Integrated Pest Management
Controlling pests in the collections environment depends upon procedures which prevent them from entering the building coupled with knowledge to safely eliminate infestation at the source. A properly maintained environment will prove inhospitable to most insects, molds and mildews. Good housekeeping and frequent monitoring of collections also helps prevent pest infestation.
 As part of our pest management program, we use a 1,500-square-foot area close to the loading dock to segregate incoming collections. It was designed to sequester materials brought from attics, basements, barns and other outbuildings. |
 Collections with evidence of previous infestation are subjected to a 48-hour freeze/thaw/freeze cycle at 20 degrees below Fahrenheit. We use two commercial Puffer Hubbard sub-zero freezers to freeze collections suspected of possible infestation. Cycling the temperature kills the insect at all stages – egg, pupae and adult. |
 Originals with mold or mildew are further segregated into a room that can be washed down after vacuuming with HEPA vacuums |
 We surface clean originals with heavy layers of soil in the segregated area. Conservation staff maintains a policy to cover hair, shoes, clothes and mouths whenever mold is present. |
 Efficient HEPA vacuums are used to gently vacuum away mold. This tiled area is easily washed
down for the next collection that may have a problem with mold. |
