Environmental Building Solutions Ltd

03/12/2019

EBS Ltd have had an article published in the Built Environment Journal: November – December 2019
Mould Guard: Barney Hatt Editor, Built Environment Journal RICS

The article on pages 48/49 of the journal, Spore Law was written by our director, Dr Jagjit Singh.

“Although mould is everywhere, its build-up in the indoor environment must be controlled to prevent hazards to health – and to sensitive individuals in particular”.

To read the full article please click on the following link: Built Environment Journal: November – December 2019 page 48/49

If you would like further information, please contact us:
Tel: 44 – (0)1908 266522

22/11/2019

Our Director, Dr Jagjit Singh, was invited by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects, to deliver a lecture at Riddell Hall, Belfast

Dry Rot and Other Wood-Destroying Fungi:
Their Occurrence, Biology, Pathology and Control

The study of fungi is known as mycology. The world’s eco- systems are sustained and kept in balance by a rich variety of fungi.

It is estimated that there are about 1.5 million species of fungi in total, of which around 70,000(5%) have been scientifically described.

The talk covered the following topics;

• History of the Search for Dry Rot in the Himalayas
• The Biology of Wood-Rotting Fungi
• Ecological and Environmental Factors
• Detection of Dry Rot
• Remedial Treatment

We received excellent feedback from delegates, who attended the lecture from all corners of the UK and further afield.

04/11/2019

First Aid at Work

We all know how important it is to have high standards of health and safety within the office and whilst out on site.

EBS Ltd are proud to announce, we have recently renewed our First Aid qualification.

Our in-house First Aid Course, covered;

• The role of the First Aider
• Emergency Life Saving Procedures (including CPR & AED)
• Blood Loss & Wounds
• Trauma
• Medical Emergencies

01/11/2019

October News Update

Environmental Hazardous Material Survey, Hidden Moulds, Indoor Air Quality & Dry Rot Discovery

Environmental Hazardous Material Survey - Lead and PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)

EBS Ltd were asked to carry out a Diagnostic, Non-destructive, Environmental Hazardous Material Survey, for lead and PCBs, at a large building in Central London.

Lead in Paint and PCB’s

The purpose of the exercise was to investigate the incidence of residual contamination relating to lead and PCBs in the lower ground, first and second floors of the building.

This building is currently undergoing further substantial refurbishment. We were advised that the building was constructed in around 1970 and that it had undergone a previous major refurbishment in 2002.

The client’s requirement on the project was to meet the required “THE WELL Building Standard”. The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), enables organizations to enhance their spaces and improve human well-being by applying the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL is the leading tool for advancing health and well-being in buildings.

Taking into consideration the targeted issues, the floors were visually inspected to identify any potentially hazardous materials.

The work was conducted in accordance with the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations 2005, which are deemed equivalent to the US WELL standard 40 CFR 745.65.

Our opinion, based on analysis of the results, was that the residual contamination levels of both the lead and PCBs, were unlikely to adversely affect the performance of the building or pose a risk to future occupants.

Hidden Moulds and Indoor Air Quality

EBS Ltd was asked to investigate an increase in sick leave from staff. These complaints of ill health were linked to suspected poor indoor environment and air quality, caused by mould.

We performed a preliminary investigation, concentrating on indoor mould issues. We looked at the mycoflora and environment to determine airborne, surface and hidden particulate contamination by moulds and biological matter. This also included monitoring and analysis of house dust mites.

We undertook contact mould sampling in areas of mould infestation by tape lift method. Mould analysis was carried out to species level because it is important to know if the species found in the monitored locations were pathogenic or toxic. We also commenced sampling for viable and non-viable moulds, to determine the total biological burden.

The results of monitoring revealed that the concentration of moulds in the monitored areas of the indoor environment was significantly high, when compared to the scale proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Active house dust mite infestation was detected in the mould infested areas. Exposure to the faecal pellets of house dust mites can trigger a variety of true allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

The cause of the problem was linked to high levels of humidity in the cavities and voids due to a range of building defects, resulting in hidden mould growth proliferation.
We recommended that mould remediation should be carried out in the infested areas, including the cavities and voids.

Following the completion of the remediation works, our surveyors retested the building and all the mould readings were within acceptable limits. There was also a marked reduction in staff sick leave and complaints of ill health.

