Woolly Bears and Polar Bears         A pest management programme to safeguard the collections	Site
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Norwich Castle has rich and important collections that need to be preserved for future generations.  Many items are made of organic materials, such as skin, fur and feather, which are attractive to pests such as Woolly Bears.

In the past we have protected collections with toxic chemicals.  Today this is no longer deemed safe and so we must use other methods.

As part of the pest management programme we are using very low temperatures to kill pests and their eggs. The specimens are frozen in the giant freezer in the Bird Gallery. Meanwhile the displays and stores are thoroughly cleaned and the specimens are put back. Thereafter, regular cleaning, monitoring and effective sealing of cases and cabinets should help to safeguard against infestation.

The programme is expected to take up to a year.

Visitors will be able to see a small display situated at the entrance to the Bird Gallery explaining the freezing process.  They will learn how the process works, as well as gaining an insight to the challenges faced in managing our shared heritage.

Copyright NMAS 2008.