I would heartily agree with Gretchen. Our IPM strongly discourages the
use of any pesticides and then only in extreme cases and under strict
guidelines do we fall back on PDB (for which there is MUCH literature
describing the health risks for long-term exposure). Regarding the use
of campho
It is best to avoid pesticides completely. PDB is a pesticide with health risks for both staff and the collection. While I have never used camphor, I would be concerned about it also, especially in combination with residues from formerly used pesticides. Entomology collections can be successfully
You might explore the use of paradichlorobenzene. It exhibits both
fumigant, as well as repellent properties.
While I no longer use it, it did not seem to crystallize out on
specimens. I would like to see input, both pro and con, on this issue
from others.
Forrest E. St. Aubin, BCE
- O
Dear Renila Ryan,It is a good idea to stop using naphthalen to deter pest insects. I did some tests in my MA to protect some Egyptian mummies from attack by Hide beetles (Dermites maculatus). I have used cedar oil and thymol to kill all insect stages, and I found cedar oil is an effective to kill a
Title: Insect deterrents in entomology collections
Our museum is no longer using naphthalene in the entomology store to deter pest insects. We have adopted IPM, but are still grappling with persistent infestations of Anthrenus verbasci. It has been suggested to me that an alternative chemical
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