Issue 39 Sept 23 - Journal - Page 92
As well as possible damage to the fabric of the building, pests
can be a problem for furnishings within the building.
property damage, which in the case of heritage homes and
buildings, can be extremely expensive to rectify.
Textile moths don’t spread disease and don’t bite humans
– many don’t even have mouths, but some moth larvae
will feast on natural fibres such as hair, wool and cotton,
as well as animal-derived materials such as fur, hides and
feathers.
Owners and managers of heritage buildings can mitigate
multiple risks under one contract by establishing a pest
control maintenance cycle.
This usually involves a schedule of regular visits by a pest
professional, such as a BPCA member, to inspect the
premises for pest activity.
A large infestation can cause distressing damage,
particularly if they infest items such as family heirlooms,
antiques, or furniture that is unique to the property.
A pest professional will be able to identify potential proofing
measures that can deter pests, and points of action to be
completed between visits to help prevent an infestation.
Risks to reputation
Many heritage buildings, from stately homes and landmark buildings to museums and churches, are open to the
public for at least part of the year.
It is also wise to cultivate a culture of reporting any possible pest activity among staff, volunteers and family members, to ensure any necessary action can be taken swiftly.
BPCA also recommends checking the credentials of pest
professionals before agreeing contract terms.
And while historic buildings that have become hospitality
venues will need to adhere to food-related legislation in
relation to pest control, those open to day visitors or worshippers should also consider the reputational risk of a
pest sighting by a guest – or worse, a visitor suffering a
bite, sting or illness due to the presence of pests.
BPCA members:
• Carry the correct insurances
• Are trained and qualified technicians
• Are assessed to the British Standard in pest
management EN 16636
• Follow BPCA’s Codes of Best Practice.
Some pest infestations can’t be avoided – bed bugs for instance can travel on luggage, bags, clothes and even period furniture – so regular checks are even more
important to help nip any sign of infestation in the bud.
Another notoriously difficult pest to tackle, regular vacuuming and cleaning around and under furniture makes
early detection of bed bugs more likely, increasing the
chances of a successful treatment.
Pests can pose a real risk to public health and a failed
treatment by an untrained operative can make an infestation even worse.
To find a BPCA member visit: bpca.org.uk/find.
Reducing risk
BPCA always recommends a ‘prevention is better than
cure’ approach. Pest activity that escalates into an
infestation can pose a risk to human health and result in
Below, Cockroach can travel on luggage, bags, clothes and period
furniture. Credit: Martin Rose-King, Bounty Pest Control
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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