Thatayaone Segaetsho
An integrated pest management program as a pests control strategy at the University of Botswana Library
Thatayaone Segaetsho augmented by provision of supportive structures of University of Botswana Library funding, coordination, policies, and management and [email protected] planning prioritizations.
Abstract Key terms: integrated pest management, pest’s survey, preservation of library and Libraries and archives have the jurisdiction to acquire, archival materials protect, and provide information resource to the public for as long as possible. Consequently, libraries and Introduction archives are obliged to preserve collections in perpetuity. Libraries and archives have the jurisdiction to Preservation is a presiding managerial function of acquire, protect, and provide information coordinating the endeavor to protect collections from resources to the public for as long as possible, deterioration. As part of preservation, libraries and and for that reason, they have the archives have the responsibility to monitor and control responsibility to preserve collections. pests within their collections. The general purpose of According to the International Federation of this study was to investigate the Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) monitoring/inspections of pests, pest prevention, pest publication; Principles for the Preservation control and challenges observed at UB-Library with and Conservation of Library Materials, a the view to make recommendations for improvement. Records and Archives Management The study was conducted using a survey methodology Programme (RAMP Study) (Vinas, 1989:79) and data collection was conducted using observation preservation “includes all the managerial and and document analysis tools. The findings of the survey financial considerations, including storage and revealed a significant number of pests that are present accommodation provisions, staffing levels, in the UB-Library including badister bullatus, policies, techniques and methods involved in spiders, grasshopper, house cricket, birds-dove preserving library and archive materials and (columbidae), cockroaches, strawberry seed beetles, flea, information contained in them.” In other silverfish, moth, ants and flies (Black and blue flies). words, preservation is a presiding managerial Despite the presence of guidelines on inspection, function of coordinating the endeavor to prevention and pest control measures at UB-Library, retard deterioration and prevent damage by lack of supportive structures to pest management creating conditions optimal for the programme such as funding procedures, prioritization, continuation of cultural heritage materials as policies statements on pests and proper coordination of compatible with their social use. As part of IPM programme was observed as major challenges. preservation, libraries and archives are obliged This study therefore recommends an adoption of a to protect collections from pests. Appelbaum three step process of monitoring/inspection, prevention (1991:117) stressed that “actual occurrences and control as an appropriate strategies for pest of insects or mold damage to collections management and this should; provide effective early materials are often not publicly discussed by inspection and identification of warnings of infestation; professionals, but can cause major disruption identify high risk areas within collection and the in the life of an institution, and can cause surrounding buildings and pin point environmental significant damage to collections, particularly sources of infestation, and outline prevention and where a large amount of materials is stored control measures. Furthermore, the study recommends away and only infrequently inspected.” Pests that integrated pest management strategies should be are one of the drawbacks in ensuring long life
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Thatayaone Segaetsho availability and access to information their breeding systems, location and nature. resources. Ritzenthaler (1993) and Harvey (1994) noted that, among others, common types of pests in libraries and archives include cockroaches, According to the International Standards for flies, termites, grasshoppers, bugs, crickets, Phytosanitory Measures (Food and beetles and spiders. In addition, the Agriculture Organization of the United Preservation Advisory Center (British Library, Nations, 2001:04) pests are “any species, 2012) observed that woodworm/furniture strain or biotype of plant, animal or beetles or woodborers like the anobium pathogenic agent injurious to plants or plant punctatum, stegobium panaceum and products.” Pests are annoying or troublesome bookworms are also among the common and nuisance creatures that harms or destroys pests in paper collections. Furthermore, garden plants, trees, households, animals and silverfish, termites and book-lice were pose as a threat even to agro-ecosystems and observed by Harvey (1994) and the British agricultural productions (Campos et.al 2014). Library (2012) as some of the pests which are On the other hand, the Encyclopedia really worrisome in library and archival Britannica (2013) emphasized that the materials. definitions of pests are subjective to the given different scenarios. However, they viewed pests as any organisms declared as inflictors of Given the varied types of pests observed in injury or pain to human beings or to their libraries and archives throughout the worlds, interests. Pests are the threatening this implies that materials are subjected to perpetrators to human comfort, plants and different damages caused by these pests. other animals throughout the world. As a Ngulube (2005) revealed that seven (63.6%) result, different institutions have/are of the archival institutions and six (66.7%) continuously establishing pest control national libraries in Eastern and Southern measures in order to minimize damages to Africa had observed damages to materials their interests or belongings (The U.S. caused by moulds and insects. Silverfish and Environmental Protection Agency, 1993, booklice were observed by the British Library Gibb & Al Fournier, 2006, British Library, (2012) to be gracing on book surfaces. The 2014). Libraries and archives have equally British Library (2012) further observed that importantly