
Tech Bulletin #29 Combatting Pests of Cultural Property
Authors: Tom Strang and Rika Kigawa. Pests can be very destructive to both aesthetic elements and the structural integrity of collections, historic buildings, and objects. Protection against pests requires attention to the collection's environment, containment, discovery of pests, response to pests, and remediation actions. Reducing loss of value over time is the goal of preventive conservation strategies. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices are part of this process. Having a safe work environment and minimizing adverse effects to objects from chemical exposure is a background concern. Effectiveness of any control procedure or treatment can be measured by reducing the extent and repeated incidence of the problem. Basic pests of collections, and a structured approach to pest reduction activities, are presented. A survey method with remediation activities appropriate to pest infestation findings is given to help start an IPM program for a wide range of collections from outdoor installations to state-of-the art preservation facilities.