch out for them!
- Silverfish: These are small, wingless bugs that you can’t see with your naked eye. They like hanging out in moist, humid areas — i.e. your attic or basement — and eating paper with ink, as well as wood, wallpaper, and photos.
- Cockroaches: These pesky crawlers prefer to live in dark, humid places, such as damp corners and leaking pipes. They’re also the most common bug to be found eating paper in your home.
- Termites: You could go years without knowing you have termites in your home. While they’re better known for eating wood, they’re attracted to all forms of cellulose, including paper. They’ll happily chew through book bindings and paper pages, amongst other paper products.
- Book Lice: These tiny pests feed on the microscopic bits of mold on cardboard, books, and old paper, inevitably causing permanent damage to the documents.
When it comes to hanging onto old paperwork, you’re not only risking identity theft but also a pest infestation. Get rid of old documents with Complete Shredding Solutions. We safely destroy any and all old paperwork so you and your home are kept safe. For more information on paper shredding near me or to get a free quote, call us at 516-442-1624.
