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Libraries and archival collections create the ideal conditions for pests when there is a lack of integrated pest management, which includes environmental controls and pest prevention techniques. Integrated pest management focuses on pest prevention and control using techniques that are environmentally friendly and products that pose the least risk of toxicity. By knowing which conditions lead to pest problems in archives, you can take steps to prevent a costly infestation.

A library collection’s life expectancy is most dependent on its environmental conditions. When conditions are sub-par, damage generally occurs slowly, making it easy to go unnoticed. One of the most common forms of damage is mold growth, which first becomes apparent when a collection gains a musty smell. Because cellulose-based materials are vulnerable to several types of mold, humidity control for libraries is an essential step to maintaining an ideal environment. By knowing which environmental factors are crucial to preserving collections, you can take steps to ensure they are within acceptable ranges.

One of the biggest risks in food storage and processing facilities is pests, particularly insects. Insects, or pantry pests, are often drawn to powdered goods and dried foods like beans, nuts, flour, cornmeal, cured meats, pet food and seeds. While insect dangers are most prominent in powdered goods with opened packaging, pests are capable of penetrating unopened packages made of thin cardboard, paper, cellophane, plastic and foil. By knowing which insects are most likely to contaminate dried food products, you can take steps to effectively prevent and control an infestation.

Spices bring foods to life. They’re the reason that you prepare your favorite dishes or buy a certain brand of food at the store—you like how it tastes. When you run a commercial kitchen, transport spices or manage a food processing facility, preserving the flavor of spices is essential to the business’ brand and image, as well as ensuring consumer safety. With the proper humidity control for spices, you’ll make certain that you provide the highest quality, safest and most flavorful ingredients.