We recommended long term environmental monitoring of the indoor environment throughout the building, to continually assess the quality of the indoor environment.

Dry Rot Discovery

Our Director, Dr Singh, first discovered the origin of dry rot in the Himalayas, during a 1992 expedition.

EBS Ltd is continuing to research the origin and spread of dry rot from the Himalayas. Our searches for the dry rot fungus in the Himalayas, Rocky Mountains, and the Czech Republic, have enabled us to understand more fully the biology, ecology and physiology of this unique fungus.

Some questions remain unanswered; where it originated in the wild, how it entered the built environment and what adaptations it has made to cope with the ever-changing environmental conditions in the western hemisphere, compared to the agreeable environment in the Himalayas?

Legal Case - Age of Dry Rot Outbreak & Decay

We investigated a legal case where the client’s requirement was to determine the age, extent, source and cause(s) of dry rot.

Misidentification of Dry Rot

EBS Ltd investigated a legal case of a suspected dry rot outbreak. Our survey and testing concluded it was wet rot (Antrodia vaillantii), not dry rot.

Peziza misidentified as Dry Rot

EBS Ltd investigated a case of a suspected dry rot outbreak. Our survey and testing concluded it was ink Cap (Coprinus Spp) not dry rot.

We advised the client not to consume the fungus after having alcoholic drink as this can be fatal.

01/11/2019

News Update - September 2019

Timber Condition Survey, Borescope Inspections & Toxic Mould Survey

It’s been a while since our last news update, as we have been very busy with a variety of interesting projects.

Timber Condition Survey

In January we carried out a Timber Condition Survey of Trent Park House and associated buildings in North London, which are being converted into apartments.

The house has an interesting history. From late 1939, “the house played a critical role in the ‘secret war’ against N**i Germany. It was here that British Intelligence bugged the conversations of German prisoners-of-war and from 1942, exclusively held Hitler’s Generals and high ranking officers.

In a clever deception plan, whilst they enjoyed the luxurious stately rooms and roamed the gardens, their conversations were secretly recorded by teams of listeners in three ‘M Rooms’, full of the latest technology”.

Timber condition surveys were also carried out at other buildings including;

• Estate Buildings at Kinston Lyle House, Wantage
• Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
• Gosford Castle, Armagh, Northern Ireland
• The Luton Hat Factory
• Norwich Cathedral Roof
• Cambridge House (former In and Out Club) Piccadilly, London
• Kensington Palace
• Canterbury Cathedral
• A range of architecturally significant buildings in Europe

Timber Stress Grading

Timber Stress Grading was carried out in a number of buildings, notably the New Armouries at the Tower of London and Kensington Palace.

Borescope Inspections

Borescope inspections of hidden structures were carried out in a number of buildings, primarily to check on debris, the condition of wall ties and insulation in the cavities.
• Trinity College Dublin
• Wilko in Birmingham
were the largest of these projects.

Toxic Mould

Toxic Mould Survey

Following the discovery of pathogenic mould (Aspergillus fumigatus) in lungs by a Respiratory Consultant, we were asked to investigate the family house.

The family had been feeling unwell for several months and had concerns with ongoing health issues. They required independent advice, so that their health did not deteriorate any further due to mould issues within their home.

Our investigations found that mould in the basement was the same as the mould found in occupants’ lungs.

The cause of the mould infestation was identified and linked to flooding in the basement and subsequent contamination of the ductwork. We found low levels of mould in other parts of the house, but moulds found in these areas were not pathogenic or toxic.

EBS Ltd recommended that staircases in the basement should be sealed immediately. We further advised that mould remediation throughout the property (including the ductwork), should be carried out.

Following the completion of the remediation works, EBS Ltd re-tested the house and all the mould readings were within acceptable limits.

22/01/2019

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our clients, past and present, a healthy and prosperous 2019.

Last year we were kept very busy with work coming from all corners of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and Germany.

Our headquarters near Milton Keynes and our second office just outside Dorking in Surrey are both sited conveniently for easy connection to the East, South East and the Midlands.

We are steadily establishing our client base from our office in Wales and have completed numerous, successful projects from here, where we are also able to reach the Midlands and the South West of the country.

Last year our work was not confined to historic buildings. We inspected many failures in modern buildings, primarily associated with water leaks, subsequent mould related issues and the potential health impacts on the occupants.

