Christine Ford - I noted in your response, you mentioned "tons of spider beetles." Often spider beetles are generated from grain-based rodent baits and rodent feces. May want to scout around looking for old rodent bait.
You are right on with old glueboards producing other pests, primarily carpet beetles. It is uncanny how adult carpet beetles can fly to a glueboard loaded with dead insects, lay eggs on the carcasses, then the larvae mature into adult beetles, which then either lay more eggs on the carcasses or fly off to infest artifacts and exhibits. All the while never seeming to get caught by the sticky trap! So the next time you see a pile of "powder" surrounding dead insects on your glueboards, carpet beetles are bellying up to the "lunch bar." Thanks for your newsy note. I wholeheartedly agree; a vacuum cleaner is the number one IPM tool in any heritage collection storage and exhibition situation. Tom Parker -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, Oct 30, 2009 10:32 am Subject: Re: [pestlist] "dead zone" to isolate museum from plantings This is a message from the Pest Management Database List. o post to this list send it as an email to [email protected] o unsubscribe please look at the footer of this email. ---------------------------------------------------------- We built a museum storage facility with a hot zone . . . about 12" with bout 2" gravel held in place by 2x6 board on outside edge and I believe here is a barrier under the gravel to prevent vegetation growth. I think t helps. We also made sure all water coming off the rough is directed far way from the structure though gutters downspouts. We also created a hot zone around a historic structure in the middle of a ultural landscape . . . its just dirt without plantings . . . its more ifficult to maintain as the vegetation comes in . . . we do spray this rea with herbicides on occasion. There is another historic structure with istoric furnishings that we have not done this with. We have been hallenged for years in both of these historically furnished 1860s tructures with museum pests - dermestids mostly - tons of spider beetles n one. I've not noticed a change and I don't believe monitoring has been ble to show a change between when we didn't have the removal of veg from he perimeter or not. However, I think its still a good idea because at east when we look at the pest issues with experts in the field on how to est manage them . . . we can say that the perimeter is here. As pportunity allows, I would like to establish a hot zone around the other tructure . . . will keep it very modest - 6" probably - to be able to help aintain the cultural landscape of a residential area. We don't let any tree limbs or bushes come into contact with the structure.. e screen openings, e.g. attic vents. And we monitor to see what is coming nd going. And use an Integrated Pest Management approach . . . our best ethod is extensive housekeeping and being strict about a clean environment no plants, food, drink that pest can feed on - eliminate clutter where hey can harbor. Don't let sticky traps around so long that they become a unch bar for more pests. I have come to peace with the fact that (similar to noxious weeds) we will ever eliminate all museum pests at this site . . . we do our best to anage them below harmful thresholds. When we go above those thresholds, e start looking a some "hard" fixes . . . primarily chemical barriers. Feel free to call for more info - Chris Christine Ford ntegrated Resources Program Manager rant-Kohrs Ranch NHS 66 Warren Lane eer Lodge, MT 59722 06-846-2070 x242 06-846-3962 fax mail: [email protected] ww.nps.gov/grko "The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American eople, so that all may experience our heritage." ------------------------------------------------------------- o 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" ny problems email [email protected]
