Hello, does anyone have first-hand experience treating infested furniture using low temperature/"freezing"?
There is a great deal published on the subject of low temperature pest treatment, and the general guidelines for furniture is not to do it because of the known material properties. But so far I've only found one publication documenting low temperature furniture treatments that were actually carried out, with no specific details of the treatments.
There are few options left for treating infested furniture now that chemical fumigation has become more highly regulated and cost prohibitive. Freezing is fast, straightforward, and doesn't use dangerous chemicals. So, I'm wondering if low temperature treatment could possibly be safely used for some types of furniture, or under strictly controlled conditions. Perhaps the risk of damage from unchecked infestation outweighs the risk of damage from low temperatures in some cases.
I'd love to hear if you have first-hand empirical or anecdotal information freezing furniture, particularly:
1) was the infestation successfully eradicated
2) did any damage result from the treatment
I'm happy to keep all responses completely anonymous if desired.
With appreciation,
Genevieve Bieniosek
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Genevieve Bieniosek
Furniture Conservator
Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC
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