Centipedes

Rob Robinson <rrobinson [at] npr__org> writes

>We have noticed a couple of centipedes recently in the room where we
>archive our audiotapes. The pest control company that our building
>management has brought in is recommending that Ficam W be sprayed
>along all edges of the room....
>Has anyone used Ficam W, or not used Ficam W because it is not the
>right pesticide? Thanks for your advice.

Regarding the query from National Public Radio about centipedes:
These insects are predators.  They eat other insects, thus could be
beneficial; in fact, they only eat live insects, thus do not damage
dried insect collections.  I suggest that you should not kill them.
If you want more information, please call Scott Larcher, Museum
Specialist, Smithsonian, 202-357-4108, who handles that part of the
insect collection.  There is one possible problem with having any
live insect in collections, and that is if they deposit feces on
material, this could stain them, and if directly on audio tapes, I
imagine such an artifact could interfere with sound or dirty the
audio player.

Elaine R.S. Hodges, Scientific Illustrator
MRC 169, National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D.C. 20560
202-357-2128
Fax: 202-786-2894

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 9:37
                Distributed: Thursday, October 26, 1995
                        Message Id: cdl-9-37-012
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