An investigation into pest management and control in selected university libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

Findings from this recent study on university libraries in Nigeria revealed that there was a prevalence of pest infestation, including rodents, cockroaches and termites. Prominent among the causes of infestation were food and drink being brought into the libraries, along with the occasional transport of infested materials. Good housekeeping, periodic maintenance of the library environment and fumigation have been adopted as pest treatment and control measures by the libraries, although the absence of dedicated library pest control units means that they depend on any more university-wide pest control programme. This means there are challenges for pest control that include a lack of specialist knowledge compounded by a lack of training for library personnel and inadequate knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), all of which this article advocates to ensure the effective management and control of pests in the university libraries.