Additional IPM Resources

• Glass jars and metal containers, such as cookie tins, are best. Mice can chew through paper, plastic, wood, cardboard, and Styrofoam containers. Mice can get into most desks and files; they are excellent climbers and can squeeze through holes the size of a dime!

Do not leave food garbage in trash cans overnight.

• It attracts rodents and insects, such as ants, flies, and cockroaches. If the custodian has already come that day, it is wise to take food garbage to an outside trash bin. If your trash is not picked up daily, you can use trash bins that do have daily pickup, such as those in rest rooms. To avoid fruit fly infestations, ask your custodian for new can liners when they are dirty.

• Food residues attract pests.

• Rodents and cockroaches like to use cardboard boxes, paper bags, and newspapers as nesting materials, especially if they are on the floor. Recycle these items frequently.

• To discourage insects such as cockroaches, ants and fruit flies, keep these items in sealed bags.

• Though it is a rare occurrence, roof rats can come in windows at
  night, even on the 5th and 6th floors.

• Put garbage in a container with a tight-fitting lid or in a sealed plastic bag
• Take garbage to the dumpster or the trash chute every evening
• Do not collect old newspapers, magazines, boxes, or paper bags
• Store foods in the refrigerator or keep them covered or wrapped
• Clan up food scraps
• Keep kitchen counters and shelves clean
• Clean grease from the stove, range hood, and walls
• Mop floors regularly
• Keep pots, pans, and dishes clean
• Don't leave dirty dishes out overnight

• Stored product pests are insects that live and feed on stored food, such as grains, cereals, and dried fruit. They can also infest items in museums and libraries. There are a number of small beetles (some¼ inch long) and a few moth species that are stored product pests. These insects commonly occur in food warehouses, and therefore small numbers of eggs can be 

  on food when it is purchased. These pests often go undetected until they have reproduced in great numbers in items that are stored for long periods of time. To prevent these pests:

  • Do not store food items for long periods.

  • Keep all stored food in the refrigerator, or in tightly-sealed glass, metal, or hard plastic containers such as Tupperware.

  • Before storing food in containers for long periods, freeze it for 7 days to kill possible eggs or larvae.

  • Do periodic inspections of stored food for signs of pests, including webbing, frass, and insects.

  • Many types of food items can have stored product pests, including dog biscuits, bird seed, dried powdered milk, chocolate, cereal, dried fruit, and pasta.

• There are several species of beetles and moths which consume animal protein such as fur, feathers, and wool. These insects can also consume museum and library materials that are made of protein. To help prevent these pests:

  • Keep windows closed or use window screens to prevent insect pests from entering.

  • Do not store items such as wool carpets, wool hats, or items
    containing feathers or fur in the facility.

  • Avoid bringing cut flowers into museums, as they may carry carpet beetles.

  • Incoming museum or library materials should be inspected and flash frozen if pests are seen.