University of Florida. George A. Smathers Libraries. Preservation Department

FOR COLLECTION MANAGERS

KNOW THE SIGNS OF INSECT INFESTATION

This article is intended for the inspection materials already in archives and library collections. For additional information on the inspection and handling of items entering archives and libraries for the first time see Procedures for Examining Archives and Library Materials for Evidence of Infestation.

Insects likely to infest archives and libraries are numerous. Their pattern of infestation and resultant damage vary not only from species to species but within species, depending on life-cycle stage: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The following list records some signs of infestation with which archives and library staff should become familiar.

SIGNS OF INSECT INFESTATION

  • LIVE INSECTS most likely found inside and between books and papers or within cracks and crevices of shelves (particularly wooden shelves), as well as, on window sills.
  • INSECT REMAINS, including whole carcasses, body parts, wings, and cast-skins, most likely found on window sills, within the spine of a book, or along the bottoms of books, as well as within cracks and crevices of shelves.
  • FRASS/DROPPINGS, including black (roach) pellets, "poppy seed" (termite) pellets, "saw dust" (dermested or powder-post beetle pellets, and suspicious piles of fine dust or powder. Frass varies widely in color, as well as, size.
  • HOLES/TUNNELS. A "fresh" or active hole is one which continues from one page through the next page(s) and is accompanied by frass/droppings or insect remains if not also live insects. Other holes, lacking additional evidence, usually represent prior infestation. When in doubt, assume the hole to be "fresh".

Library staff are encouraged to examine samples of each of the above as an aid to identification in the future. The Preservation Department collects and maintains samples.

ACTION

Without exception, whenever any of these signs is noticed, library staff should complete one of the following actions:

  1. Call the Preservation Department or Facilities Planning Office immediately. Personnel will be dispatched to survey the infestation and damage. This action is preferred.
  2. Alternately, gather live samples, insect remains, frass/droppings, etc. for future identification leading to proper treatment of the infestation. This evidence should be sent immediately to the Preservation Department.

In order to make the signs of infestation more apparent and the environment less likely to attract and support insect life, departments should designate staff familiar with the signs of infestation to periodically examine and dust window sills and bookshelves. Care in dusting should be exercised so as not to remove evidence of infestation or suspected infestation.

PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT     |     SUPPORT FOR COLLECTION MANAGERS

For additional information or reference assistance contact the Preservation Department at (preserve@mail.uflib.ufl.edu).

Last Revised: 2002 November 12.