Examination
Bringing in an infested object can lead to a pest issue that spreads throughout your collection and/or building. Care should be taken to inspect and monitor all materials brought into the institution, including circulating or loaned objects, new donations, and non-collection materials.
Quarantine
It is best practice to isolate all incoming materials in order to prevent the potential introduction of pests or mold. Space is at a premium at most institutions so designating a quarantine room is sometimes unachievable. A next best measure would be removing an object(s) from its packing material (whether this be art, specimens, office supplies or gift shop merchandise) inspecting it and, if necessary, quarantining or “bagging”.
- See Solutions page for “Isolation/Bagging” guidelines
- Remediation Procedures Template
- Procedures for Collections Materials Suspected of Having Mold from The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center created a one-page document, designed for museum staff to inform them of the four steps to take if they suspect that an object has been affected by mold.
- Monitoring, Data and Analysis Procedures created by the MPWG that can be used to create procedures for your institution.
For more information on treatment of infestations, please see our Solutions page.
Updated 2025