noticed the importunity of the larvae make tunnels in paper materials controlling pests and this is evidenced by more especially in the big bound materials or different issues raised by library and archival stacked papers. Literature posits that the institutions throughout the world. Some of continuous pest infestations are exacerbated these issues on pests in libraries and archives by the fact that pests generally live in moist are discussed in the next sections. areas, but can survive in dry areas as long as they have access to water and sources of food Issues of pests in libraries and like starch, cellulosic materials, and animal archives glues in books and these pose different challenges to library and archival materials Libraries and archives are continuing to (Ngulube, 2005 & British Library, 2012). Pests disclose evidences of pests in their building can eat collections, stain collections with their environments (Ritzenthaler, 1993, Harvey, remains, distort the authenticity of collections 1994, and Segaetsho, 2014). The pests and in some instances they can completely observed in libraries and archives’ buildings deteriorate the context of collections (Harvey, are of different types or groups depending on 1994). Consequently, pests do not only pose
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Thatayaone Segaetsho danger to collections but also to human health pesticides arguing that the “concern about the and safety through stinging or biting, and the use of pesticides in school environments and damages are irreversible. the potential effects of pesticide exposure on children’s health have driven many states to implement laws that affect the use of The various damages to collections posed by pesticides in schools.” pests signify the evidence of different challenges that overwhelm libraries and archives institutions throughout the world. As a result, institutions prefer economically Selatolo (2012) was of the view that challenges cheap, less toxic and environmentally friendly on pest equally include the rapid production methods of pests’ control. The proper control of the young ones which also brings about of pests require that institutions should huge amount of destruction to collections. It develop official policy statement that provides is, therefore, important to monitor, control a useful first step in changing from a and destroy breeding cycles of pests in library conventional pesticide program to user- and archival institutions. In overall, libraries friendly programs (National Service Center and archives are further faced with general for Environmental Publications (NSCEP), challenges of training staff on proper methods 1993). Environmentally friendly measures of of pests control, financial challenges, lack of pests control were also observed at the British policies and lack of expertise when it comes Library which implemented IPM program and to preservation work (Tamuhla, 2001, have quarantine rooms for pest control Ngulube, 2005 & Selatolo, 2012). measures (British Library, 2014). The importunity of user-friendly pests control methods was clearly stated by the Chicora Despite the different challenges in Foundation (1994:01) when they posited that preservation work, libraries and archives “we need to more aggressively pursue embrace different methods of admonishing mechanical and cultural changes which build and controlling pests. These include or starve pests out, making museums, fumigation with pesticides, insecticides, using libraries, archives, and historic sites less of pest traps, and adoption of Integrated Pest attractive to things that destroy collections.” It Management systems (IPM). However, most is, therefore, paramount that libraries and of the chemical methods are faced with archives should harmoniously integrate different challenges. Chicora Foundation different approaches of analyzing pests, (1994) observed that there are increasing monitoring, prevention and control through concerns over indoor air quality, increasing programs like IPM. sensitivity to certain chemicals either through inhalation or physical contact, and increasing allergic reactions to a wide variety of products. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Segaetsho & Mnjama (2012) further opined Systems that using of pesticides in library building without functional air condition systems pose The United States (US) Environmental a threat to air quality due to gases that may be Protection Agency (2014:01) defined an produced by decaying pesticide chemicals. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as “an The chemical methodologies have negative effective and environmentally sensitive impact to the environment and can be approach to pest management that relies on a extremely dangerous leading to diseases and combination of common-sense practices.” It even death to human. Gibb & Al Fournier is an economically cheap process that anchors (2006:03) highlighted the dangers of using
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Thatayaone Segaetsho on user-friendly strategies of preventing pests such as destruction by chewing, gnawing and from accessing the environments under stains from droppings. It is therefore protection. In developed countries like in paramount that when implementing strategies America and United Kingdom (UK), of monitoring pests one should always inspect professionals acquire IPM certification in cracks and crevices of porches, foundations, order to verify that their pest management and gardens adjacent to buildings under care systems use the key steps of IPM program. