Göttingen Old Town Hall: Closing due to rodent beetle infestation is imminent!

Göttingen Old Town Hall: Closing due to rodent beetle infestation is imminent!

The Old Town Hall in Göttingen, a historic building that was essentially built in 1270, is facing closure for several weeks. The reason? An infestation with the spotted rodent beetle, which requires extensive investigation and possible protective measures. Loud Göttingen Tageblatt An expert report on the situation was prepared, which, however, does not provide a clear recommendation for a specific control method.

The city of Göttingen is now examining various options to control the pest. Two methods are available: either completely suspending the building followed by fumigation or using microwaves to combat the pests with heat. However, chemical active ingredients are no longer necessary. This is confirmed by the city administration, which also leaves the restaurant in the basement of the town hall, the “Bullerjahn”, unaffected by the microwave treatment.

The challenges of historical renovation

It appears that the infestation is a serious problem in several areas of the town hall, particularly the rafters. Experts have discovered wood dust in various places, including in the large hall. This flour falling from the ceiling beams indicates an infestation with the spotted rodent beetle, which lives in symbiosis with a wood-damaging fungus and can therefore have dramatic effects on the wood of the listed building.

The specialist knowledge of wood protection in listed buildings requires special requirements. “Careful planning and the choice of gentle procedures are crucial,” reports holzschutz-gutachten24.de. Preserving the original substance is essential, which is why traditionally sustainable means such as natural resins and oils are beneficial. These should be combined with modern techniques to preserve the authenticity of the building.

Construction work and outlook

The city administration, represented by press spokesman Dominik Kimyon, has announced that exterminators will probably be deployed to combat the pests at the beginning of next year. The internal evaluation of the report will last until after the summer holidays, in mid-August. The result will be presented to the building committee on August 21st. During the closure, citizens have to prepare for the cancellation of city tours, concerts, exhibitions and wedding ceremonies in the historic registry office.

The situation in the Old Town Hall shows how important the care and protection of historical buildings is. The city of Göttingen faces the challenge of both preserving the historical value of the town hall and effectively combating pests to prevent future damage. Finding this balance will be an exciting task for the coming months.