Since full Cereal Boxes are worth slightly more than empty ones, every beginning cereal box collector asks the same burning question-should I leave the cereal in the box or not? The answer depends on where, and how, you live. If pests are not a potential hazard, enclose the box in a clear plastic bag and forget about it. If you live in a broken-down house trailer and your full box of Berry Berry Kix cereal runs the risk of being attacked by roaches, mice, rats, or Newt Gingrich, then, by all means, gut the box. This is done by gently pulling open the bottom tabs and removing the bag of cereal. (To test for bugs, put your ear to the box. If your hear strains of "Hi Ho, Hi Ho, off to work we go," it's occupied territory.)
Nothing is more heartbreaking than watching a swarm of weevils hatch out of your full Quake miner's helmet cereal box come spring, so here's an easy alternative to gutting or fumigation (poisons are nasty.. .and who knows when you might get hungry?) Place the box in a clean plastic bag. Squeeze all the moisturecarrying extra air out of the bag and seal it with a twist tie and rubber band. Put the bag in your freezer for a few weeks. Don't hestitate to share this technique with in-laws, nosey neighbors, or unwanted house guests. Their expressions as they watch the drama unfold between the frozen peas and the Haagen Dazs will be priceless.
Aside from attracting moths, small rodents, and large Republicans, unopened cereal boxes tend to acquire a pear shape as the stuff inside settles and pushes out the sides. Take a tip from wine connoisseurs and rotate your boxes every few months to keep them in fighting trim.
More on displaying your Cereal Box Collection
