Connecting to Collections Care

Hi All!

It's my turn to reach out with a conservation question! The below question was posted on the AIHA's forum. I'm happy to pass along any recommendations if you'd rather not contact David directly 😁

I have an antique chair that was recently "re-covered" with a needlepoint medalion and background.  Seems there are moths in the stuffing.

How can we safety get rid of the bugs?  

Given all the discussion of fabric preservation within our association I am hoping that someone knows what is being done these days. 

Thx

David Abrams, CIH

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David Abrams CIH, FAIHA
Minnetonka MN
(612) 819-2095
DSAbrams26@Gmail.Com

Thanks!

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Jessica Ricchio
Program Leader Workforce Health and Safety
Northwestern Medicine
Woodstock
United States
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Just a quick reminder about successful freezing to kill all phases of the moth - the temperature of the object has to drop very quickly to the -4 degrees F within a very short period of time (less than 24 hours) throughout the object (not just on the outer surfaces). Otherwise, the moth creatures are able to make their own antifreeze to survive the very cold temperature. Usually this low temperature is not achievable in a home freezer (especially if it is a "frost-free" one) and because of the size limitations. A chest freezer might work. The use of dataloggers is highly recommended to check any freezer space first to make sure that the low temperature needed can be reached. There is also preparation needed in terms of wrapping for placing in the freezer as well. Take a look at the National Park Service Conserve-O-Grams 3-6 and 3-8 for more specific information about the equipment and the process to follow: NPS Conserve O Grams - Museums & Collections (U.S. National Park Service)

Nps		remove preview
NPS Conserve O Grams - Museums & Collections (U.S. National Park Service) The National Park Service Conserve O Grams are short, focused technical leaflets that provide practical and easy-to-use guidance on the care of museum collections. The leaflets are geared towards staff responsible for collections care and preservation. They cover procedures, techniques, and materials used in collections management, as well as care of different types of collection objects and materials. View this on Nps >

 And take a look at the other Conserve-O-Grams as there is a lot of great information there!

Regards, 

Meg 

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Margaret Geiss-Mooney
Costume/Textile Conservator
meg@textileconservator.com
(707) 763-8694
Springfield, OR
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2026 08:54
From: Lana Newhart-Kellen
Subject: Safely Removing Moths

If the seat comes off, I would put it in a trash bag and put it in a freezer for about a week or two.  Freezing should not damage the textile, but should kill the bugs.

Vacuum the seat once it's thawed out to remove dust and frass.

I would then isolate the seat for about a month - just to make sure the pests are dead.

Lana Newhart-Kellen

Collections & Facilities Manager/Purdue Galleries

Patti & Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art & Performance

Harrison Hall/HARR C-14B

107 MacArthur Drive

West Lafayette IN 47906

765-496-2816

ljnewhar@purdue.edu