Connecting to Collections Care

Our institution has recently discovered a carpet beetle infestation throughout our galleries (IPM was not being done for museum pests until recently, unfortunately). Due to a forthcoming exhibit renovation, all objects which have been on permanent display for 30+ years need to come off of exhibit and be re-integrated into the collection. We have several larger objects, such as a wooden desk, a large area rug, etc. which ideally need to be de-infested before going through quarantine and cleaning and re-integration. We have some ideas for how to handle smaller objects which can fit in bags for de-infestation, but we've drawn a blank for our larger items. Does anyone have experience or advice about how to de-infest larger objects, without using an anoxic chamber? We're still in the brainstorming phase, so whatever ideas you have are welcome!

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Emily Counts
Museum Technician
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library
West Branch IA
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There is a Portuguese company called EXPM that will come do large scale anoxia for you with clear custom bubbles, either with nitrogen tanks or a nitrogen generator. They also sell kits for this that come with training. Size is not an issue, even boats and cars can be enclosed in their bubbles, which are more sturdy than marvelseal. Good luck with your project! https://www.expm.com.pt/expm-anoxia-bubble-kit

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Candis Griggs
Objects Conservator
Petaluma CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-06-2024 08:45
From: Julie Wallingford
Subject: Treating infested furniture and other large items without an anoxic chamber

Hi Emily!

I'm wondering about reducing the number of males with pheromone traps, combined with vacuuming, washing,  freezing, or steam cleaning the collections that could withstand it.  

Fumigation would be effective but adds a lot of risk for the condition of collections and your staff's health if not well managed.   

Best,

Julie

Hi all-

A quick reminder that C2C Care doesn't endorse one company or another in this community but we do encourage posters to share recommendations and experiences. Thanks again. 

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Robin Bauer Kilgo (she/her/hers)
Connecting to Collections Care Coordinator, FAIC
c2cc@culturalheritage.org
National Heritage Responders WG Co-Chair
Contract Registrar/Consultant
rbkilgo@gmail.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-07-2024 08:53
From: Candis Griggs
Subject: Treating infested furniture and other large items without an anoxic chamber

There is a Portuguese company called EXPM that will come do large scale anoxia for you with clear custom bubbles, either with nitrogen tanks or a nitrogen generator. They also sell kits for this that come with training. Size is not an issue, even boats and cars can be enclosed in their bubbles, which are more sturdy than marvelseal. Good luck with your project! https://www.expm.com.pt/expm-anoxia-bubble-kit

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Candis Griggs
Objects Conservator
Petaluma CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-06-2024 08:45
From: Julie Wallingford
Subject: Treating infested furniture and other large items without an anoxic chamber

Hi Emily!

I'm wondering about reducing the number of males with pheromone traps, combined with vacuuming, washing,  freezing, or steam cleaning the collections that could withstand it.  

Fumigation would be effective but adds a lot of risk for the condition of collections and your staff's health if not well managed.   

Best,

Julie

Hi Emily,

I am the co-chair of the MuseumPests Working Group. I hope you've already seen our museumpests.net website and taken a look at the range of remedial options. But, as you wrote, dealing with oversize collections can be difficult. I'd be happy to schedule a time to talk through your options with you and offer some advice. Please feel free to contact me off-list at the email in my signature.

Best,

Rachael

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Rachael Arenstein
A.M. Art Conservation, LLC
rachael@amartconservation.com
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