Some of this work was for loss adjusters and expert witness work in litigation cases. We expect more work of this type during the coming year.

Please visit our website https://www.ebssurvey.co.uk and go to “OUR SERVICES” page for more information.

EBS Ltd improves home and working environments by identifying and solving building problems without the use of chemicals. Our environmental approach causes minimal damage to the building fabric and provides cost-effective, long-term solutions, using non-destructive technologies.

21/12/2018

EBS Ltd – “Croeso I’n swyddfa yng Nghymru!”
(“Welcome to our office in Wales!”)

As well as our head office at Passenham Manor, near Milton Keynes and our second office, near Dorking, Surrey, we also have an office in Wales.

Situated conveniently between Hay-on-Wye and Brecon, we are well placed to deal with enquiries from South and Mid Wales, Bristol, the West Country and the West Midlands.

We have the skills to undertake projects in many areas, including:

• Damp, condensation & Moisture Problems
• Site Hazard Investigation
• Timber Decay
• Mould Survey Monitoring, Identification & Health Implications
• Insect and Pest Infestation
• Indoor Air Quality & Health
• Building Conservation
• Expert Witness & Legal Work
• Research & Development for Damp, Timber Infestation, Mould Environmental Monitoring
• Forensic Building Investigations

Some of the projects undertaken from our Welsh office include;

Cardiff Castle - Environmental monitoring and masonry moisture assessment.

Swansea Hafod and Morfa Copper Works - Contamination monitoring.

Valley Signal Box Anglesey - Timber decay survey.

The Ebbw Vale Project Office (Old Steel Works) - Dry rot and timber decay control.

Many churches and chapels throughout Wales – Damp and Timber condition surveys.

Anthrax testing of horsehair plaster, lead and toxic metal suits testing for paintwork and damp surveys.

Mould and health implications CPD courses.

Local Authorities - Mould infestation surveys.

Museums and Archives – EBS Ltd carried out museums, galleries and archives surveys, for damp, mould and timber infestation throughout Wales.

EBS Ltd organised conferences in Cardiff University on dry rot, damp timber decay and indoor air quality.

Litigation work undertaken for building defects, forensic surveys, mould, damp, decay and air quality.

Environmental Building Solutions Ltd - Wales
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-(0)1874 754031

Email: [email protected]

04/12/2018

Indoor Air Quality
Health, Comfort & Productivity in Buildings - (Part 2)

Ventilation & Air Movement

The monitoring carried out showed that air movement was generally below what is recommended in workplaces.

It has been demonstrated that CO2 levels above 1000 ppm tend to result in health complaints and a general guideline is that levels should be below 800 ppm to ensure everyone's comfort.

Efforts should be made to improve ventilation and air movement, and increase the number of air changes per hour.

Mycoflora Monitoring

The purpose of this exercise is to determine the counts of moulds in the indoor environment, so that appropriate recommendations can then be put in place if necessary.

On going long term environmental monitoring to monitor the indoor environment throughout the building and over different seasons throughout the year, will help to assess the quality of the indoor environment. If the various contributory factors are found to be below the comfort range, then appropriate recommendations should be put in place.

This pilot investigation provides information on the concentration of fungi, which can be encountered in the indoor environment. The databases on the distribution of the levels, in conjunction with occupants’ response, must be large enough to provide useful information for this assessment and management.

It was therefore recommended that a systematic Mycoflora assessment be undertaken, so that appropriate recommendations can be provided.
Airborne Dust
The concentrations of airborne dust measured were all within acceptable limits and although the nature of the dust was not studied, it was concluded that, other than for particularly sensitive individuals, the atmosphere within the building was satisfactory for occupation.
Remedial Chemical Treatments
No remedial chemical treatments, such as spraying with chemicals for infestation control were recommended.

Duct Work Hygiene

We recommended a systematic inspection of the ductwork hygiene throughout the building and to take representative samples to assess levels of contamination. To then carry out ductwork cleaning as appropriate.

Further Investigation

Continuous CO2 Monitoring
It was recommended to carry out continuous CO2 monitoring in the building over a period of one month in existing and other areas of the building, so that appropriate analysis and recommendations could be made.

Continuous Environmental Monitoring

It was recommended to carry out continuous environmental monitoring over a period in existing and other areas of the building, to monitor the conditions over different seasons.