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chicora Foundation (1994) argued that true 1993). Simple methods and tools for IPM program requires that an institution monitoring and inspection of pests include should develop a program of devising the using pest traps to capture pests, plastic vials threshold level of action on which monitoring for collecting and storing pests, small brushes to identify the pests present is critical. In for manipulating small insects, and hand- doing so, the institution develops the lenses or microscopes to better identify pests knowledge of understanding the biology and (Duchemin, 1996). Augustin et. al (2012) lifecycles of the pests involved so that the emphasized that another equally important institution can realistically develop strategies tool for capturing pests include using of mechanical, cultural and biological control aggregation pheromones which are used to and evaluate the enacted control measures. bait funnel traps, windows traps and cross- The process is anchored on identifying pests, vane traps. studying their leaving habits, feeding methods and their breeding lifecycle such that prevention strategies could be implemented in The second step in IPM involves preventive order to break and disturb their lifecycles. tactics, nonchemical tactics on which an institution tries by all means to avoid pests in the building. Prevention tactics should include There are three major steps guiding IPM managing the crops, vegetation and lawn in program and these include (1) surrounding areas, sealing cracks in walls, monitoring/inspection, (2) prevention and (3) proper housekeeping and avoiding food in control in IPM programs (The U.S. storerooms (U.S. Environmental Protection Environmental Protection Agency, 2014). Agency, 1993 & British Library, 2012). The However, some institutions tend to separate third step considers the use of pesticides only the first stage of pest inspection and after an intolerable pest population has been monitoring into two distinctive steps observed within a building (The University of (California Environmental Protection Agency, California, 2014). Targeted areas include 1995). The first step of monitoring or wall/floor angles, cracks in woodwork, behind inspection of pests is the basic starting point and under shelves/cabinets, and dead spaces in the realm of integrated pest management such as ducts, and any hidden places like programs (Orkin Pest Control, 2014). During sewage lines and pipes line. However, the the first step of IPM program, the Preservation Advisory Center (British Library, Professional Pest Control Products (2014) 2012) was of the view that using aerosols or observed that in residential areas, pests more airborne sprays of pesticides should not be especially cockroaches live in basements, recommended since the spray chemicals can around pipes, toilets and sewers, and may cause air pollution or acidification on migrate to outdoor areas during warm collections. It is also paramount that direct weather. As observed by Duchemin (1996) application of pesticides to collections be hidden pests including silverfish, bookworm, avoided. The Preservation Advisory Center cockroaches, and termites can cause damages (British Library, 2012:13) further emphasized
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Thatayaone Segaetsho that “Prevention is better than cure”, as such proper strategies for improvement. Given the control measures should be the last resort these challenges, it is clearly significant that of pest control. In other words, the overall continuous studies on cost effective and pest control method should place great environmentally friendly activities that amount of focus on inspection/ monitoring innovatively aim at eradicating, monitoring and preventive measures and these are the and controlling pests need to be conducted in core activities of an IPM program. order to improve on pests’ damages.
UB-Library Integrated Pest Research objectives Management (IPM) program The general purpose of this study was to Since the establishment of the Special investigate the monitoring/inspections of Collection Unit at the UB-library, the library pests, pest prevention, pest control and has been working hard on achieving its challenges observed at UB-Library with the preservation program. In doing so, the Special view to make recommendations for Collection Unit has been observing improvement. The specific objectives of the deterioration effects in most of its collections study were; both in open shelves and the special collections areas, and among others, these 1. To investigate the monitoring or inspection deterioration effects include pests’ damages of pests within the library building specifically (Segaetsho & Mnjama, 2012). As part of its focusing on assessing the types of pests preservation program, the Special Collection observed and determining the months, Unit introduced an Integrated Pest location and frequency on which the pests are Management (IPM) program in around 2013 observable within the UB-Library. with the aim of monitoring and minimizing 2. Identify the effective and environmentally damages caused by pests. The program was friendly methods of pests prevention used at introduced to provide advice and remedy UB-Library. regarding the prevention of library materials from biological agents such as pests. The 3. Investigate how pests are controlled at UB- mandate of the IPM program was to Library where preventive measures seems not monitor/inspect pests and come up with to be working. prevention and control strategies (The University of Botswana, 2014). Despite the 4. Identify the challenges emanating from or good efforts on the establishment of the IPM during the running of IPM programme at UB- programme, a significant number of ups and Library. downs on pest management have been 5. Make recommendations for improvement observed. Segaetsho (2014) observed that the on pest management at UB-Library and UB-Library was challenged by issues of food elsewhere. and eating in certain library areas, lack of strategic pest management guidelines and procedures, and uncontrollable environmental Research questions conditions. Furthermore, observed issues of concern that needed address, among others, The study was aimed at addressing the include the limited or inappropriate following research questions; monitoring/inspections of pests, weak pest prevention measures, pest control and lack of
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1. What are the monitoring or inspection the surroundings of the library building. measures, types of pests observed, months, Sproull (1995) posited that observation is a location and frequencies on which pests are data collection method that employs the observable at the UB-Library? tactics of carefully watching with directed attention to the researched phenomenon, and 2. What are effective and environmentally recording information about the friendly methods of pests prevention used at characteristics of the researched phenomenon. UB-Library?
