While I agree on the caution regarding "No Pest Strips" (see the series
of fascinating papers published in Curator 32(1) by Williams and Walsh
under the general title "Developing chemical pest control strategies
for museums", 1989 for details) there are some applications for bug
zappers.  This concept was developed by Steve Williams of the Strecker
Museum Complex, Baylor University ([log in to unmask]).  We
have used his techniques here with success.  The keys are to remember
that these devices produce a lot of UV, so they cannot be where they
would damage collections; the attract insects so they should not point
towards doors or windows, but to the inside of a room; use models with
a tray to hold the dead insects; CLEAN the trays, the devices and the
area around the devices regularly and frequently.  Our experience is
that they have killed a far bigger variety of insects (including
dermestids) than we expected.  Anyone thinking about using these
devices should contact Steve Williams directly for more information
and advice.  I am not at all sure they would work for an exhibit
area, but they are great for loading docks, enclosed storage areas,
and in areas where cases are stacked.  Just remember--they produce
UV and must be cleaned of insect debris frequently.

John Simmons, Natural History Museum, University of Kansas
[log in to unmask]


On Thu, 4 Apr 1996, Linda Ellis wrote:

> Please do NOT use "No Pest Strips"!  Their active ingredient corrodes metals
> very fast, non-ferrous metals start to corrode in a matter of days and
> Cu-based objects produce bronze disease within a few weeks.
>
> Linda Ellis, Museum Studies Program, San Francisco State University
>
> On Thu, 4 Apr 1996, Indianapolis Art Center wrote:
>
> >
> > And the noise!  Wouldn't it echo?  If it's 3 stories tall and the pest
> > removal stuff would be near the ceiling anyway, how about some classed-up No
> > Pest Strips?
> >
> > Julia Moore
> >
>