Know the Signs of Insect Infestation

Erich Kesse

The following is University of Florida Libraries, Preservation Bulletin 7.1.

Know the Signs of Insect Infestation

Insects likely to infest archives and libraries are numerous. Their patterns 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.

Without exception, whenever any of these signs is noticed, library staff should gather live samples, insect remains, frass/droppings, etc. for future identification leading to proper treatment of the infestation.

Signs of Insect Infestation

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

In order to make signs of infestation more apparent and the environment less likely to attract and support insect life, curators and shelvers should dust all window sills and book shelves after regularly scheduled inspections of collection areas and materials.

Examination should be undertaken with reasonable suspicion of infestation. Exercise care in dusting as not to remove evidence of infestation or suspected infestation.

Infestations and suspected infestations should be reported immediately to the Preservation Office.

Erich J. Kesse
Preservation Office
University of Florida Libraries
904-392-6962
Fax: 904-392-7251

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