Ongoing webbing clothes moth Tineola bisselliella (WCM) infestation at Burghley House in Stamford was targeted using a novel integrated pest management (IPM) biological control method, the application of parasitoid wasp Trichogramma evanescens (TE). Although widely used in agriculture and stored product protection, previous heritage application of the parasitoid wasp is limited, even more so within the parameters of an historic house context. The short trial presented was designed to assess the feasibility of parasitoid application as an alternative method of IPM within an historic house. The trial was also intended to determine whether parasitoids could be effectively applied by conservators from a small private practice working to a limited budget. IPM as a methodology within cultural heritage is examined, alongside the biology and behaviour of WCM and TE, knowledge of both being a prerequisite for successfully conducting a biological trial. Trial methodology and analysis are presented. Results suggest that parasitoid wasp TE may be effective within an historic house as a novel form of IPM against WCM, however no firm conclusions are drawn due to the trial’s length of only three months. It is suggested a trial of minimum one year duration, covering multiple WCM breeding cycles, is required to determine wasp efficacy against WCM infestation. However, it is concluded that the Burghley trial successfully demonstrates that parasitoid wasps can be applied as a form of IPM by conservators within the heritage sector to a limited budget and/or within private practice, and that parasitoid wasp application offers a viable method of IPM within an historic house. Guidelines and recommendations for TE application as a form of IPM against WCM within an historic house are presented.
Keywords: Tineola bisselliella; Trichogramma evanescens; parasitoid wasp; webbing clothes moth; IPM; Historic house
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