The whole publication in PDF - Culture in Development

For a bibliography on (urban) pest control see Ebeling, 1978. A complete overview of most of the possible nonchemical
methods o f pest control can be found in Wellheiser, 1992. For a recent handbook on pest control see
Mallis, 1990. Some older titles on pest control are Anonymous, 1955; Baynes-Cope et al., 1966; Hickin, 1971b;
Merton, 1956; Nair, 1978; Szent-Yvany,1968; Rossman, 1935; Werner, 1968 and 1979; Winks et al., 1977; Wood,
1956. Other more recent titles on (urban) pest control are Ackery et al., 1999; Baynes-Cope et al., 1987; Bennett et
al., 1986; Brandt, 1995; Brewer et al., 1996; Cunha, 1989; Duverne, 1998; Florian, 1987; Gilberg, 1991; G ilberg
et al., 1992; Gupta, 1984; Hedges, 1994; Lifton, 1985; Mehrota, 1991; Pasquarelli, 1989; Pearson, 1993b and
1999; Pinniger, 1991, 1993 and 1994; Pinniger et al., 1994; Pinniger et al., 1998; Robinson et al., 1999; Sarka r,
1991; Stansfield, 1989; Stranger et al., 1992; Truman et al., 1988; Valentin et al., 1998; Ware, 1980;, Wildley,
1996; Williams et al., 1989; Wixed et al., 1997; Zaitseva, 1989.
For literature on bio deterioration see Anonymous, 1949; Aranyanak, 1988a and 1988b; Agrawal, 1985, 1989,
1991, 1993 and 1995; Agrawal et al., 1991; B arnes, 1984; B ravery, 1977; Ezennia, 1991; Garg et al., 1994;
Hongsaprug, 1995; Kumar et al., 1999; More et al., 1975; Nair, 1974, 1977, 1993b and 1995; Nair et al., 1972;
Nyuksha, 1980 and 1994; Singh, 1994; Tosho et al., 1993; Valentin, 1986; Walters et al., 1972; Wimaladasa, 1993.
For guidelines on prevention of bio deterioration see Cumberland, 1991.
Many electronic publications and other useful information can be downloaded from websites on IPM. It is good
to keep in mind that commercial companies are very active in this field and that they do not always adhere to
archival standards. Check the many links on IPM at the site of British Columbia Ministry of W ater (Land and Air
Protection, Pollution Prevention and Remediation Branch) and the websites of the (commercial) magazine P est
Control and Kansas State University, Research and Extension. The literature referred to in previous chapters is also
relevant to this subject, for example the sections on Preservation and Conservation – Traditional Preservation, and
part of the sections on Building and on Storage.
7.3 Pests
Almost one million animals are described world wide. It is assumed, however, that the actual number of species is
ten times as high, and insects especially are present in incredible quantities. Three quarters of all animals are insects.
Most of these insects are found in the tropical regions due to the high humidity and the abundance of food sources.
In times of shortage animals tend to specialise and adapt to almost any situation, no matter how difficult. This is why
the flora and fauna are so diverse, especially in the tropics. The likelihood that one of these numerous and highly
specialised species will enter our collection is therefore very considerable (ARA, 2000).
As an IPM programme needs to know all about the pest, its habits, and the environment in which it thrives and
survives, it is very information-intensive. Although it is impossible for any conservator to take endless biology
classes, some basic information on the most frequent pests is essential. Below we will briefly pay attention to
moulds, insects, rodents and other small pests.
7.3.1 Moulds
Mould is a type of fungus. W hile there are m any varieties, it can generally be said that mould sp ores are particularly
attracted to starches, glues, gelatine, and leather, including human skin. In order to thrive spores need, besides food,
a high level of relative humidity, above 60%. They are in the air at all times. If they remain dormant they are not
a problem, but when the right conditions occur they become active and, if unchecked, will destroy many types of
archive (Ling, 1998). If temperature and relative humidity cannot be controlled within limits, efforts should be made
to retard fungus growth by maintaining free circulation of air. This helps to prevent fluctuations in humidity and the
consequent formation of pockets of air amenable to fungus growth. The first measures taken to prevent mould are
to keep the air moving and the area clean (Kathpalia, 1973).
Excessive heat, poor air circulation, and relative humidity above 65% provide a suitable climate for mould
growth. High humidity is especially problematic in basements, where ground water and cooler temperatures
encourage water vapo ur to collect. T he appearance of m ould indicates a serious condition – take immediate action.
Lowering temperature and relative humidity levels and increasing air circulation are usually required to discourage
future mould growth (Read, 1994).
An interesting and innovative way of approaching fungal deterioration is the study on the anti fungal activity
of homoeopathic drugs against fungi isolated from damaged books (Garg, 1995).
One way of preventing mould growth on books in the absence of air-conditioning is to paint the hard covers with
shellac (containing an insecticide) and to cover the paper jackets with plastic. This was practised in the 1960s in
Malaysia (personal communication Rita Warpeha, Smithsonian/National Academies of Science, March 31 2001)
but if this is still practised today is to be questioned
7.3.2 Insects
Insects are dangerous to archive material and are a potential threat, particularly in tropical co untries. In temperate
regions, although the problem exists, it is not as serious (Kathpalia, 1973).
Silverfish, firebrats, psocids (also called booklice), and cockroaches are among the most common library pests.
Silverfish and firebrats can reach up to 12.5 mm in length; they feed on paper size, chew holes in paper (especially
glossy paper), and damage bookbindings and wallpaper to get to the adhesives underneath. They also feed on
textiles, primarily rayon, cotton, and linen. They prefer dark, humid areas that are undisturbed for long periods of
time. Psocids feed on microscopic mould growing on paper, and thus their presence usually indica tes a humidity
problem in the storage area. They are much smaller than silverfish and firebrats, about 1-2 mm, and may also feed
on pastes and glues, but they do not produce holes in paper. Cockroaches are omnivorous, but are especially fond
of starchy materials and protein; they will eat book pages, bindings, adhesives, leather, and wallpaper. Cockroaches
will chew holes in paper and bindings, but can badly stain materials with their secretions as well. Cockroaches are