An Innovative Climate-Based Forecasting Method for Pest Occurrence in Cultural Heritage Protection as a Preventive Alternative to Conventional Biocidal Control Methods

Since May 2024, a project funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) has been investigating pests in museums, storage facilities, historic buildings, libraries, and archives. The study focuses on the effects of climate change on indoor climate conditions and the occurrence of pests. 

The aim is to conduct a nationwide survey on the distribution of collection pests such as moths, fur and carpet beetles, and silverfish—in climate-controlled, heated, or unregulated environments, as well as in urban and rural settings. Invasive species such as the gray silverfish (Ctenolepisma longicaudatum), Australian carpet beetle (Anthrenocerus australis), and subterranean termites (Reticulitermes spp.) are also spreading at an increasing rate. 

The project is seeking institutions willing to provide climate data and use insect traps starting in 2025. Existing trap data can also be included. Participation is possible by submitting both climate and insect data.