The whole publication in PDF - Culture in Development

7.3.5 Literature
There is a lot of literature on particular pest groups. In the Rentokil Library several good books on a few of these
pest groups have been published (see Rentokil website).
For some literature on silverfish, etc see Iftikhar et al.,1984; Kalshoven, 1938; Kraemer Koelier, 1960; Lehmann,
1965; Mori, 1975; Olkowski et al., 1987; Pöschko et al., 1997; Shipley, 1925; Sweetman, 1938.
For some literature on cockroaches see Cornwell, 1968 and 1976; O lkowski et al., 1984; Robinow, 1956; Schal
et al.,1990; Urs, 1993.
For some literature on termites and other wood-boring insects see Anonymous, 1944b and 1950; Becker, 1977;
Chand, 1976; Ebeling et al., 1965; Fuxa, 1987; Gay, 1963; Grassé, 1966; Hadlington, 1987; Harring ton et al.,
1993; Harris, 1943 and 1962; Hickin, 1971a; Jahan et al., 1995; MacGregor, 1950; Mori, 1984; Mossberg, 1990;
National Archives of India, 1991b; Noirot et al., 1947; UNESCO, 1960; Rauch, 1984; St. George et al., 1960;
Velderrain, 1991; White, 1970; Williams, 1973; Williams, 1977.
For an overview of timber infestation and preservation of the first 50 years of the 20 th century see Grenou et al.,
1951. For more literature on preservation and pest control of wood and timber see Becker, 1977; Benoit, 1954a and
1954b; Bravery, 1977; Bultman et al.,1987; Building Research E stablishment, 1980; Colem an, 1978; Findlay, 1985;
Fortin et al., 1976; Gowers, 1970; Hickin, 1978; Mori, 1984; Ocloo et al., 1980; Paton et al., 1987; Tack, 1980;
Unger et al., 1993; Werner, 1968; White, 1970; Wilkinson, 1979; Williams, 1973.
For some literature on rodents see Jackson et al., 1997; Meyer, 1998; Olkowski, et al., 1986 and 1991; Rauch,
1984; Strong, 1987.
Although published some time ago MaryWood Lee’s UNESCO publication on mould is still worthwhile reading
(Wood Lee, 198 9). For more on mould see Aberg, 1989; Anonymous, 1950; Ezennia, 1993; Heim et al., 1968;
Hoffman, 1963; K eller, 1959 ; Lim et al., 1989; National Park Service, 1993; Plumbe, 1961a; Rytkonen et al., 1988;
Scott, 1994 and 1996; Upsher et al., 1972; Wee et al., 1980.
7.4 Treatm ents
The number o f pests is enormous, there are many thousand s of possible local pests to d eal with which makes it
difficult to fight them, as there is no single solution. It is important to remember that sighting one or two insects is
an occasion for monitoring to determine the extent of the problem; it is not necessarily a crisis situation. In the past,
insect sightings often occasioned an indiscriminate use of pesticides. If a serious insect infestation occurs, or if insect
problems do not respond to the preventive techniques discussed above, direct treatment for insect infestation may
be necessary. This strategy should be used as a last resort. Both chemical and non-chemical treatments are available;
non-chemical means should be used wherever possible.
Library and archiva l collections can be threatened by a variety of pests that damage paper-based and other
materials. The method of pest control least damaging to collections and staff involves preventive measures and
regular monitoring. If infestation does occur, treatment should be tailored to the specific insect species and the type
of material that is infested. Chemical treatments should be avoided except as a last resort. Emerging technologies
such as blast freezing and modified atmospheres have significant potential as alternatives to chemical control
(NEDCC website).
Reports of research and experience with pest control have appeared frequently in the conservation literature of
the last years. When fumigation is necessary to control insects, freezing is the current method of choice. Inert gases
are seen as promising fumigants, though few institutions have facilities yet for using them. Inert atmospheres can
be provided within enclosures by exhausting the air and pumping in carbon dioxide, nitrogen or argon. A fumigation
bubble adapted for this purpose has appeared on the market in recent months, and is still under development. It
speeds the fumigation process by use of controlled heat (McCrady, 1992).
Libraries and archives have traditionally relied on pesticides for routine pest prevention and response to observed
infestation. Pesticides often do not prevent re-infestation, however, and application of pesticides after the fact cannot
correct the damage already done. Pesticides have also become less attractive because of a growing awareness that
the chemicals in pesticides can pose health hazards to staff and damage paper-based collections. Newer
extermination methods such as controlled freezing and oxygen deprivation have shown promise as alternatives for
treatment of existing infestations, but like pesticides, they do not prevent re-infestation. Prevention can be achieved
only through strict housekeeping and monitoring procedures (Lindblom Patkus, 1999).
7.4.1 Fumig ants
In the past, fumigation was seen as the sole means of ensuring elimination of pest infestations. Often facilities were
fumigated on a regular basis, even when there was no immediate threat (Ling, 1998).
The premises of a repository should be completely independent of one another. The rooms should be spacious,
with plenty ventilation. But they should not be more than 200 m 3 in volume, so that they can be disinfected
separately if necessary (Davison, 1981).
The use of fumigants involves exposing infected material to a lethal gas. Fumigants are among the m ost toxic
of pesticides. Fumigant gases remain in the air and can easily spread over a wide area.
In general, fumigants and other pesticides can cause long- and short-term health problems, ranging from nausea
and headaches to respiratory problems or cancer. Many chemical treatments may cause no ill effects at the time of
exposure, but may be absorbed into the body to cause health problems years later. Many of the chemicals also
damage the treated materials and no chemical treatments provide a residual effect that will prevent re-infestation.
Growing awareness of the risks has brought about increased emphasis on non-chemical pest-control methods.
7.4.1.1 Ethylene Oxide