The Basics of Pest Management

Insects and rodents can cause irreversible damage by feeding on books, textiles, and wood. By monitoring activity and maintaining clean environments, institutions prevent infestations and ensure that rare artifacts and community stories remain intact for future generations. The top three recommendations are:

• Regular Monitoring: Using sticky traps to identify which pests are active and where they are entering.

• Environmental Control: Keeping spaces cool and dry since most pests thrive in warm, damp areas. (See environmental controls for more.)

• Strict Housekeeping: Removing food waste and dust that provide breeding grounds for silverfish, beetles, and moths.