Infestations Infestations One type of library disaster that gets much less press than it might deserve is the threat to collections due to insect or rodent infestations. This problem is particularly damaging in a library or archive for several reasons. First, many types of insects actively feed on either the paper or the materials used to bind the books.
Rodents typically require material to gnaw upon since their teeth are constantly growing.
Both of these will, in time, destroy the integrity of a paper-based collection. Another reason these types of infestations are troubling to libraries and archives is that frequently the same pesticides that can cure the infestation also damage the collection. The final aspect of pest management that has turned into a major trend in recent decades is the effect of pesticides on those of us who work in treated areas. These sorts of problems are typically not as dramatic as those caused by fire or flood, but they are also much more likely to be encountered. These sources will help you to understand the inherent problems in dealing with this type of disaster and direct you towards a solution.