Actions to Block Pest Activities

Action

Prevent exposure to health problems. Animal faeces and carcasses can present viral and bacterial hazards. Dusts of insect origin are strong causes of allergic reactions (Strang and Dawson 1991a, 1991b). Therefore, wear approved respiratory protection, gloves, and protective or disposable coveralls when dealing with mouldy buildings and objects or insect- or rodent-infested collections.

Action

Repair foundation cracks over 1mm wide (0.3mm in termite zones). Seal gaps between continuous sheet flooring and walls. Apply blade seals around opening windows and under doors. Attach wire mesh to exterior vents to restrict animal access (6-mm hardware cloth to restrict mice, 1-mm mesh to restrict most insect pests).

Action

Use pest-resistant materials (e.g. tough silicone rubbers) to maintain effective door seals. Ensure fixtures do not compromise the barrier due to unsealed perforations (e.g. levelling feet, recessed handles, or vents). Ensure objects are pest-free before enclosing.

Action

Action

Use pest-resistant films (rolls of sheet material or pre-made plastic bags): polyethylene is a good barrier material that protects up to 10 years; poly(ethylene terephthalate) such as Melinex or Mylar is a better barrier for multi-decade protection. Bags will protect objects from incidental rodent urine and faeces dropped as they explore, but not against their chewing. Heat seal bags for complete closure, or use a tight, multiple-folded mechanical seal. Tightly gathered closures are insect resistant in the short term. Insect perforation of plastic film depends on the ability of the insect to perforate the plastic as well as on the inherent strength of the plastic. Folds in the plastic will greatly increase the bag's vulnerability to insect perforation because a fold presents places where an insect can grab on more easily and chew. Ensure objects are pest-free before enclosing. Do not place a bagged object where it will be subject to a temperature differential. This creates damp areas and risks mould formation (Strang 2001).

Action

Cover bird roosting sites with black nylon bird mesh. Block unused chimneys at roof level with sheet metal caps, or install screening on functional chimneys to prevent bird access. Use bird spikes to deter roosting on beams and other structural features.

Action

Screw-top glass vials are resistant to insects as long as the inner seal conforms tightly to the rim. Earliest stage clothes moth larvae can penetrate gaps as small as 0.1 mm. Tight-fitting lids designed for holding fluids are generally secure.

Action

Any effective barrier, from a sealed room to bags, can be used as a bulk quarantine area until an object can be treated to kill pests. Control use of this space so that quarantine is not broken. Combine with timely control methods to protect all uninfested collections. New acquisitions and incoming objects on loan can be hazards in a pest-free storage area.

CCI Technical Bulletin Nº 29.