3. What are the pests control measures used at During the survey observations, quantitative UB-Library where preventive measures seems information on pests observed was recorded not to be working? in a spreadsheet of a Microsoft Office Excel and the data was then grouped according to 4. What are the challenges emanating from or the pests’ locations, types, and months and during the running of IPM programme at UB- analysed using graphs and tables. The data Library? collected through the observation was 5. What recommendations can be adopted for supplemented through qualitative information improvement on pest management at UB- obtained through a guidance of an Library and elsewhere? observation checklist in order to get detailed information on the description of the types of pests, locations, and control and prevention Methodology measures of pests observed at the UB-Library. This method was found appropriate for the This paper presents a survey study on study because it allowed obtaining both management and control of pests at the quantitative and qualitative information on University of Botswana Library main campus, different pests in the library and allowed specifically on strategies of analyzing data in a simple and easy format. monitoring/inspection, prevention challenges Indeed as expressed by Tashakkori & Teddie and pest control measures. As a result, it was (1998) combination of qualitative and necessary that the study adopt a survey quantitative elements can be compatible in a research methodology as its data collection study allowing pragmatism. The observation strategy. Research methodologies are checklist guide used allowed harmonious paramount steps in research endevour that aid capturing of both qualitative and quantitative or assist researchers to identify sequential data. Document analysis was also executed in steps to follow in gathering data (Saunders, order to get further information on pests. Lewis & Thorthhill, 2012). Concomitant to Different documents on pests, their the nature of this study, survey methodologies description and how they are controlled and are commonly used in preservation work due monitored, policies and preservation to their advantages of cheap process, easy to standards were scrutinized. Professional work follow and their ability to provide correct experience of the researcher as a conservator, information (Reis & Judd, 2000). The study (7 years work experience), in the institution mainly used observation as a tool of data was also vital in the study. collection. This was a daily activity for the year 2013 which involved inspection of areas inside the storerooms, all library floors, and Results and discussions seminar rooms, learning commons area/circulation area, the library kitchen and Deterioration of collections due to pests is one of the major barriers of information
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Thatayaone Segaetsho accessibility in most libraries and archives. pests observed in most libraries and archives. Fungi, insects and rodents are among the Their damages are discussed in literature as major pests which causes damage to one of the major challenges faced in collections. Segaetsho & Mnjama (2012) preservation work. Harvey (1994) and reported a significant evidence of presences of Segaetsho & Mnjama (2012) posited that pests in UB-Library. While the library was frequent observation of pests indicates that aware of the presence of pests, the level or the collections might be in danger of staining and extent to which collections are deteriorated tearing. Libraries and archives predominantly due to pests was still to be ascertained. have paper materials as the major collection However, this paper presents the findings of a development. Paper materials are mainly survey on monitoring/inspection focusing on organic composition with cellulosic glucose as types of pests’ observable in the library, the major monomer of the paper structure; location and months on which the pests were therefore, the paper materials serve as food to observed. The paper further presents pests. challenges, and prevention and control strategies adopted by the UB-Library. Pest frequency
First objective: A plot of pests against frequency indicated Monitoring/inspection of Pests that the most frequent pests observed in the library were the spiders particularly the The survey study conducted regular (every day Pholcidae or cellar spider which is observable in a week for the year 2013) inspections to in African continent. The spiders were collections for any signs of pest activity, observed 52 (34%) times followed by particularly feeding and infestation. The focus cockroaches 5 (7%) times, House Cricket 4 of monitoring and inspection objective was (5%) times, and Strawberry Seed Beetle 4 on determining locations, types and months (5%) times (figure 1). Spiders are commonly on which pests were observable in the UB- found in dark and damp burrows in Library. undisturbed areas in buildings, dry places, such as household windows and attics. They eat tegenaria