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We built a museum storage facility with a hot zone . . . about 12" with about 2" gravel held in place by 2x6 board on outside edge and I believe there is a barrier under the gravel to prevent vegetation growth. I think it helps. We also made sure all water coming off the rough is directed far away from the structure though gutters downspouts. We also created a hot zone around a historic structure in the middle of a cultural landscape . . . its just dirt without plantings . . . its more difficult to maintain as the vegetation comes in . . . we do spray this area with herbicides on occasion. There is another historic structure with historic furnishings that we have not done this with. We have been challenged for years in both of these historically furnished 1860s structures with museum pests - dermestids mostly - tons of spider beetles in one. I've not noticed a change and I don't believe monitoring has been able to show a change between when we didn't have the removal of veg from the perimeter or not. However, I think its still a good idea because at least when we look at the pest issues with experts in the field on how to best manage them . . . we can say that the perimeter is here. As opportunity allows, I would like to establish a hot zone around the other structure . . . will keep it very modest - 6" probably - to be able to help maintain the cultural landscape of a residential area. We don't let any tree limbs or bushes come into contact with the structure. We screen openings, e.g. attic vents. And we monitor to see what is coming and going. And use an Integrated Pest Management approach . . . our best method is extensive housekeeping and being strict about a clean environment - no plants, food, drink that pest can feed on - eliminate clutter where they can harbor. Don't let sticky traps around so long that they become a lunch bar for more pests. I have come to peace with the fact that (similar to noxious weeds) we will never eliminate all museum pests at this site . . . we do our best to manage them below harmful thresholds. When we go above those thresholds, we start looking a some "hard" fixes . . . primarily chemical barriers. Feel free to call for more info - Chris Christine Ford Integrated Resources Program Manager Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS 266 Warren Lane Deer Lodge, MT 59722 406-846-2070 x242 406-846-3962 fax email: [email protected] www.nps.gov/grko "The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people, so that all may experience our heritage." ------------------------------------------------------------- To send an email to the list, send your msg to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this list send an email to [email protected] and in the body put: "unsubscribe pestlist" Any problems email [email protected]
