Danger to Life

Poison Gas Warning Intended to Deter Churchgoers

For four days, posters featuring skulls warned people not to enter the church.(Bild: FOTOKERSCHI / MATTHIAS KALTENLEITNER)

The church in Mösendorf (Upper Austria) was off-limits for four days. Intimidating banners successfully kept potential visitors at bay.

A skull and crossbones on a yellow warning triangle stood out on a banner at the entrance gate of the Mösendorf branch church (municipality of Vöcklamarkt). “Highly toxic gases!”, “Danger to life!”, “No entry!” were additional warnings in German and English.

Red-and-white barrier tape wrapped around the door wings further emphasized that entering the church was strongly discouraged. “Fumigated with: sulfuryl fluoride, Vikane, Profume,” read another warning.

The Catholic branch church in Mösendorf (municipality of Vöcklamarkt).(Bild: FOTOKERSCHI / MATTHIAS KALTENLEITNER)

Concerned travelers contacted the “Krone” this week. Fortunately, a follow-up inquiry with the Diocese of Linz quickly shed light on the matter. As suspected, the church had a worm problem—more specifically, woodworms. To preserve the art and cultural artifacts stored there for future generations, action was clearly needed, and restoration measures had to be taken.

Barrier tape and warning signs at the church entrance.(Bild: FOTOKERSCHI / MATTHIAS KALTENLEITNER)

“In cases like this, we first seal all doors and windows, then introduce gas,” explains Michael Kraml of the Diocese. The result: the woodworms and their larvae die off, and after a few days, the church can be entered again. Kraml: “Two years ago, we had the same situation at the City Parish Church in Linz; we received inquiries back then as well.”