Rodents and insects such as rats, mice, silverfish, carpet beetl e larvae, moths, termites, even crickets and cockroaches will all feed on the organic material in books and, if left undisturbed, can do considerable damage to valuable collections.
Infestation can be a serious problem and immediate action is required at the earliest sign.
Delay simply gives pests time to damage material, to lay eggs and breed and for the infestation to worsen. Untidy sheds and garages are more likely to attract rats and mice putting at risk any material carelessly packed and stored there. Rodents can be killed with traps and poisons but it is much preferred to simply disturb their habitats by ti dying and cleaning the infested area. If conditions no longer suit them, rats and mice will simply leave in search of more conducive environments. And, of course, though the pests go, any toxic poisons will remain.