spider species, flies and other Types of pests small species of insects (Orkin Pest Control, 2014). The ability of spiders to inhabit on Different types of pests were observed at the both hot, dump and cold areas allows the UB library. The pest references (table 1) spiders to be resistant to cold temperatures in tabulates a significant number of pests Special Collections area. Significant numbers including Badister Bullatus, Spider (Pholcidae, of cockroaches, silverfish and beetles Cellar Spider, daddy long-legs spider, suggested the possibility of deterioration due granddaddy long-legs spider, daddy long- to pests eating and staining of materials. legger etc), grasshopper, house cricket, birds- Different detailed damages that can be posed Dove (Columbidae), cockroaches, strawberry by these pests are discussed in literature seed beetles, Flea, Silverfish, moth, ants and (Harvey, 1994). Other pests were mostly flies (Black and blue flies). Similar types of observed incidentally in different locations. pests within the UB-Library main campus Detailed recommendations on improvement were also observed by Segaetsho & Mnjama are stated below under pest reference section. (2012). General observation showed that these pests are among the most common
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Pest Frequency 60
50
40
30
20 Pest FrequencyPest
10
0
Figure 1 Plot of Pests against their Frequency in UB-Library Main Campus
Locational pest frequency observed were mainly within Special Collections areas and this could be due to A plot of locational pest frequency indicated excessive handling of food in Lower ground that most pests were observed in the Special (LG) seminar rooms. However, this could not Collection areas as shown in figure 2. be affirmed since there was still no Attributes to this observation are still to be confirmative method to justify infestation of ascertained. However it is suspected that this these pests within the library. However, there might be due to the fact that the Special are possibilities that pests could be brought Collections area is in the lower ground area into the library through books which have and is exposed to too many doors to the been loaned to customers since they take outside of the building including the entrance them to the outside of the library building. to the auditorium, emergency exit doors and Similarly, pests can be brought into the library doors leading to the loading zone areas. The building through infested collections that are doors could be the major entrances for pests donated to the library. It is therefore from the surrounding areas. Pests like important that staff should always try by all cockroaches prefer dark, moist places to hide means to inspect collections during arrival and breed. They live and feed in the dark. into the library. Local door seals (available Cockroach droppings are usually visible from the local markets) were recommended to during infestation but this was not yet be used to minimize the possibility of pest observed in the library. Most cockroaches entrance from the surrounding areas.
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Locational Pest Frequency 60
50
40 30
Frequency 20 10 0
Location
Figure 2 Plot of pest Location against frequency at UB-Library Main Campus
Pest monthly frequency However, during the survey it was premature to predict if the pests were due to seasonal Another monitoring activity aimed at changes or other factors. One could associate identifying which months of the year are the high increase of pests around October and mostly challenged by pest infestations. A plot November to be due to the fact that this is the of pest against their existence frequency period in which rains starts to rain and most indicated that most pests were observed vegetation start to be green providing food around October and November (figure 3). A and shelter for most pests. The weather at significant number of pests were also these months is conducive for most pest observed around June, July and August. infestation and survival.
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Pests Monthly Frequency (2013) 18 16 14
12 10
8 Frequency 6 4 2 0
Months
Figure 3 Plot of pests against their monthly frequencies in 2013
Second objective: pests prevention Information on description and nomenclature of pests was obtained from different sources The study revealed that UB-Library adapted a available in the internet, journal articles, print strategy of preventive methods which are very and e-books and communication with efficient, cost-effective and present little to no colleagues and other related professionals. risk to people or the environment. These The UB-Library used the database as the pest employed measures that discourage pests reference on which names of pests, their activity in the library building and surrounding description, prevention and their pictures are areas. The UB-Library established a reference available for staff and public to consult (table database of all pests observable in the library. 1).
