Protecting ancient books from insects is one of the paramount responsibilities of institutions dedicated to document preservation, such as libraries, museums, and archives.
Shielding these invaluable relics from pests and moisture is crucial, as it serves to prolong their lifespan and guarantee their continued legibility for generations to come.
There are several methods to safeguard ancient books and documents from insect infestations:
1. Herbal Insect Control
Herbal insect control is a traditional method that entails impregnating the book paper with herbal extracts to exploit their inherent toxicity and pungent aromas for repelling insects. This method can be categorized into three approaches:
A. Direct Herb Placement: Herbs like camellia leaves and rue are washed, dried, and placed within the books. The distinctive scents of these herbs effectively deter bookworms from invading the library.
Rue, for example, has been employed by the Library for Nationalities to protect its collection of ancient books with commendable results.
Historical practices also include using camphor and realgar as insect repellents, with camphor essence, commonly utilized today, demonstrating exceptional efficacy in pest prevention.
B. Insect Repellent Paper: Insect-repellent papers, such as embellishment paper and pepper paper, are created by blending insect-repellent fodder with paper-making raw materials in specific proportions.
C. Insect Repellent Paste: In this method, anthelmintics are mixed into a paste, which is then applied to the paper. After the paper dries, it is placed within the book to impart insect-repelling properties.
2. Freezing Pest Control
The freezing deworming method employs low temperatures to eradicate pests. Originating from the Yale University Library in the United States, this technique discovered that borers could be effectively exterminated by subjecting them to a temperature of minus 40 degrees Celsius for 48 hours.
Consequently, several libraries have adopted this approach to eliminate insects and safeguard their rare and ancient book collections.
3. Irradiation Method
The irradiation method is a pest control approach that is gaining recognition both domestically and internationally. China has developed gamma radiation insecticide, an advanced technology that is both safe and efficient.
This method neither harms paper, writing colors, nor binding materials. Furthermore, it does not generate radioactive contamination and poses no threats to the health of workers. Economical and affordable, it costs just 35 yuan per 10,000 books, making it an inexpensive and secure deworming solution.
Moisture Protection
1. Humidity Control
Controlling humidity is of paramount importance since a humid environment is a primary contributor to document damage. As previously mentioned, maintaining an optimal relative humidity range of 40% to 50% is instrumental in shielding documents from moisture. Additional measures to protect against humidity include:
Desiccant Usage: Place desiccants, such as silica gel, in areas where documents are stored to absorb excess moisture.
Avoiding Basement Storage: Refrain from storing literature in basements or damp locales, as these environments are more susceptible to moisture.
Sunlight Avoidance: Store literature away from direct sunlight to mitigate humidity fluctuations.
2. Suitable Storage Containers
Selecting appropriate storage containers is a critical step in guarding against moisture. Seal documents in plastic bags or boxes to prevent moisture infiltration. Ensure that the chosen containers are acid-free to prevent further harm to the documents.
3. Air Circulation
Sustain adequate air circulation within storage areas to prevent moisture buildup. Employ fans or ventilation systems, if possible, to promote airflow.
4. Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Frequently inspect the storage environment to promptly detect any signs of moisture-related issues. In the event of a moisture problem, take immediate corrective measures. Maintain storage facilities that stay watertight.
5. Digital Backups
To minimize the risk of moisture damage to ancient documents, consider creating digital backups. Scanning and storing documents digitally safeguards the originals from moisture and other natural disasters.
In the realm of pest and moisture protection, consistent monitoring and maintenance are the cornerstones of success. By implementing these measures, you can safeguard ancient documents, ensuring their enduring legacy and continued accessibility for future generations.
