RENTOKIL PRESERVES BRITISH HERITAGE

10th February 2006

An infestation of woodworm (Anobium punctatum) and Australian spider beetle (Ptinus tectus) can play havoc in any household. However, when your house contains items dating back many generations, it is potentially disastrous.

That was the problem faced by Longleat House, after they discovered a new infestation of the destructive insects had slowly been eating their way through furniture at the stately home near Warminster, Bath.

Longleat House is widely regarded as one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public.

The symmetrical four-storey house was substantially completed by 1580 and built by Sir John Thynne, who employed Robert Smythson and French sculptor Allan Maynard. The grand home is now the residence to the 7^th Marquess of Bath.

After consultation with the property’s management team it was decided that only one company had the reputation and technical knowledge to undertake such an important project; Rentokil Pest Control.

Colin Smith, International Technical Director, Rentokil Pest Control, along with Mike Davis, Service Manager and Chris Cole, Service Technician, decided that, to eradicate the insects, most of the furniture in storage would have to be subjected to Rentokil’s unique “Controlled Atmosphere Technology” (CAT).

CAT, which was developed by Smith in conjunction with the Getty Institute in California, is an environmentally friendly method of pest treatment, using either Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide. Infested items are placed into airtight, laminated aluminium bubbles into which one of the gases is pumped.

Smith explained: "We used five carbon dioxide CAT bubbles, each measuring approximately 9 cubic metres, which contained over 150 items of furniture from the house. This included chairs, curtains, carpets and items from the costume collection.

"CAT is a particularly useful means of control in areas where there are collections of valuable goods or works of art — items that are often unique or irreplaceable."

Smith has introduced this system to many of Rentokil’s operations around the world, where skilled technicians have helped to save many collections of historical importance.

He concludes: "Most of the of the items treated are pieces that are in storage, however it was feared that the problem could spread to other collections, so it was vital that the infestation was eradicated. I am pleased that Rentokil could play a part in preserving part of Britain’s heritage."

-ENDS-

Notes for editors

Rentokil Pest Control is the worlds largest and best-known commercial provider of pest control services. It offers a complete range of services to control pests such as rodents, insects, and birds.

High Resolution picture is available upon request.

Picture Caption: Rentokil Pest Controllers prepare furniture for treatment

For further information please contact:

PR Department, Rentokil Initial plc

Tel: 01342 830264      Fax: 01342 830299

Email: pr@rentokil-initial.co.uk