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Table 1 Pest reference at UB-Library Pest Name Pest Description Pest Prevention Picture
They have black head, Presence of these pests shows bright orangey indication of sources of food e.g. pronotum and insects. Always do a thorough orangey-brown elytra inspection of collection and with black markings. always use vacuum cleaning to limit their sources of food. Badister Found in moss or litter in a variety of Presence of the pests also Bullatus habitats including indicates comfort in ditch banks woodland temperatures and relative Badister Bullatus and gardens humidity. eat flies eggs, different Inspect the surrounding, these types of plants, soft pest might be migrating from the plant matter and soundings and entering through insects open doors and windows. Spider Quite commonly Always do a thorough (Pholcidae, found in dark and inspection of collections, dark Cellar damp burrows in and damp areas. Spider, undisturbed areas in Always use vacuum cleaning and buildings, dry places, daddy long- use further dusts to remove the such as household spider webs. legs spider, windows and attics. A sign of the spiders might granddaddy They eat Tegenaria indicate presence of bucks and long-legs spider species, and are flies which they feed on. Spider spider, known to attack and daddy long- eat redback spiders legger etc) and huntsman spiders.
Brown, with some These mainly survive in gardens, darker markings. plants and other vegetations. Visible in spring and Their presence in the building summer, but are most indicates easy access from
noticeable in the outside the building. Always Inspect accessibility into the Grasshopper autumn. Areas with many building. Damages include staining and grasses, small "vacant" Grasshopper lots and gardens are they might become source of good places to start food to other pests. looking.
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Pest Name Pest Description Pest Prevention Picture
Typically gray or Are more likely to be found in brownish in color. warm ducts and in paneling Growing to 16–21 behind heating installations. millimeters. Always Inspect warm areas
Males and females Crickets are eaten by lizards; House look similar, but their presence in the building might attract lizards. Cricket females will have an House Cricket ovipositor emerging Their eggs are deposited in damp from the rear, around areas; water leakages should 12 millimeters (0.47 always be inspected. in) long (Orkin Pest Control, 2014). Pigeons and doves c These mainly get into buildings onstitute the through open windows, doors bird clade Columbida and any other openings of the e, that includes some buildings. Always avoid 310 species stout- unnecessary opening of windows bodied birds with and doors to inhibit birds from Birds-Dove short necks feed on easy entering.
(Columbida seeds, fruits, and Alternatively use window e) plants. shutters They feed on grass, Inspect roofing for openings. Dove (Columbidae) insects and pests. Most birds make their nests in They build nests and roofing’s. reproduce by laying Birds don’t necessary eat paper eggs. materials but the damage caused includes insects/pests like fleas in them, staining by their remains and loose feathers all over. They prefer dark, Cockroaches are better at hiding moist places to hide than you are at finding them; and breed always do a thorough inspection They live and feed in of collection.
the dark. Their eggs are naturally protected from many over-the-counter Cockroach feces will be visible during an insecticides. Without special Cockroach infestation. equipment, materials and know- Cockroach how, cockroach control can be a losing battle. Always use vacuum cleaning to remove eggs as much as possible. Avoid food dropping, stains, and any other source of food.
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Pest Name Pest Description Pest Prevention Picture
11-16mm. Black and These pests mainly eat seeds of dull but with the elytra fruits and insects. Always inspect covered with short surrounding areas for falling yellowish hairs. seeds from trees and monitor
Legs and antennae are their access to the building. reddish-brown. Use door seals and window seals Very often found to avoid easy entrance. Strawberry under stones and logs Their presence in the building Strawberry Seed Beetle Seed Beetle in open, dry situations, might also indicate presence of especially arable fields other pests. They lay eggs in weedy soil (Orkin Pest Control, 2014). You can identify them Always do a thorough inspection by their dark brown of collection; fleas can hide color. They are under mats with fur. wingless, with Their presence might be due to Flea mouthparts adapted presence of small mammals like for piercing skin and (are insects squirrels’ and birds which might sucking blood. be hiding in roofing. forming the Fleas are external Their damage is mainly staining Flea order parasites, living by and eggs. Always use vacuum Siphonapter hematophagy of the cleaning. a) blood of mammals Fleas also sucks human beings and birds. causing itching and some people They go through the and animals suffer allergic four life cycle stages reactions to flea saliva resulting of egg, larva, pupa, in rashes. and imago (adult). A small, wingless Presence of silverfish might insect in the order indicate comfort in temperatures Thysanura. and relative humidity Silverfish are Always inspect for water leakages Silverfish nocturnal insects and dump areas that might typically 13–25 mm encourage presence of silverfish (0.5–1 in) long. Clean thoroughly since they can Silverfish They inhabit in moist be source of food to other pests areas, requiring a and insects. relative humidity between 75% and 95% (Orkin Pest Control, 2014).
