Food and drink attract vermin
Where there is food, rats, mice, cockroaches, and silverfish will follow.
These pests literally chew up books, and their feces can pose a very significant
health hazard to library users and staff. Rodent feces have been identified
as a carrier of Hantavirus, which has caused a number of deaths in the western
United States within the last few years.
Food and drink are accidents waiting to happen
Spills cause ineradicable stains, and the moisture is a breeding ground for
molds and mildews. Fungal growth is highly contagious; one wet book can seed
mildew growth through an entire collection in a short period of time, and
the clean-up costs are horrendous. Mold and mildew can have permanent, sometimes
life-threatening, effects on the health of anyone handling the books.
Cleanup is costly
Most libraries are experiencing significant budgetary shortfalls these days,
and custodial service is not high on the list of priorities. Did you know
it costs $35 just to get a coffee stain out of a carpet? With fewer staff,
trash pickup occurs less frequently, housekeeping may be minimal, and vermin
have more time to settle in and wreak havoc before they are discovered. Extermination
can be very expensive and may employ hazardous treatments. Prevention is the
most effective, and least toxic, method of pest control.
Wouldn't you
rather have your library spend its money on books and service improvements
than pest control?
Libraries are repositories of human knowledge.
Libraries exist to preserve and provide access to the collected knowledge
of our past. Please respect our mission and assist us in pursuing it. Do your
eating, and smoking elsewhere. Consume beverages using a spill resistant container.
Virtual
Exhibition of Ravages... from European Commission on Preservation and
Access
Minnesota State
University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
1-800-722-0544
© 2005-2013 Minnesota State University, Mankato. Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of
Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system and an affirmative action/equal opportunity university.
