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’s recommended as best practice to isolate all incoming materials in order to prevent the potential introduction of pests. Space is at a premium at most institutions so designating a quarantine room is sometimes unachievable. A next best measure would be removing material 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.