On going long term environmental monitoring of parameters such as temperature and RH should be monitored over different seasons throughout the year. This will help to further assess the environment, check the efficacy of the remedial works carried out to date and to provide information to calculate additional environmental changes.

On going environmental monitoring should also be undertaken as a check that the intended environmental conditions are being achieved and provide a platform to monitor for any adverse effects.

Mycoflora Monitoring, Contact Sampling, Viable and Non-viable Mould Monitoring

We recommended that a systematic Mycoflora assessment be undertaken throughout the building in various locations, including cavities and voids to get a meaningful picture, so that appropriate proposals could be provided.

Contact mould sampling for mould infestation would need to be undertaken throughout the building. Mould analysis carried out to species level, as it is vital to know if the species found in the building are pathogenic or toxic.

Examination of Ventilation System

It was considered that the ventilation system might have some involvement in the health issues amongst some staff. Therefore it was recommended that the operation of the system, including the intake of appropriate quantities of fresh air, be verified.

It was also recommended that the internal condition and cleanliness of the various components of the ventilation system be investigated. This would entail visual examination and sampling from internal surfaces.

Samples should be subsequently analysed for both chemical and microbiological contamination. As part of this study it was also recommended that measurement of the actual ventilation conditions be made to establish whether sufficient fresh air was being supplied to the building.

HVAC System and Moulds

In a large building with HVAC system, the common source of moulds is from dirty filters, accumulated debris in ducts, humidifiers subject to condensation and leaks and contaminated ductwork.

This aspect of the HVAC system needs to be independently and systematically investigated.

House Dust Mite and Mycoflora and Environmental Investigation.

House dust mite, Mycoflora and spot environmental monitoring should be undertaken at six monthly intervals to check for seasonal changes in the indoor Mycoflora.

Formaldehyde Sampling

As Formaldehyde levels were all within acceptable levels, it was not considered to be an issue.

04/12/2018

Indoor Air Quality
Health, Comfort & Productivity in Buildings - (Part 1)

EBS Ltd was asked to investigate complaints of ill health and reduced productivity of staff, linked to suspected poor air quality in a large local authority building.

The building was made up of six levels including a basement. This is a modern building with open plan administration units fitted with passive multiservice chilled beams based in the heart of City Centre. Over 2000 members of staff worked on different floors in open plan working stations.
A group of staff reported specific health concerns and similar symptoms in certain areas. The symptoms being claimed by the affected employees were;

• Bouts of coughing
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Breathlessness

Additional symptoms experienced by staff working in specific areas were headaches, fatigue and ailments such as itchy eyes.

Prior to EBS Ltd’s involvement, two previous indoor air quality Investigations had been undertaken and no abnormal conditions had been found.

EBS Ltd investigation

EBS Ltd performed a preliminary investigation, concentrating on the first floor of the property in June. During this process we looked at the following;

• Mycoflora and Environment
To determine airborne, surface and hidden particulate contamination by moulds and biological matter in the indoor environment.

Ambient and Air Extraction Locations - Monitoring for mould Colony forming units (CFU) per cubic meter at floor level, breathing zone level and ceiling level.

• House Dust Mite Analysis - Monitoring and analysis for house dust mite.

• Air Movement - Measurements of air movement were taken at various positions throughout the first floor.

• Temperature and Humidity - Temperature and relative humidity were recorded simultaneously at various locations throughout the first floor.

• Formaldehyde - Sampling for formaldehyde vapours at various locations.

• Tests for ozone emissions from copier and other electronic equipment in office areas - Monitoring for ozone was carried out in areas where equipment such as printers were situated

• Airborne Dust Monitoring - Respiration/total inhalable dust, collection and analysis of dust samples.

• CO2 Monitoring - Carbon dioxide and temperature monitoring sensors were used for ventilation testing. Data Loggers were used to store and record data from the CO2 monitors.

Continuous Environmental Monitoring

Continuous environmental monitoring was carried out using HOBO data loggers and these were set to monitor every ten minutes. The data loggers monitored temperature and relative humidity in three locations on the first floor.

Contact Mould Sampling

Contact sampling for mould infestation was undertaken by the readymade malt extract strip lift method and mould analysis was carried out to species level because it is vital to know if the species found in the monitored locations are pathogenic or toxic.

Sampling for viable and non-viable Moulds

Monitoring for viable and non-viable moulds was undertaken on the first floor.

