This portion of the site contains information and resources on how to treat infestations that have been confirmed as active.  Some of the treatments are also used preventatively.  Treatment options for rooms and buildings will differ greatly from solutions for item level infestations.

It cannot be stressed enough that treatment of an active pest infestation without getting to the root cause of the problem is of limited value.  Personnel at cultural heritage institutions must determine the source of an infestation, the reasons an infestation exists, and then address permanent, non-chemical solutions to these problems – this is the basis for integrated pest management. Please check our Prevention Resources for assistance.

Courtesy of Rachael Arenstein
Resources for Treatment Selection:

There are several ways to treat an active pest infestation and the most appropriate method will depend upon a variety of factors such as:

  • Type of collection (mixed media, books and archival collections, ethnographic art, audio visual materials, etc.)
  • Size of infestation (e.g. single object, storage box or cabinet, or exhibit area)
  • Institutional capabilities (e.g. access to an appropriate freezer)
  • Budget

The various treatment options listed at right link to pages that provide a brief description of each solution, discuss what collections materials can be treated this way, outline general procedures and pros and cons of the particular treatment, and touch on supplies, additional resources, and health and safety concerns. Some solutions have associated case studies that give information on the experience of a specific institution and why the institution made the choice it did. When available, additional resources are also linked to the Treatment pages.

Some of these treatments can be easily done in-house with some training and investment in resources, others require trained professional assistance. These pages are designed to clarify the treatments, allowing for an informed decision making process But the MPWG cannot guarantee the appropriateness or efficacy of any of these methods.

Dealing with an Active Infestation

If you have an active infestation and are not sure where to start, visit our Dealing With An Active Infestation page to determine your next steps.

Isolation and Bagging

Sometimes you need to buy yourself time to determine next steps. Read about methods for quarantining or isolating potentially infested collections.

Isolation and Bagging

Low Temperature Treatment

Controlled low temperature treatment, also known as “freezing”, is reliable, cost effective and resource efficient as a preventive and remedial treatment method. Determine if this method is appropriate for your collections. 

Low Temperature Treatment

Heat Treatment

Heat treatments can be performed at both low and high-tech levels. It is fast and effective although not appropriate for all collection materials. Read about the pros and cons.

Heat Treatment

Controlled Atmosphere Treatments - Oxygen Scavengers

Insect pests can be killed by depleting atmospheric oxygen to very low levels using reactie oxygen scavengers within an impermeable enclosure. Read what is involved in this type of modified atomosphere treatment.

Controlled Atmosphere – Oxygen Scavenger Treatment

Read the 2020 study by G. Crowther and E. Breitung on the Evaluation of low detection limits of a range of low-cost oxygen meters for anoxic treatments for information that may be useful in choosing an oxygen meter or analyzer.

Controlled Atmosphere Treatments - Nitrogen / Argon Gas

Nitrogen and Argon gases can be used to alter the relative concentration of air within an enclosure to kill insects. Learn whether this form of controlled atmosphere treatment is a viable treatment for your institution.

Controlled Atmosphere – Nitrogen / Argon Gas Treatment

Read the 2020 study by G. Crowther and E. Breitung on the Evaluation of low detection limits of a range of low-cost oxygen meters for anoxic treatments for information that may be useful in choosing an oxygen meter or analyzer.

Controlled Atmosphere Treatments - Carbon Dioxide

Hypercarbia, a.k.a. excessive carbon dioxide, has been used in sealed bubbles to kill insects via dehydration and desiccation. This treatment requires critical safety protocols and is regulated in some states and countries. Learn more about this method of treatment. 

Controlled Atmosphere Treatments – Carbon Dioxide

Fumigation with Toxic Gases

Fumigants should only be used by licensed professionals applying gases in the manner listed on the product’s label. Information on fumigants is provided here to allow for informed discussion with a PMP. 

Fumigation with Toxic Gases

Pesticide Treatment of Collection Areas

An overview of some pesticides commonly used by Pest Management Professionals is intended to clarify frequently misunderstood terminology and assist preservation personnel in evaluating treatment options that may be recommended by qualified PMPs. 

Pesticide Treatment of Collections Areas

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) in Collections

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Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) in Collections

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) for Subterranean Termiites

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Insect Growth Regulators (IGR’s) for Subterranean Termites

Treating Vertebrate Pest Issues

A different range of actions and solutions is necessary for dealing with vertebrate pests such as commensal rodents (mice and rats), other rodents and nuisance mammals (squirrels, raccoons, woodchucks, opossums, skunks, bats, etc.), birds, snakes, lizards, etc. Visit the Vertebrate Pests page.

Working with a Pest Management Professional

Most types of treatment and almost all chemical and fumigant options require training and licensing.  It is important to work with knowledgeable and experienced Pest Management Professionals (PMPs) to ensure that all legal and health and safety regulations are followed.  The Prevention – Pest Management Professionals page contains useful information on establishing a constructive working relationship with a local PMP.

Reasons for Preventive Treatment:

Collections may also be treated ‘preventively’ to ensure there is no infestation. Examples of this include: moving collections into a new space or facility, accepting new acquisitions or reintegrating collections that have returned from loan into collections storage areas, bulk collections of material that cannot be individually inspected, etc.

 

Created 2014, updated 2024

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