Hello
At the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records we have ongoing problems with ants entering our collection storage areas. We monitor blunder traps to identify when the numbers increase. The blunder traps help us identify the route of entry they find, most recently through a utility pipe on an exterior wall. We gather information on the numbers and a supposed route of entry before we contact the IPM contractor that works with the AZ Dept of Administration facilities staff. The IPM person comes to identify the species of ant. The IPM professional generally sets baits specifically aimed at the species of ant in our collection areas. The baits are located in proximity to the route of entry. We clean up the dead ants and set more blunder traps. The IPM person works with facilities to reinforce physical barriers in the external building envelope to prevent the route of entry until the ants find another. We have a large collection of newspapers wrapped in paper that has been sealed with a gum or starch adhesive in the past. It appears to be this gum or paste that the ants are seeking out. The ants always enter in the proximity of this collection.
Hope this account is helpful.
Jo Anne
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Jo Anne Martinez-Kilgore
Conservator
Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records
Phoenix AZ
602-926-3945
jmartinezkilgore@azlibrary.gov------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2022 13:43
From: Catherine Hayes
Subject: Ant eradication around collections items
Carolyn:
Craig Deller raises a good point about what may be attracting them. Also consider the season. As the summer advances resources become scarce, particularly true in the southwest. Seasonally, many ant colonies are reaching peak population and the surplus population is expanding territorial searches for these scarce resources. Because of this they may be entering the building in search of water, not only food, so look out for activity around water sources (e.g., hose spigots, faucets, leaky pipes, etc.). Another consideration is whether any recent landscaping activities adjacent to the building have disturbed an ant colony.
Other thoughts:
- Try to identify the ant species, as this may help you plan mitigation measures.
- Implementing active housekeeping (e.g., vacuuming, disrupting scent trails, etc.) and exclusion methods (e.g., weather stripping, sealing building voids, etc.) will also help prevent the entry of ants into the building.
All the best,
Catherine Hayes
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Catherine Hayes
Conservator
Los Osos CA
Original Message:
Sent: 08-08-2022 12:35
From: Craig Deller
Subject: Ant eradication around collections items
Before your contractor comes in, try to identify their source and what may be attaching them, their food source. Blunder traps are likely identifying where they are most active, but consider placing double-sided tape along the baseboards to see if you can find their route.
And, of course, fully understanding what your contractor is using.
You may find this article useful, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/control-household-pests-without-scary-poisons?
Craig
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Craig Deller
Fellow
Original Message:
Sent: 08-06-2022 14:34
From: Carolyn Schimandle
Subject: Ant eradication around collections items
Ants have invaded our museum space. What is the best way to get rid of them without harming the collections items?
I'm finding lots about pests that actually harm objects, but so far nothing on getting rid of insect pests that don't cause object harm but we don't want in our museum.
We have a pest control contract, and before our park maintenance staff calls them in I want to make sure they're not going to do damage with whatever they use.
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Carolyn Schimandle
Parks Program Coordinator
Los Gatos CA
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