Airborne Contaminant & Atmospheric Gases

Monitoring for airborne contaminant gases was carried out using environmental sensor technology.

Observations

Mycoflora Monitoring

The results of mycoflora monitoring (colony forming units per cubic meter) revealed that the concentration of moulds in the monitored areas of the indoor environment on the first floor was low when judged on the scale proposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

House Dust Mite Analysis

Active house dust mite infestation was detected in the first floor.

This was mainly due to a build up of dust and organic matter on the floors. House dust mite (Dematophagoides pteronyssinus) lives in dust, which accumulates in unventilated voids and cavities, carpets, fabrics and furniture.

Exposure to the faecal pellets of house dust mites can trigger a variety of true allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. The allergens of house dust mite are Derp I, cysteine proteases, serine proteases and amylase. All these allergenic enzymes have been found in extracts of mite faecal pellets.

The results of the house dust mite analysis indicated low-level active infestation of house dust mite.

Airborne Dust Monitoring

Airborne dust concentrations were well within accepted limits for occupational exposure to nuisance dust and in themselves appeared unlikely to be related to ill health amongst the occupants.

Airborne Contaminant Gases

The absence of inorganic pollutant gases had been confirmed at the time of the monitoring exercise.

Airborne Atmospheric Gases

The levels of oxygen within the environment were entirely consistent with typical atmospheric concentrations. Toxic gases were not detected at any time during the monitoring exercise.

Air Movement

Air movement in a workplace is recommended by HSE to be between 0.1 and 0.15 metres/second and up to 0.25 m/s in summer.

The monitoring carried out showed that air movement was generally below these limits. The only area that was within these limits was below the ventilation grilles.

Ozone Monitoring

The results of this exercise have shown that ozone gas was not present at levels above the instrument’s detection limit.

CO2 Monitoring

The carbon dioxide concentration levels normally observed in indoor environments range from 350 to 1772 ppm and are typically between 500 and 1,300 ppm.

However it has been demonstrated that levels above 1000 ppm tend to result in health complaints and a general guideline is that levels should be below 800 ppm to ensure everyone's comfort. However the levels observed was well within acceptable limits.

CO2 levels above 1000 ppm correlate with complaints of minor health problems such as eye and throat irritation, headache and fatigue. It is unlikely that CO2 is causing these problems, more likely, CO2 levels are high due to poor ventilation in the building and the cocktail of all the pollutants trapped at the same time as carbon dioxide building up. CO2 levels above 5000 ppm are considered an occupational health risk and can cause drowsiness and other problems.

As the primary cause of high indoor CO2 is the respiration of the occupants, reducing the level can only be achieved by increasing the air exchange rate.

Formaldehyde Sampling

Sampling for formaldehyde vapours showed that levels were all well within WHO guideline levels and therefore unlikely to be related to the ill health issues in the buildings.
Temperature

The environmental conditions in the monitored areas at the time of EBS Ltd’s monitoring period ranged from of 25.1°C to 28.1°C, i.e. high temperatures.

All the logger locations monitored high temperatures above the recommended guidelines, this was mainly due to exceptional summer weather.

Relative Humidity

The environmental conditions at the time of our monitoring period in the monitored areas e.g. relative humidity ranged from 23.4% to 48.1%.

The average relative humidity recorded ranged between 24% to 34%.

It was noted that although it is not ideal, RH values of 40% or below are not uncommon in heated only buildings, particularly when there are periods of cold weather.

Furthermore, RH levels of 30% and below are acceptable for short periods of time if precautions are taken to limit dust and other airborne irritants.
All the logging locations gave readings below 30% (23.4% to 26%) during the two week monitoring period.

Conclusions

The detailed indoor air quality testing, monitoring was undertaken in the first floor only. A range of testing and monitoring works were undertaken over a period of two weeks and the majority of the factors tested were within acceptable limits.

However physical environmental condition monitoring indicated;

• That the relative humidity was very low
• Temperatures were high
• Air movement and ventilation was poor
• CO2 within recommended guidelines but not ideal
• The staff also lacked control to improve these conditions

These conditions correlate with complaints of minor health problems such as eye and throat irritation, headache, fatigue and lower staff morale.

Efforts should be made to improve the physical environment including ventilation and air movement.
In addition, active house dust mite infestation was found, which reflects inadequate cleaning practices.

