It seems as though everywhere you look, people are seeing less and less reminders of the fact that we live on a planet subjected to the forces of nature. We may see the occasional news coverage of a big hurricane or other extreme weather, but even this coverage tends to emphasize the impact of nature on our cities. Surrounded by concrete and asphalt, we can forget that as humans we are still very much a part of a natural world, until that world comes back to remind us it is still at work.

Insects are one way in which Mother Nature constantly reminds humans that she is still at work. Insects are naturally resilient creatures against which mankind has waged a war for decades. Whether or not you agree with this war, one thing is obvious: most of the measures we have taken have failed to work, and in many cases have actually served to increase the resilience of pest insects, as well as their numbers!

The new focus of pest control is on prevention of infestations rather than on the elimination of insect populations, and the campaign extends from our homes right into business and industry. Knowing how, why, and where insects are likely to make their homes is as important for shipping as it is for the individual home owner, because it impacts the bottom line.

If you have an insect problem in your warehouse or in that of your client's, you have no need to ask why infestation prevention should be a part of your business plan. Outbreaks of termites, carpenter ants, other ant species, cockroaches, beetles and so on are common concerns in warehouses, which provide plenty of warm spots for insect egg laying. These populations can quickly spread to other businesses.

How do these infestations travel from place to place? The same way as products, literally! Wooden pallets used for dunnage to protect shipped goods, are ideal places for insects to lay their eggs, and the older the pallets, the better. For some insects, it provides a good food source for larva and even adults, while for all insects the smallest cracks make for prime nesting habitats. As a result, when goods are transported, insect populations are too!

The use of plastic dunnage is an important part of combating the spread of insect infestations, as well as preventing further outbreaks within your business. Plastic dunnage is not as prone to cracks into which insects can crawl, and even damaged dunnage will not be an inviting or productive home for an insect nest; there is little natural warmth and no food, so any eggs are unlikely to survive.

Using dunnage made from plastic means less space for insects to nest when the dunnage is in storage and when it is in transport. Make plastic dunnage part of your company's efforts to keep nature where it belongs!