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Pest Name Pest Description Pest Prevention Picture
An insect related to Presence of moth might invite the butterfly. presence of other insects and Nocturnal insectivores rodents; always remove moths often feed on moths; from the building. Moth these include bats, Use door seals and window seals some species of owls to avoid easy entrance. and other species of The surrounding areas might be Moth birds. having vegetation which attracts Moths are also eaten moths, always monitor by some species of surroundings to avoid easy lizards, cats, dogs, access to the building. rodents, and some bears. Flies (Black Different types Always keep windows and doors and blue observed in the region closed if necessary. flies) They eat also most Use flies’ traps anything eaten by Maintain clean environment. human beings Flies are source of food to other Survives mostly in pests, they can stain both summer collections and walls, it is, Blue Fly therefore, important to eradicate flies immediately when observed in building. Source: field data, 2014
Third objective: pest control items. As such, UB-Library considered an adoption of a pest control activity bearing in In cases where pests were observed to be mind that the consultant company provided frequently appearing, investigations indicated information on the type of pesticides and that the UB-Library aimed at applying insecticides used; their decay periods, side immediate pest control and prevention of effects, and details of how to monitor the pests from further infestation. For example, chemicals used. The activity involved towards May 2014 the library had an outbreak installation of tamper proof bait stations and of termites, and cockroaches which needed the rodents were given 4-5 weeks for full agent eradication. The library decided to eradication. The IPM program then continued consult Pest Control specialists around in to evaluate pests’ existence and monitor the order to use pesticides to kill the pests. The treated areas in order to remove dead rodents Preservation Advisory Center (British Library, that may produce offensive odour. 2012) posited that during pest control measures the choice of remedial treatment depends upon the severity of the infestation, the type of material and the value of the
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Fourth objective: challenges Fifth objective: recommendations observed at the UB-Library IMP for improvement programme This study recommends that, subsequent to Literature has continuously observed different the outcomes of the initial steps of the UB- challenges on preservation programs amongst Library IPM programme, the library should which include pests’ control issues uh as produce detailed guidelines governing the economic crises, lack of funding, political and management and control of pests. First and social challenges, educational and technical foremost, the UB-Library should come into issues (Appelbaum, 1991). Similar trends of the common grounds that Integrated Pest challenges were also observed in the IPM Management programme should be regarded program at UB library. During the process of as the cost effective and environmentally the survey, the study observed that limited friendly activities that vest upon eradication or resources and financial incapability made it control of pests within the library collections. difficult to monitor and inspect certain areas Given the challenges of shortage of of the UB-Library. Among others, this was instrumentations and finance, this should be a due to shortage of instrumentation, lack of daily activity which involves inspection of knowledge and skills on pests and limited collections, areas inside the storerooms, financial support. Furthermore the UB- library floors, and seminar rooms, learning Library suffered from minimal information on commons areas/circulation area, repositories, pest monitoring statistics. The same general library kitchen and surroundings of the preservation challenges have been also buildings. The program should provide expressed by varied researchers in literature effective early inspections and identification (Ngulube, 2005). One such challenge to the of warnings of infestation, identify high risk UB-Library was that pests’ infestations areas within collection and the surrounding attributed to food existence in the library were buildings and pin point environmental sources still not well understood, henceforth of infestation. Furthermore, the programme monitoring eating and use of food still ought to allow for monitoring of effectiveness remained a challenge and the same gap was of treatments and eliminate infestation of observed by Segaetsho & Mnjama (2012). items incorporated into the collection. In so Lack of supportive structures such as funding doing, institutions should adopt the following procedures, prioritization, policies statements recommendations as the major steps in on pests and proper coordination of IPM implementing IPM programs; programs was observed as major challenges. Equally importantly the use of pesticides Setting an Action Threshold; this during the control measures of the UB- should be a set of point number of the Library program posed the library to the population on which the sighted pest concerns over indoor air quality, increasing will be regarded as a threat. This could sensitivity to certain chemicals either through be determined through continuous inhalation or physical contact, and increasing monitoring and provision of databases allergic reactions to a wide variety of products on the pests that would be observed. and dangers to human health which can culminate into death. Monitoring/Inspections; these should be conducted at regular intervals (everyday in a week) to check the collection of any signs of pest activity, particularly feeding.
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Choosing a very representative sample treatment depends on the stage at of the collection to work with. The which the pest is in. In order to sample could be chosen based on the achieve this point, the British Library type of collection and risk factor (2012) has freeze rooms on which attached to each type of collection. pests’ infestation is controlled.
