Overview

ICS was engaged by Strata Plus to implement a pest management program for the archaeological remains at the Philip Ruddock Heritage Centre within the V by Crown building at 45-47 Macquarie Street, Parramatta.

The site includes a preserved water well with a transparent floor/ceiling for a bird’s eye view, an 1840s house, underlying convict hut, a Wheelwrights workshop and the cellar of the Wheatsheaf Hotel cellar containing its original floorboards along with artefacts recovered from the 1800’s.

ICS has undertaken condition and environmental monitoring of the site since 2017. In late 2020, ICS was engaged to undertake a monitoring program of the archaeological excavations.

Condition

It was determined that the site has generally remained stable, with minor erosion and movement damage, consistent with the natural deterioration of exposed archaeological excavations. It was noted that the timber floorboards also appeared stable.

Following the 2021 monitoring visit, ICS conservators developed a pest management assessment report, where the pests were identified as mud wasps. This report included recommendations for trapping and deterring the pests, and also recommended ways of breaking the pest cycle.

In 2021-2023, ICS was further engaged by Strata Plus to implement the pest strategy.

Treatment

First stage

• Three different types of traps were laid around the site
• Inspections were conducted every two weeks to determine peak period for the target insects

Second Stage

• A controlled spray of residual insecticide was carried out
• Trial mortar stabilisation works were undertake

Third Stage

• Wasp burrow holes were stabilised and consolidated to blend well with the original fabric

Treatment outcomes

The trials confirmed the type and habits of the insects, and the most appropriate actions to take.

The trials also demonstrated that the application of the insecticide did not change the appearance of the archaeology, and that filling the burrow holes imparts enhanced physical strength to the damaged mortar.

More information

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