We recommended that in order to gain a meaningful holistic view of the air quality, health, comfort and productivity, it would be necessary to investigate the whole building.

Recommendations

House Dust Mite Hygiene

It was recommended to thoroughly and regularly vacuum floors with HEPA filter vacuum and ensure that these are free of dust. Regularly vacuum the floors and crevices around carpets.

Environmental Conditions

When the RH is significantly low for long periods the skin and mucous membranes of the nose and throat dry out, dry skin becomes itchy and scratching can lead to dermatitis. Dry mucous membranes mean a greater susceptibility to infection.

It was recommended to limit the negative effects of high and low RH levels, a range between 40% and 65% should be maintained.
Efforts should be made to maintain temperatures below 24°C if possible.

Cont...

08/08/2018

Cloth Moth Infestation at Oxford Colleges

EBS Ltd was asked to investigate a clothes moth infestation (The common or webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella) in the oxford Colleges.

The common or webbing clothes moth belongs to the order Lepidoptera and family Tineidae. The flying adults hide in dark areas and shun the light. They lay batches of up to 100 eggs on fur, feathers, skins, wool or soiled silk. Therefore any items in the property made up of these will be at risk of infestation and deterioration.

The adult clothes moths are small, dull, grey/fawn moths, about 5-8mm long. The common or webbing clothes moth has more of a golden sheen. Whereas the case bearing clothes moth is more greyish.

The moths scuttle around and only fly when it is warm. Normally they fold their wings along their back when at rest. The head is rather roughly haired, with the proboscis (or feeding tube) reduced or absent altogether.

Hence, the adult insects do not feed and it is their larvae (or caterpillars) that damage our fabric. Clothes moths in general are dark-loving insects and, although males and spent females sometimes come to light, they are more likely to scuttle for cover than to fly into the open when disturbed.

Moths of both species can fly in through open windows or doors and can also come from birds' nests in chimney flues or roof eaves. One generation normally takes a year to develop but there are often two generations a year in heated buildings. The larvae, which hatch from the eggs, spin silk webbing.

The larvae are whitish in colour and feed mainly on dried plant and animal material. Clothes moth larvae are among the few insects able to digest the keratin of hairs and feathers. The natural haunts of these insects are the nests of birds and small mammals, from where it is only a short step to human households in which carpets, clothing and general debris provide abundant food. Damage to articles may consist of irregular surface feeding (especially on carpets) or holes eaten completely through the fabric, usually in association with the 'tell-tale' signs of silk webbing produced by the caterpillars.

The highest numbers of flying clothes moths were found in and around the central staircases at all levels. To a lesser degree active clothes moths were also found in the entrance areas, landings, rooms and cupboards.

It was suspected that the moths were living in wool insulation used in the building or in adjacent Oxford college buildings.

In the squash courts a strip of Marmoleum was lifted in the basement to check for clothes moths infestation. Cloth moths webbing were found on the woven jute backing and active larvae was found in the webbing (see photograph below showing moth webbing activity under Marmoleum).

The edges of the Marmoleum were inspected in the basement/ground floor staircase and clothes moths webbing were found on the woven jute backing.

Wool insulation is very fashionable as an environmentally friendly product but if it has not been treated adequately, it is a good food source for the larvae of the webbing clothes moth Tineola bisselliella.

A thorough inspection of infested buildings was carried out using a Borescope to find all sources of infestation before making any attempt at control. Correct identification of the infestation is the key to success. It is important to remember that the adults of these insects do not feed on materials that may be attacked by the larvae. Clothes moths larvae prefer to feed in hidden, secluded and protected places.

No materials where found which would provide a food source for the moths and it was concluded that the moths were entering the buildings common areas through open windows (during the warm summer months) possibly from an adjacent buildings, which was infested. Enquiries did reveal that adjacent Oxford college buildings had been affected in the past and had been treated to kill the moths. It was concluded that this had not been entirely successful.

Keeping the windows closed was an easy solution to this problem whilst the source of the moths was investigated.

A variety of monitoring traps are available to catch flying insects. Much can be done to prevent clothes moths problems by means of household cleanliness, including thorough and frequent cleaning of carpeting and upholstery with a vacuum cleaner and brushing, airing, and dry cleaning of susceptible clothing or other articles. Removal of the infested reservoirs and treatment of the infested material is very important to control clothes moths. Rarely, some targeted chemical treatments may be needed.