Having a standard procedure outlining Prevention; These prevention what the inspector should look for methods can be very effective and should be in place (U.S. cost-efficient and present little to no Environmental Protection Agency, risk to people or the environment. 1993 & British Library, 2012). This The Chicora Foundation (1994) stated could be included in the pest reference that prevention measures should database. employ measures that discourage pests’ activity in the library building Presenting the results of inspections and surrounding areas. These include should be presented in a ‘Pest clearing all areas around the Library Reference’ database which will include building in order to make the building recommendations on how to deal with free from vegetation growth and be whatever situation was discovered. kept clean at all times. Vegetation harbours insects (all life stages), which Ensuring that the conditions inside makes it difficult to detect any the storerooms are not conducive to possible pest activity around the pest activity. These conditions include library. low temperatures, appropriate relative humidity, no dust etc. Always switching off lights when not needed. Lights attract a whole lot of Ensuring that the presence of pests is insects, including pests and should be detected at an early stage, possibly kept away from building were before the collection is attacked. This possible. The insects gather around could be done by placing traps in light at night and have to retreat strategic places in the storerooms and somewhere during the day and checking them every day. possibly feed or undertake other life Identification and recording of related processes. Cracks on the walls numbers of these pests should be should be filled as these are good done daily. These pests (or possible hiding places for most pests (U.S. pests) should be put together to form Environmental Protection Agency, a reference collection for pest control. 1993) The results in the databases could be used to decide whether or not there is Breaking of the lifecycle of all a risk of infestation by pests, and identified pests that are regarded as a whether to engage control measures threat is important. or not. Control; once monitoring, Inspecting all items that are acquired identification, and action thresholds from outside. During the inspection indicate that pest control is required, the items should be treated with and preventive methods are no longer consideration that most pests have effective or available, IPM programs four life stages and resistance to should then evaluate the proper
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control method both for effectiveness legs spider, granddaddy long-legs spider, and risk. The British Library (2012) daddy long-legger etc), grasshopper, house suggested that in cases of quarantine, cricket, birds-Dove (Columbidae), deep freezing for a period not less cockroaches, strawberry seed beetles, Flea, than 7 (seven) days followed by Silverfish, moth, ants and flies (Black and blue treatment with insecticide to kill the flies) were observed at the main campus UB- surviving adult pests are paramount in Library. This was attributed to the then pests’ control. apparent weaknesses in the management of pests within the library. The observed pests at Any pests discovered in items should UB-Library have been also observed in be collected, identified and literature. Among others, challenges observed incorporated into the pest reference in the IPM program include minimal collection for pest control. information on pest monitoring statistics. Nevertheless, observations indicated that the In case of using contracted library should be worried about the pests’ companies, the library should always infestation levels. Significant numbers of pests inspect pesticides used. Among were observed in the Special Collections area others, this should include clear which is the main section that holds the specifications on; Manufacturing dates library heritage collections and has too many of the pesticides, decay rate and expiry neighboring doors leading to the outside of dates, chemicals used, and monitoring the building. One such challenge to the IPM and inspection of the pesticides used. program was that Pests’ infestations attributed to food existence in the library were still not
well understood. This was something that As an argumentation to the above needed to be addressed in future. As a result, recommended procedures, institutions should implementation of the proposed IPM have clear outlines of financial funding guidelines on monitoring, prevention and strategies, management and planning of IMP control of pests remains paramount for the activities, and the preservation policies should UB-Library and other institutions for have clear statement of intent that captures successful control of pests. Consequently, the pest management. The means of monitoring UB-library IPM program still need further and controlling pests in most African libraries investment on using suitable equipment like and archives are limited in literature. Though pest traps. In a nut shell, the UB-Library many Writers have indicated observation of collections have the potential to be damaged pests in many libraries and archives in Africa, due to inadequate pest monitoring and little, if not nothing, has been said on control measures in place. Therefore the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies findings of the survey suggests that the UB- for heritage institution in Africa. It is Library and other institutions elsewhere therefore recommended that further studies should continue strategizing IPM programme be conducted on how to implement, manage activities on funding, management, or coordinate pest management programme in prioritization and planning in order to heritage institutions. remedy pests’ damages. Conclusion
This survey indicated that a significant number of pests including Badister Bullatus, Spider (Pholcidae, Cellar Spider, daddy long-
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