Hi Tom and other pest list folks,
What is the optimal length of time to leave out a glue board,
especially with regard to avoiding the creation of a "lunch bar" ?
If you have limited resources and time to devote to monitoring
(doesn't everyone)
would it be best to just put out glue boards once a year
and then pick them up at the end of that optimal time period ?
Mary Baughman
Book Conservator
Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center
The University of Texas at Austin
P.O.Drawer 7219
Austin, Texas 78713-7219
Telephone (512) 471-8635 or 471-9117
Fax (512) 471-7930
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: chris_f...@nps.gov
To: pestlist@museumpests.net
Sent: Fri, Oct 30, 2009 10:32 am
Subject: Re: [pestlist] "dead zone" to isolate museum from plantings
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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: <mailto:chris_f...@nps.gov>chris_f...@nps.gov
<http://www.nps.gov/grko>www.nps.gov/grko
"The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American
people, so that all may experience our heritage."
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